Tepper: With Spavital's hire, Texas State embarks into new territory

Say this about Texas State: The spectrum of its coaching hires, since the Bobcats’ jump to the FBS ranks, is certainly wide.

First, there was Dennis Franchione, the consummate college football lifer. To get the Bobcats’ FBS ship out to sea, Texas State turned to a longtime head coach with deep ties and a long track record. Call it a re-tread, sure; it felt like what the Bobcats needed at that moment in their lifespan.