Utah State vs Texas State Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 24 2026
Texas State ran for 503 yards against Colorado State Thursday. Five hundred and three! That’s the sort of number you expect when somebody accidentally sets the video game difficulty to beginner. Now Utah State comes to San Marcos, and the Aggies have had a couple of weeks to get ready. They’re going to need every bit of that preparation.
Utah State visits Texas State at UFCU Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM ET on CBS Sports Network. Texas State is favored by around 8.5 to 9.5 points, with the total near 59.5. The early weather forecast needs checking closer to Saturday, especially the wind and any chance of rain. Texas State is coming off its best offensive performance of the season, while Utah State has been sitting on a narrow win over Washington State. Check out our free college football picks for more predictions.
Utah State Needs To Slow This Thing Down
Utah State is 2-4, and the Aggies haven’t exactly been lighting up scoreboards. They beat Troy 21-10 on September 26, lost 37-18 at Boise State, then beat Washington State 17-16 on October 9. That’s two wins in three games, which is encouraging. But the offense hasn’t been scoring much. Now they’re going on the road against a Texas State team that just put up 66. That’s a pretty big difference in offensive production.
The Aggies need to run the football and keep Texas State’s offense off the field. That’s the obvious approach. If Utah State gets into a shootout, I don’t like its chances. Texas State just scored on ten straight possessions against Colorado State. Ten! Utah State needs to force some punts and make the Bobcats work for their points. The Aggies have shown they can play defense, holding Troy to ten and Washington State to 16. But Texas State has more offensive firepower than either of those teams.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Utah State’s quarterback needs to avoid turnovers and make enough throws to keep the defense honest. The Aggies can’t afford to fall behind 21-0 and then start throwing every down. That’s exactly what Texas State wants. Utah State needs its running backs to pick up four or five yards on first down and keep the chains moving. The Aggies have had extra time to prepare, which helps. But they’re going to need their best defensive performance of the season to win this game.
Texas State Just Ran Everybody Over
Texas State is 3-3 after beating Colorado State 66-27 Thursday. That was an absolute beating. The Bobcats scored on ten straight possessions, including nine touchdowns, and finished with 716 yards of offense. Seven hundred sixteen! They ran for 503 yards and eight touchdowns. Colorado State had no answer. Texas State has now scored at least 49 points in three of its six games, and the offense has been difficult to stop when it’s clicking.
The Bobcats are averaging more than 40 points per game, although the 66 against Colorado State certainly helped that number. They’ve also scored 49 against North Texas and 63 against Incarnate Word. The defense has been inconsistent, giving up 59 to Texas, 35 to North Texas, and 31 to San Diego State. That’s the concern. Utah State hasn’t been scoring much, but Texas State can’t assume the Aggies won’t move the football. The Bobcats need to tackle better and avoid giving up long drives that keep their offense on the sideline.
Brad Jackson was ridiculous against Colorado State. He threw for 213 yards and a touchdown, then ran for 181 yards and three more scores. Torrance Burgess Jr. ran for 224 yards and four touchdowns. Four! Those two accounted for seven rushing touchdowns between them. That’s not something you see every week. Texas State has plenty of offensive weapons, and Utah State is going to have trouble deciding who to stop. The concern is whether the Bobcats can keep that level of execution going after such a big win. Sometimes teams come out flat the following week. Texas State can’t afford that.
Utah State vs Texas State Picks and Predictions
Texas State -8.5 (-112)
I’m laying the 8.5 with Texas State. Utah State has been playing better, and the Aggies have had extra time to prepare. I respect that. But Texas State just ran for 503 yards, and its offense has been scoring in bunches all season. The Bobcats have too many ways to move the football. Jackson can throw or run, Burgess can break off long gains, and the offensive line has been opening huge holes. Utah State might slow them down for a while, but I don’t think the Aggies have enough offense to keep up. Give me Texas State by double digits.
Over 59.5 Points (-118)
I’m going over 59.5. Texas State can do most of the work itself. The Bobcats have scored 49, 63, and 66 in three of their six games, and they’ve shown they can hit big plays from anywhere. Utah State hasn’t been scoring much lately, which is the concern. The Aggies managed only 17 against Washington State and 18 against Boise State. But Texas State’s defense has given up points, and I think Utah State can find a couple of touchdowns. If the Bobcats get into the 40s, we won’t need much from the Aggies. A 42-21 finish gets us there.
Final Picks: Texas State -8.5 (-112) and Over 59.5 Points (-118)
This preview was completed October 18, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and weather forecasts may change before kickoff.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
