They didn’t just win — they established dominance. In front of a home-opening record crowd at Memorial Stadium, Tarleton State torched Mississippi Valley State 59-3 on Saturday night in a game that felt over by the time your nachos hit the armrest.
The No. 3/5 ranked Texans are now the only FCS team standing at 3-0, joining just two others in all of college football — Iowa State and UNLV — with a perfect record through three weeks. This is Tarleton’s first 3-0 start since joining the Division I ranks. And if Saturday’s curb-stomping of MVSU is any indication, the Texans are very done being under the radar.
Some teams ease into their home opener. Tarleton State showed up like they were trying to get back on a plane to West Point just to flex one more time.
Victor Gabalis, the senior quarterback with a baby face and bazooka arm, opened the game with a 17-yard touchdown dime to Bryce Parker. That was the appetizer. By halftime, the Texans had stacked a 31-3 lead behind a precision-guided Gabalis performance, a smothering defense, and a highlight reel of explosive plays that made MVSU look like they wandered into the wrong stadium.
This was not just football — this was a statement: We’re here, we’re violent, and we’re built for Saturdays.
Gabalis didn’t just light up the stat sheet — he ran a masterclass in control. The senior went 20-of-27 for 295 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions. Again.
That’s three straight games without a pick and 14 games as a Texan without turning the ball over. The man is basically allergic to mistakes. His throws weren’t just accurate — they were timed like a jazz solo, with just enough flash to make you wonder if he moonlights as a magician.
Coach Todd Whitten summed it up: “He’s a really good thrower and I thought he showed that tonight.” Understatement of the week.
You thought the offense was good? The defense might’ve been even better.
Tarleton forced five takeaways. Five! Including two fumbles in the first quarter alone and a 68-yard pick-six by sophomore DB Jadan Aubert that basically sent Memorial Stadium into orbit. MVSU managed just 50 rushing yards and a meager 48.2% completion rate through the air — and in the fourth quarter, the Delta Devils put up a grand total of three offensive yards.
Let that sink in.
Tarleton’s defensive line bullied their way through every block like they were late for dinner, and the secondary looked like they had access to MVSU’s playbook.
Let’s not forget the guys catching Gabalis’ flamethrowers.
When the backup QB is throwing dimes and the defense is scoring touchdowns, you’re officially cooking with rocket fuel.
This wasn’t a game with a turning point — it was a straight-up avalanche. MVSU had a brief flicker of hope early after a 64-yard pass got them into the red zone, but Tarleton slammed the door with a forced fumble by Omar Emmons and never looked back.
By the third quarter, the Texans had scored three touchdowns in the first three minutes. At that point, you were either cheering in purple or looking for the exit.
These aren’t just stats — they’re warning signs for the rest of the United Athletic Conference.
This wasn’t just a win. This was a message.
After upsetting Army on the road last week, Tarleton returned home and blew the brakes off MVSU in front of 21,330 fans — a Memorial Stadium record. They’re the only 3-0 team in FCS, they’ve got a defense with teeth, an offense with fireworks, and a quarterback who treats turnovers like COVID-19: avoid at all costs.
Next up? United Athletic Conference play begins. The Texans travel to Central Arkansas on Sept. 13. And if this team keeps playing like this, we’re not just talking playoffs — we’re talking problem for every contender in the country.
There’s confidence, and then there’s Tarleton 59-3 in front of 21k fans while your backup QB throws touchdowns and your defense plays keep-away kind of confidence.
If you’re not paying attention to Tarleton State football yet — you’re already late to the party. But don’t worry, there’s still time to hop on the bandwagon. Just know: the Texans aren’t sneaking up on anybody anymore.
They’re here. They’re loud. And they’re coming for everything.
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