Sacramento State hosts undefeated No. 4 Montana at Hornet Stadium tonight, looking to build on last week’s thrilling win over Northern Colorado.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento State Hornets will host the #4 Montana Grizzlies tonight at 7:30 p.m. inside Hornet Stadium for another Big Sky game, which will also be nationally televised on ESPN2. 


Game Preview

Sacramento State heads into tonight’s matchup with momentum on its side. The Hornets, now 4-3 overall, will welcome No. 4 Montana to Hornet Stadium for a Friday night clash.

The Hornets are coming off an intense Homecoming victory, defeating Northern Colorado 40-35 last week in a game that saw Sacramento State’s defense make a game-saving stop in the final seconds.

Tonight’s contest marks Sacramento State’s second matchup of the season against a top-five FCS opponent. Montana arrives undefeated at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Sky play. 

The Grizzlies have mostly stayed home this season, hosting six of their first seven games, with their only road trip coming at Idaho State. 

Montana’s offense has been explosive, scoring at least 40 points in five games and averaging just over 40 points per outing, while its defense allows fewer than 23 points per game. 

Quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat has been a precision passer, completing nearly 70% of his throws for almost 292 yards per game. 

Running back Eli Gillman is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, totaling over 110 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. 

All-purpose standout Michael Wortham, a former Center High and Sierra JC player, has contributed more than 600 receiving yards, 134 rushing yards, and eight touchdowns overall.

Historically, Montana leads the series 21-4, but Sacramento State has claimed three of the last four matchups, setting the stage for another high-stakes showdown between two of the Big Sky’s elite programs.


Hornets Last Week

Sacramento State delivered its most complete performance of the season last weekend, narrowly defeating Northern Colorado 40-35.

For the second consecutive year, the Hornet defense came up with a game-saving stop, breaking up a fourth-and-one pass at the goal line with just over 30 seconds remaining.

The victory improved Sacramento State to 4-3 overall, giving the team its first record above .500 this season. 

The Hornets dominated on the ground, rushing for 323 yards. Rodney Hammond Jr. led the way with 134 yards, while Jaquail Smith added 103, marking the first time since 1985 that two Hornets have rushed for over 100 yards in back-to-back games.

Northern Colorado had success through the air, throwing for 321 yards, including 223 to standout receiver Carver Cheeks. 

However, Sacramento State’s defense came through when it mattered most, recording four interceptions to swing momentum and secure the win in a game that featured eight lead changes.


LIVE SCORE



Game Details

When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24 in Sacramento

Watch: The game will be live on ESPN2

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