Montana (7-0, 3-0 Big Sky) and Sacramento State (4-3, 2-1 Big Sky) meet in a Week 9 Big Sky game at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento.
Montana enters undefeated and ranked near the top of the FCS polls, powered by one of the conference’s most balanced offenses.
Quarterback Keali‘i Ah Yat has thrown for 2,042 yards and 14 touchdowns with a 68.3% completion rate, spreading the ball efficiently and keeping defenses off balance.
His go-to target, Michael Wortham, leads the team with 610 receiving yards and five scores, while Eli Gillman anchors the ground game with 776 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry.
Together, the trio fuels a Grizzlies offense that’s been both explosive and efficient, averaging well over 30 points per game while maintaining control through long, sustained drives.
Defensively, Montana continues to suffocate opponents with strong tackling and disciplined coverage, allowing them to dominate time of possession and dictate tempo.
Sacramento State, meanwhile, aims to defend home turf and pull off a statement win.
QB Cardell Williams has thrown for 893 yards and six touchdowns, showing big-play ability when given time to operate. The Hornets’ rushing attack remains a focal point, led by Rodney Hammond Jr., who’s piled up 501 yards and five touchdowns, with Damian Henderson II adding another 398 yards and four scores.
In the air, Ernest Campbell provides the spark as a deep threat, posting 375 yards and four touchdowns on just 16 receptions, averaging over 23 yards per catch.
Sacramento State ranks among the Big Sky’s better rushing teams but has struggled with penalties and defensive consistency. To stay in this game, the Hornets will need to control the line of scrimmage and limit Montana’s early scoring surges.
Prediction
Montana’s experience and firepower give it a clear edge in this matchup. Ah Yat’s poise and accuracy, paired with Gillman’s downhill running, should consistently pressure a Sacramento State defense that’s been leaky against the run. The Hornets can move the ball behind Williams and Hammond Jr., but their inconsistency in coverage and penalties could prove costly down the stretch.
Projected Score: Montana 35, Sacramento State 24
How to Watch Montana vs. Sacramento State
Kickoff for Montana vs. Sacramento State is set for 10:30 PM Eastern / 8:30 PM Mountain / 7:30 PM Pacific at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento.
The game airs live on ESPN2 and streams on the ESPN app and website.
If you’re a cord-cutter without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.
YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Sacramento State Hornets
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 10:30 PM Eastern / 8:30 PM Mountain / 7:30 PM Pacific
Venue: Hornet Stadium, Sacramento, California
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN app and website