1. Back In The Spotlight
Sacramento State will play its third nationally-televised game of the year when it takes on Kent State on Friday night on ESPN2. Ted Emrich and Fozzy Whitaker will call the action on the network. The Hornets have played on ESPN, CBS Sports Network and now ESPN2 this season — marking the most nationally-televised game in a season in school history.
 
2. Busy Night For The Scoreboard Operator?
The last three times the Hornets have played on a Friday night have seen offensive explosions. Last season, Sacramento State fell to Montana, 49-35, in a game televised on ESPN2. In 2022, the Hornets won 45-17 at Portland State in the regular season. A month later, the Hornets and Incarnate Word combined for the highest-scoring game in FCS Playoffs history in a 66-63 shootout.
 
3. Welcome Back Coach Kee
For the first time since 2024, Cherokee Valeria will be back at Hornet Stadium. Valeria was an assistant for the Hornets from 2019-24 where he coached defensive backs. During his tenure, the team won three Big Sky Conference Championships and made four NCAA FCS Playoffs. Valeria joined the Kent State staff a year ago and is the team's defensive coordinator and associate head coach.
 
4. Almost Even
Sacramento State and Kent State are almost even in every major statistical category. The teams are separated by less than 10 spots in the rankings in total offense, rushing offense, pass efficiency, scoring offense, total defense, pass efficiency difference and red zone offense. The major discrepancy is in net punting where the Hornets are 37^th in the FBS while the Golden Flashers are 116^th. While the gap in the standings is large, the difference in output is minimal as the Hornets have a net of 41.12 yards per punt and Kent State 37.17.
 
5. How To Follow The Action
Along with the game being on ESPN2, fans can also listen to Jason Ross, Steve McElroy and Danny Sullivan on ESPN 1320. The game will also be streamed on the Audacy app and the SiriusXM app.