Texas State coach GJ Kinne has spoken openly about the challenge his team faces against Colorado State and their head coach Jim Mora ahead of their Pac-12 meeting on October 15.
Both Texas State and Colorado State enter the game seeking their first conference win this season after tough losses and a week off. The Rams will host the Bobcats at 6 p.m. Mountain Time in San Marcos.
Kinne described Colorado State’s offense as one of the best they have faced all year, noting the talent on the roster and the preparation under Mora’s leadership. “We’re going to play one of the better offenses we’ve played all year. These guys are really talented. It’s going to take everybody knowing exactly what to do,” he said.
The Texas State coach expressed respect for Mora, who has experience coaching at both collegiate and professional levels. “I got to meet him and talk to him a little bit at the head coaches meeting. Obviously, I knew who he was and all the success he’s had,” Kinne said. “There’s no substitute for experience. He’s a really good coach.”
Mora made a change at defensive coordinator this season, a move Kinne acknowledged as a sign of the coach’s willingness to address issues quickly. “I think probably didn’t like what he was seeing (on defense), decided to make a change year one and I’m sure if he’s got to do it himself he will. He’s plenty capable of getting that thing fixed,” Kinne added.
Kinne also praised Colorado State’s roster depth and athleticism, pointing to the impact of transfer portal recruits. “You look at the film and you look at the personnel and they’ve got the personnel, they’ve got big bodies, they’re athletic. I thought they did a good job in the portal. They beat us on some kids. They’ve got good resources over there. They’re going to be ready to play.”
The Bobcats coach singled out Colorado State’s quarterbacks, Hauss Hejny and K'saan Farrar, as talented players with different strengths. Hejny, a Texas native whom Kinne recruited before, is described as athletic with a strong arm. “Man, that dude is a stud. I’m sure he’s going to try and go if he can, coming back to Texas,” Kinne said. “I think him and (Texas State QB) Brad (Jackson) are very similar players. Very athletic, great arm.”
Kinne also praised Farrar, noting his big arm and accuracy. “This other quarterback they have is super talented. Really, really good quarterback.”
Co-defensive coordinator Matthew Gregg added context on how the Rams plan to handle the quarterbacks. “No. 8 (Hejny), he can run. He reminds us of Brad Jackson, to be honest. He can really run, so when he’s in there he has a tendency to keep the ball a little bit more. But they’re both capable passers.” Gregg referenced Farrar’s performance against UTSA, where he “lit it up.” The defensive staff is preparing for both players and focusing on stopping Colorado State’s strong run game. “Our biggest thing is they’ve got a really good run game and that’s what they want to lay their hat on and we’ve got to go out there and stop that. You stop the run, you can limit the pass,” Gregg said.
Special teams coordinator Tanner Burns commented on the challenge posed by Colorado State’s special teams coordinator Kyle Krantz and their returner Mel Brown. Burns revealed a personal connection with Krantz, who once nearly took his job at Liberty. “He actually took my job, almost bought my house when I was at Liberty. I wish he did, but we sold it I think the day before he wanted to make up his mind,” Burns said. He also highlighted Brown’s ability, noting he took one back against UTSA and is “probably the best returner we’ve seen.” Burns expects another difficult matchup in the return game.
The game between Colorado State and Texas State will be closely watched as both teams aim to gain their first Pac-12 victory. Texas State’s preparations under Kinne and his staff reflect the respect they have for Mora’s Rams, their coaching, and their roster. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. Mountain on October 15 in San Marcos.
According to Yahoo Sports.