Texas State dominated Rice 41-10 in Week 1, with the Bobcats controlling the game from the second quarter onward. Texas State scored 10 points in the second quarter and added 17 in the third to pull away decisively.

Beau Sparks led the receiving game with 87 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. Greg Burrell paced the rushing attack with 81 yards. Texas State's offense generated several explosive plays, including a 63-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter by L. Pare.

Rice's offense struggled throughout, with quarterback Quinton Jackson completing just 8 passes. The Owls managed only a touchdown and a field goal, scoring 7 points in the second quarter and 3 in the fourth. Rice's defense did force a turnover on an interception by J. Rios in the second quarter, but it proved insufficient to slow Texas State's attack.

The game stayed competitive through early stretches with six lead changes, but Texas State's second-half surge put the contest out of reach. Texas State covered the 19.5-point spread, and the final score fell under the 55.5 over-under.