Texas State hired Jake Spavital a year ago in hopes that the program was not far away from competing for a bowl game. Year 1 didn't produce the most promising returns. 

The Bobcats won three games or fewer for the fifth season in a row, including a devastating loss at Coastal Carolina to close the year. To combat the issues, Spavital added Memphis QB transfer Brady McBryde, Oklahoma State running back transfer Jahmyl Jeter and seven JUCO defenders. 

Unfortunately, the schedule is no help. All the hard games are at home. The games that should be easier are on the road. The nonconference schedule is tricky.

Here’s how we see Texas State navigating a difficult path in 2020. 

Sept. 5: SMU

The Bobcats open 2020 with an extremely tough game against one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. Last year didn’t go well, and it likely won’t again this year. 

Prediction: Loss (0-1)

Sept. 12: UTSA

Is it too early to say that this is a must-win game? To take a step forward, the Bobcats need to pull this one off. The Roadrunners are talented, but are rebuilding under new head coach Jeff Traylor. This is the game where Texas State must prove that the Brady McBride experiment has legs. 

Prediction: Win (1-1)

Sept. 19: at Louisiana-Monroe

This one will be a true 50-50 game. The Warhawks lose almost every key piece offensively after a disappointing 5-7 season. It’s unclear whether Matt Viator’s program has the depth to replace Caleb Evans. This is a big opportunity. 

Prediction: Win (2-1)

Sept. 26: Ohio

Frank Solich’s Bobcats are quietly one of the best Group of Five programs in America. Jake Spavital’s Bobcats? Not yet. 

Prediction: Loss (2-2)

Oct. 3: at New Mexico State

The Aggies rank among the worst teams in America and lost tremendous production too. This should be an easy test. 

Prediction: Win (3-2)

Oct. 8: at Troy

The Trojans were simply not the same in the first year of the Chip Lindsey era, finishing just 3-5 in conference. However, the Trojans are still tough at home, likely too tough. 

Prediction: Loss (3-3)

Oct. 17: at South Alabama

South Alabama has struggled mightily in the first two seasons under Central Arkansas architect Steve Campbell. The Bobcats must take care of business against a lesser opponent. 

Prediction: Win (4-3)

Oct. 31: Louisiana

Between his coaching and recruiting, Billy Napier will be at a major Power Five school before too long. Texas State is unequipped to deal with the Ragin’ Cajuns’ high-powered rushing attack. 

Prediction: Loss (4-4)

Nov. 7: Appalachian State

The Mountaineers are an absolute buzz saw. There’s no way Texas State is ready for a team of this caliber. 

Prediction: Loss (4-5)

Nov. 14: at Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern returns the vast majority of production offensively from an improving team under Chad Lunsford. Statesboro is never an easy trip. 

Prediction: Loss (4-6)

Nov. 21: Arkansas State

The coaching carousel at Arkansas State seems to have settled on Blake Anderson, who is fresh off back-to-back eight-win seasons. This is a tough game for Texas State to get at home, and unfortunately costs Texas State bowl eligibility. 

Prediction: Loss (4-7)

Nov. 28: Coastal Carolina

The Bobcats won’t have a bowl to play for, but Texas State will be battle tested after all the losses against nationally-relevant Group of Five opponents. The Chanticleers do rank among the top teams in returning production – hopefully by the end of the season, that’s less of an issue. 

Prediction: Win (5-7)

Record Prediction: 5-7, 3-5 Sun Belt

It’s conceivable that Texas State could make a bowl game in 2020. Unfortunately, the Bobcats don’t get many breaks to get there. The Bobcats will pick up at least two losses in the nonconference slate. Winnable games against Troy, South Alabama, New Mexico State and ULM are on the road. The home slate of SMU, UTSA, Ohio, Louisiana, App State and Arkansas State features some of the best in the Group of Five. 

Getting some help at the quarterback position should help push the Bobcats to new heights. Regardless, getting past the three-win mark for the first time since 2014 would be a meaningful step in Spavital’s second season.