FARMINGTON, Utah — Sacramento State head coach Troy Taylor was named the Big Sky Coach of the Year, it was announced today. Taylor was also recently announced as a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award which goes to the top FCS coach in the nation.

In his first season with the team, Taylor guided the Hornets to a 9-3 overall record, a 7-1 Big Sky mark, and the team's first Big Sky Conference title and NCAA FCS playoff appearance. The nine overall wins were the most in a regular season in school history and the most in a year since the 1988 team went 10-3 and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Div. II playoffs. The seven conference wins were also the most in program history.

"It's a tremendous honor to be named the Big Sky Coach of the Year," Taylor said. "Obviously, this is recognition for all the hard work that our entire staff has done. I am lucky to have a group of coaches and support staff that are great at what they do."

During the year, Sacramento State recorded numerous firsts. The year began with 77 points in the win over Southern Oregon for the highest output all-time by a Hornet team. Sacramento State went on to defeat three ranked FCS opponents for the first time, went 4-0 on the road in Big Sky play and had 15 players named all-conference, including seven on the first team.

Under Taylor's watch, the offense averaged 36.3 points per game and is one touchdown away from tying the school record of 60. The Hornets also set program bests for first downs (302) and total plays run (923). Quarterback Kevin Thomson was named the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year and he was joined on the first team by running back Elijah Dotson, wide receiver Pierre Williams and center Wyatt Ming.

Defensively, Sacramento State held the opposition to 20.8 points per game and have posted 98 tackles-for-loss, including 42 sacks during the year. Defensive end George Obinna, defensive tackle Dariyn Choates and cornerback Daron Bland were all named to the all-Big Sky first team.

The team clinched a share of the Big Sky title with a 27-17 win over UC Davis in the 66th Causeway Classic last Saturday. The Hornets, who have appeared in the top 25 the past seven consecutive weeks, ended the regular season ranked third in both the STATS and AFCA FCS Top 25 polls. Sacramento State will host the winner of the Furman/Austin Peay game in the second round of the FCS Playoffs on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at Hornet Stadium.