Sacramento State

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Undefeated North Dakota State got off to a quick start but Sacramento State held tough for the final three quarters in a 31-10 loss to the Bison on Saturday night at Hornet Stadium.
 
The loss dropped Sacramento State to 1-3 on the season while NDSU, which is receiving votes in the AP and AFCA polls, improved to 4-0.
 
North Dakota State couldn't have envisioned a better start to the game, scoring 14 points in the first 3:11. The Bison struck first with a five-play, 75-yard series that was aided by two big pass completions. The first was a gain of 38 yards to Mekhi Collins and the second a 33-yard touchdown pass from Nathan Hayes to Jackson Williams. On the ensuing Sacramento State series, Gavin Sell jarred the ball loose from the Hornet carrier and it was recovered by Darius Givance who returned it 24 yards for a score.
 
North Dakota added one more score on the final play of the first quarter on a 9-yard run from Myles Mitchell. The 21 points were the first allowed by Sacramento State in the opening quarter this season.
 
Sacramento State moved the ball into NDSU territory before a pass was intercepted at the Bison 11-yard line. That turnover turned into points for North Dakota State just five plays later when DJ Scott broke through the middle of the line for a 42-yard touchdown run to make it 28-0 with 11:24 left in the first half.
 
The Hornets' first points of the game came on a 25-yard field goal from Grant Meadors — his fourth of the year. The drive capped a 9-play, 63-yard drive which was highlighted by a 24-yard run from Isiaha Ene on 3^rd-and-2.
 
The team's played a scoreless third quarter continuing a streak in which the Hornets have shut out their opponent for at least one quarter in eight consecutive games dating back to last season.
 
NDSU broke the second-half deadlock with a 29-yard field goal from Drew Klein before the Hornets answered with a 7-play, 80-drive which ended with a 21-yard pass from Jackson Sharman to Onterrio Smith Jr. Sacramento State had a chance to make the game closer in the final seconds but Deron Russell intercepted a pass at the NDSU with 1:02 remaining.
 
"I'm not one who's looking for the participation ribbon but I'm really proud of what the guys did after a difficult start," Sacramento State head coach Alonzo Carter said. "That game could have gotten out of hand but the team stuck be each other and we came out with a great effort in the second half. I think we found something tonight that we can carry with us the rest of the season."
 
Sacramento State posted 328 yards of offense with 238 coming through the air. Sharman set career highs with 21 completions and 41 attempts but was intercepted twice. Matt Coleman finished with eight receptions for 95 yards to lead nine receivers with a reception. Cincere Rhaney (38 yards) and Isaiah Ene (36) were the team's top rushers.
 
Alex Rocha had a game-best eight stops while Boogsie Silvera and Fata Palaka provided seven tackles for the Hornets.
 
Hayes was an efficient 14-of-20 for 210 yards and a score to lead NDSU. Jackson Williams had seven grabs for a game-high 134 yards while Scott rushed for 80 yards with more than half coming on his TD run.
 
Sacramento State will return to MAC play for its next seven games, beginning with a home game against UMass on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m.
 
NOTES

• Neither team recorded a sack in the game.
• The teams will continue the series on Sept. 11, 2027 in Fargo, N.D.
• The game was broadcast on ESPN — marking Sacramento State's first appearance on the main channel of the network.
• The Hornets have had a different leading rusher in all four games this season.