Dallas, TX— Jordan McCloud passed for 307 yards and a touchdown, while Lincoln Pare’s electrifying 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter helped Texas State secure a dramatic 30-28 victory over North Texas in the First Responder Bowl on Friday night.
The win marked a milestone for Texas State (8-5), achieving back-to-back eight-win seasons for the first time since 1981-82. Meanwhile, North Texas (6-7) fell short in its quest for its first bowl victory since the 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl.
Pare led the Bobcats’ offense with a stellar performance, rushing 21 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns. His first score, a 1-yard plunge, capped a methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes and extended Texas State’s lead to 23-14 midway through the third quarter.
The defenses dominated for much of the second half until North Texas’ Makenzie McGill punched in a short touchdown run with 3:20 remaining, cutting the deficit to 23-21. On Texas State’s ensuing drive, Pare broke free for his 73-yard touchdown, and the extra point pushed the lead back to nine with just over two minutes left.
North Texas responded swiftly as quarterback Drew Mestemaker sprinted 70 yards for a touchdown with 1:49 remaining, bringing the Mean Green within two points. North Texas regained possession at their own 8-yard line with 40 seconds left, but the Bobcats’ defense stepped up. Defensive end Kalil Alexander recorded a crucial sack, and linebacker Treylin Payne sealed the game with an interception over the middle.
Making his first career start, Mestemaker delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 393 yards and two touchdowns while adding 55 rushing yards and a score. His passing yardage set a new bowl game record for the program. Mestemaker stepped in for Chandler Morris, who had transferred to Virginia after an outstanding season with 3,774 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
Despite Mestemaker’s heroics, Texas State’s balanced attack and timely defensive plays proved decisive, capping an exciting night in Dallas.
