After a blowout win against Mississippi Valley State, Sacramento State (1-1, 0-1) will travel to Fresno to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs (0-1, 0-0). The Bulldogs are coming off a 39-0 shutout loss to the USC Trojans. 

The Hornets visit Fresno in search of their first win of the season against an FBS opponent and their first win in program history against the Bulldogs. 

Game Notes: 

-Date and Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30 PT / 10:30 ET

-Location: Valley Children’s Stadium, Fresno, California 

-Network: CBS Sports Network 

-All-Time Series: Sacramento State is 0-5 against the Fresno State Bulldogs 

RELATED: Monday Morning Quarterback: What was real in Sac State’s 52-0 win? 

Sacramento State: 

The Hornets are coming off of a dominant game in their home opener against Mississippi Valley State, where they shut out the Delta Devils. This win marked the program’s first victory in the FBS. 

Junior quarterback Jackson Sharman will be getting his second start of the season, and will look to continue to grow as a starting quarterback. 

“Stepping into that role and trying to be a leader and taking control of the offense,” Sharman said. “Taking command in the huddle and knowing where guys are supposed to be, putting them in the right spots and making sure that we have full confidence in every play, that’s what I’m trying to pride myself in right now.” 

Sharman played well in his first start, completing 18 of 28 attempts and throwing for 247 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. He connected with senior wide receiver Matthew Coleman throughout the game, with Coleman finishing the game with six catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns. 

Senior wide receiver Jace Wilson was also involved in the offense, finishing with three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown. 

After senior running back Jamar Curtis was heavily featured in the backfield against Eastern Michigan, the Hornets used multiple running backs against the Delta Devils. Curtis, junior running back Daniel Swinney, sophomore running back Cincere Rhaney and freshman running back Isaiah Ene all recorded six or more rushing attempts. The Hornets also had three different players rush for  touchdowns. 

“I think we have a very good, talented group. They all have their own different styles,” head coach Alonzo Carter said about the running back position. “We’re very pleased with the progress, but we know we’re gonna need more on Saturday night.” 

On the defensive side of the ball, senior safety Boogsie Silvera has led the Hornets in tackles, with 13 against Eastern Michigan and seven against MVSU. 

After recording two sacks in their first game, the Hornet defense recorded four more in game two. 

“The defense always sets the tone for us,” Carter said. “They were flying around and playing some really good football.” 

The Hornets defense was able to shut out the Delta Devils, but the Fresno State offense will bring a tougher challenge as they look to bounce back from being shut out themselves. 

“I know we pitched a shutout, but there were some mistakes we made that we won’t be able to get away with this week,” Carter said. “ We’re gonna play a very motivated football team.” 

After giving up 279 yards and two touchdowns to Eastern Michigan’s seventh-year quarterback Noah Kim, the Hornet secondary only allowed 43 yards by the two Delta Devil quarterbacks who saw action. 

The Hornets special teams unit will look to add on to their solid start, as the unit has been a standout in the first two games of the season. Freshman safety Chakai Scott has led the way with a blocked punt in each game. 

There are a few Hornets that are familiar with the Bulldogs, with the injured Carson Conklin transferring back to Sac State after spending the 2025 season with Fresno State. 

Coleman, a transfer from San Jose State, has played the Bulldogs every season of his career. 

“I know the environment, so I’m going to try to tell the rest of the team what to expect and what kind of game it’s going to be,” Coleman said. “It’s going to be a hard game, but it’s going to be a fun game. This is what we come here for, so we’re all excited.” 

Fresno State:

The Bulldog’s first game of the season ended in a 39-0 shutout at the hands of the USC Trojans. 

Junior quarterback Jayden Mandal leads the way for the Bulldogs after missing the 2025 season due to injury.

Mandal is looking to bounce back after an outing against the Trojans that saw him get sacked twice in the endzone for safeties. Overall, he was sacked five times. Mandal ended the game completing 7-of-15 passes for only 77 yards and an interception. 

Sophomore wide receiver Harold Duvall was the only receiver for the Bulldogs to have more than one reception. He also led the way with 34 receiving yards. 

The Bulldogs also struggled on the ground, with senior running back Rayshon Luke being the leading rusher with only 23 yards. 

On the defensive side, Fresno State has a familiar face to Hornets fans in junior defensive lineman Dylan Hampsten.

Hampsten finished the 2025 season being named to the all-Big Sky second team as a member of the Hornets. He played in all 12 games and led the team in tackles-for-loss and sacks. 

While the Bulldogs struggled in many aspects of the game, Hampsten was a bright spot for them against USC, collecting four tackles and forcing a fumble. 

Prediction:

Sac State enters this game as clear underdogs. In recent meetings, the Hornets were able to put up points, but getting stops was an issue. If the special teams unit can continue their hot start, the Hornets may be able to create some extra opportunities. 

Prediction: Sacramento State 24, Fresno State 31