The Bobcats notched the program's first winning regular season in nine seasons, finishing at 7-5, and now await their bowl invitation. Texas State was part of 79 teams in FBS that finished with six or more wins to qualify for a bowl automatically. The Sun Belt Conference has 12 bowl-eligible teams this year, a conference record and most of any conference in the country this season.
Abu Sama made his first start for Iowa State a memorable one. Sama's 276 yards rushing in the snow in a 42-35 win at Kansas State were the fourth-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision this season. His big night was highlighted by touchdown runs of 71, 77 and 60 yards.