Sacramento State football has achieved a balanced record of 3-3 after their impressive away victory against Weber State. With their homecoming game upcoming, the Hornets are set to face Northern Colorado, looking to build momentum and enhance their playoff prospects.
Historically, Sac State has had a strong upper hand against Northern Colorado, winning 15 of their 17 encounters, including the last six. Their previous matchup in 2023 saw the Hornets secure a 21-13 victory.
In their recent game, Sac State displayed a formidable ground game, rushing for 397 yards and scoring seven touchdowns to secure a commanding 55-27 win over Weber State. Key players included junior quarterback Cardell Williams, senior running back Rodney Hammond, Jr., and freshman running back Jaquail Smith, each contributing at least two touchdowns to the victory.
The Bears of Northern Colorado pulled off a significant upset against the 11th-ranked Idaho Vandals, showcasing a balanced attack with 482 total yards. Their performance included four rushing touchdowns, providing an impressive challenge for the Hornets this weekend.
As they prepare for Northern Colorado, Sac State is aware of the high stakes involved in the remaining five games of their conference schedule. Head coach Brennan Marion emphasized the importance of treating each match like a playoff game, reinforcing the team’s determination to secure another victory.
Senior center Dean Abdullah noted the offensive line’s successful approach in the previous game and the need for continued diligence in their upcoming battle. He highlighted the Bears’ solid and physical defense, preparing to meet that challenge head-on.
Defensive lineman DeSean Watts echoed this sentiment, promoting team unity and support among players, reminding his teammates of their mantra: “‘O-N-E One’s not enough,’ which emphasizes collective effort and teamwork in facing the upcoming challenge.
The keys to success for Sac State will hinge on maintaining their powerful rushing attack, which averages 234.7 yards per game against a Bears defense that allowed 200 rushing yards in their last outing. Additionally, the Hornets aim to apply pressure on Northern Colorado’s quarterback, as they have already accumulated 24 sacks and 51 tackles for loss this season.
Looking ahead, Coach Marion stressed the need for hunger and ambition among the team and encouraged fans to come out in support. “For our fans: wear your Hornets gear, and we look forward to putting a great game out there for you,” he said.
Sacramento State will host Northern Colorado at Hornet Stadium for their homecoming game on Saturday at 6 p.m., with hopes of not only continuing their winning streak but also engaging their loyal fan base in a powerful display of football.