The no. 22 Mustang’s first home game took place this weekend against the no. 16 team, Texas A&M-Kingsville. MSU took down the Javelinas, 44-38.
In the opening half, MSU made a 23-0 lead and bounced with a total of 512 yards in offense.
Sophomore Keidrick Jackson drew first blood for MSU after receiving a 45 yards pass from Junior Brandon Kelsey.
Sophomore Greg Saladino landed a successful field goal kick at the start of the second quarter, which was just the beginning of more points to come for MSU.
Senior Lester Bush executed back-to-back touchdowns.
One was on a 13 yard run then another came off a single yard run with 8:26 left in the first half.
Not a second later, TAMUK’s Kerry Wheatfall returned a blocked PAT kick for a mere two points.
With just a minute left before half-time, the Javelinas notched seven more points after Christian Taylor caught a five yard pass from TAMUK Quarterback Nate Poppell.
Into the beginning of the second half, TAMUK’s Rockeem Collins grasped a 49 yard interception return for a touchdown in favor for the Javelinas.
Jackson responded for MSU with a 77 yard run score, while TAMUK’s Derek Tesch popped a five yard pass from Poppell.
In the final quarter, Randall Toney scored on a 30 yard run, landing another touchdown for the Javelinas, bringing both teams nearly neck-and-neck, 30-28, Mustangs still in the lead.
At the 9:11 mark, Jackson made another appearance at the end zone with a two yard run touchdown.
TAMUK responded when Matt Stoll clocked off a 28 yard field goal. Jackson shortly made one last effort with another two yard run with 2:13 remaining.
In the final seconds, TAMUK’s Robert Armstrong snatched another touchdown for his team on a 14 yard pass from Daniel Ramirez.
Although none of the Javelina’s efforts were good enough as the Mustangs came out on top, 44-38.
Jackson ended the game with four receptions for 68 yards while Bush finished with 92 yards on 20 carries.
Next, MSU take on the Cardinals of Incarnate Word this Saturday in San Antonio. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.