1. Gloomy Is Good
Sacramento State's last two games on the road have featured some nasty weather but good results for the Hornets. The game at Weber State on Oct. 11 began with a two-hour lightning delay but then saw Sacramento State rush for 397 yards and seven touchdowns in a 55-27 win. Last week, the Hornets endured rain in the first quarter only to see it be replaced by high winds for the remainder of the game at Eastern Washington. The team again turned to the ground attack where Sacramento State rushed for 376 yards and five scores. After a wet week in Portland, the rain is supposed to clear on Saturday where the temperature is expected to be near 60 degrees.
 
2. Keep Your Eye On The Ball
Both Sacramento State and Portland State have had their share of players complete a pass during the first nine games of the year. The Hornets have had completions from quarterbacks Cardell Williams and Jaden Rashada as well as running backs Rodney Hammond, Jr. and Savion Red and wide receiver Jaxon Fresques. Williams, Rashada and Hammond have all thrown a touchdown pass. The team has also played quarterbacks Luke Sprague and Jamar Malone during the season but neither have attempted a pass. PSU has taken it a step further with John Keawe Sagapolutele, Tyrese Smith, Gabe Downing and CJ Jordan all attempting at least 14 passes this season. Sagapolutele has established himself as the starter recently as he is 121-of-209 this season. Along with those four, tight end Brooks Ferguson and all-purpose player Cru Newman have each completed a pass. Wide receiver Zachary Dodson-Greene also attempted a pass during the year but it was intercepted.
 
3. Playoff Time
While the college and NFL seasons still have multiple weeks remaining in the regular season, the CFL is in the midst of its playoffs. Former Hornets Darnell Sankey and McLeod Bethel-Thompson are part of the Montrel Alouettes who will take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Eastern Finals on Saturday at noon PT. Sankey led the team with 103 tackles during the regular season. He also came up with a big interception late in the Eastern Semifinals last week to secure the win over Winnipeg. Bethel-Thompson began the year as the team's starter before being sidelined by an injury. He has thrown for 1,746 yards with nine touchdowns when on the field. Montreal will head into this week's game with former Portland State quarterback Davis Alexander under center (or centre if you are reading this north of the border).
 
4. Headed Home
Sacramento State Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach AC Patterson will make his first trip back to the Rose City after leaving the Vikings to join the Hornet staff this season. Patterson had two different stints at Portland State with the first running from 2018-21 where he coached the offensive line and tight ends. After spending three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Patterson came back to PSU as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach from 2022-24. Last season he spearheaded a Portland State offense which totaled 544 yards and 58 points against the Hornets.
 
5. How To Follow The Action
Saturday's game will be streamed on ESPN+ with Matt Richert on play-by-play and Scott Hermo as the analyst. The game can also be heard on ESPN 1320 AM and the Audacy app with Jason Ross (play-by-play), Brian Berger (analyst) and Danny Sullivan (sideline).