Hornets secure thrilling win, eye Big Sky title

This past Saturday, Sacramento State pulled off a thrilling 40-35 victory. As reported by AP News, the Hornets really leaned into their ground game, with Rodney Hammond Jr. and JaQuail Smith both breaking the 100-yard rushing mark. It wasn’t just about brute force, though. Grant Meadors proved to be the hero of the fourth quarter, kicking two crucial field goals, including the one that gave them the lead with just over nine minutes to play. Even when Northern Colorado surged ahead late, Sacramento State held strong, ultimately securing the win.
It’s fascinating to think about the journey these teams have been on. Just a week prior, both Sacramento State and Northern Colorado were coming off impressive road wins, as highlighted in "This Week in Big Sky Football." Sacramento State had a dominant performance against Weber State, and Northern Colorado managed an upset against a ranked Idaho team. This sets the stage perfectly for the kind of competitive spirit we saw in their latest contest.
What’s particularly interesting about Sacramento State football this season is their resilience. As we saw in the 3-3 standings before this game, they’ve been fighting hard. Head coach Brennan Marion’s message about treating every game like a playoff game really resonates, doesn't it? It underscores the dedication and intensity these athletes bring to the field week after week. You can almost feel the pressure, but also the immense drive to succeed.
Looking ahead, it's clear that Sacramento State is focused on building on this momentum. Their strong run game has been a consistent threat, and their defense has shown an ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Considering how close this last game was, you have to wonder what strategic adjustments will be made as they continue through their conference schedule. Will they be able to maintain this winning streak and contend for the top spot in the Big Sky?