Missouri State football closed its inaugural FBS season with a 42-30 loss to Louisiana Tech football on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The Bulldogs (7-5, 5-3 Conference USA) led by a touchdown after the end of the first, and quickly extended it to two early in the second. But in the rest of the period, the Bears (7-5, 5-3) battled back, making it 14-10 at the half.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe teams traded touchdowns in the third, but the offenses erupted in the fourth. In the final 15 minutes of the season, the teams combined for five touchdowns. Unfortunately for Missouri State, three of those were scored by Louisiana Tech.
Twice in that fourth quarter, the Bears offense was able to cut the deficit to one score. But both times, the Louisiana Tech offense was able to kill time and find the end zone, putting an end to Saturday's game and the inaugural FBS season for the Missouri State Bears.
Missouri State wide receiver James BlackStrain (5) carries the ball and is tackled during the homecoming football game against UTEP on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.Tech keeps up run game
In last week's win against Liberty, the Bulldogs rushed for 319 yards and five touchdowns. Against Missouri State, Louisiana Tech kept up its performance on the ground, crossing the 300-yard threshold again.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAndrew Burnette set the tone on the Bulldogs' first snap, going 98 yards for the score. In total, Louisiana Tech rushed for 388 yards and all six of its touchdowns.
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Bears struggle against wildcat
Burnette caused the Missouri State defense the most trouble. With Saturday's game played amid rain and wind, it was no surprise he got the bulk of the carries.
What was surprising, however, was exactly how Burnette got those carries. The fifth-year senior took most of his 16 carries out of the wildcat, turning those into 132 yards and two touchdowns, his highest yardage since transferring from NAIA Keiser University.
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Robinson continues hot streak
Junior wide receiver Jmariyae Robinson has broken out for the Bears in recent weeks. Entering Saturday's game, he had 22 receptions for 235 yards and four touchdowns dating back to late October's matchup against Florida International. On Saturday, he caught three passes for 66 yards. One went for a 23-yard touchdown to give him five scores in his past five games.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State football drops season finale to Louisiana Tech
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