2023 Sacramento State Hornets football team

2023 Sacramento State Hornets football
2023 Sacramento State Hornets football
NCAA Division I Second Round, ; L 24–34 vs. South Dakota
Conference	Big Sky Conference
Ranking
STATS	No. 13
FCS Coaches	No. 15
Record	8–5 (4–4 Big Sky)
Head coach	Andy Thompson (1st season);
Offensive coordinator	Bobby Fresques (1st season)
Home stadium	Hornet Stadium
	Seasons ← 2022 2024 →

The 2023 Sacramento State Hornets football team represented California State University, Sacramento as a member of the Big Sky Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by first-year head coach Andy Thompson, the Hornets played home games at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento, California.

2023 Big Sky Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 2 Montana $^	7	–	1	13	–	2
No. 8 Idaho ^	6	–	2	9	–	4
No. 9 Montana State ^	6	–	2	8	–	4
Northern Arizona	5	–	3	5	–	6
No. 24 UC Davis	5	–	3	7	–	4
No. 13 Sacramento State ^	4	–	4	8	–	5
Portland State	4	–	4	5	–	6
Weber State	4	–	4	6	–	5
Eastern Washington	3	–	5	4	–	7
Idaho State	3	–	5	3	–	8
Cal Poly	1	–	7	3	–	8
Northern Colorado	0	–	8	0	–	11

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

Previously the Hornets' defensive coordinator for four seasons under Troy Taylor, Thompson was promoted in December 2022 after Taylor left for Stanford University.^[1]

Preseason

Polls

On July 23, 2023, during the virtual Big Sky Kickoff, the Hornets were predicted to finish third in the Big Sky by the coaches and fourth by the media.^[2]

Coaches poll
Predicted finish	Team	Votes (1st place)
1	Montana State	120 (10)
2	UC Davis	96 (1)
3	Sacramento State	94 (1)
4	Weber State	91
5	Idaho	89
6	Montana	84
7	Eastern Washington	52
8	Portland State	45
9	Northern Arizona	44
10	Northern Colorado	37
11	Cal Poly	25
12	Idaho State	15

Media poll
Predicted finish	Team	Votes (1st place)
1	Montana State	447 (26)
2	Idaho	410 (8)
3	Montana	359 (2)
4	Sacramento State	334 (3)
5	UC Davis	330
6	Weber State	320
7	Eastern Washington	216
8	Northern Arizona	178
9	Portland State	167
10	Northern Colorado	109
11	Cal Poly	103
12	Idaho State	69

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 31	4:00 p.m.	at Nicholls*	No. 10	John L. Guidry Stadium Thibodaux, LA	ESPN+	W 38–24	5,134
September 9	7:00 p.m.	Texas A&M–Commerce*	No. 9	Hornet Stadium Sacramento, CA	KMAX-TV/ESPN+	W 34–6	12,316
September 16	5:00 p.m.	at Stanford*	No. 8	Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA	P12N	W 30–23	23,848
September 23	1:00 p.m.	at No. 7 Idaho	No. 4	Kibbie Dome Moscow, ID	KMAX-TV/ESPN+	L 27–36	9,433
September 30	6:00 p.m.	Northern Arizona	No. 8	Hornet Stadium Sacramento, CA	KMAX-TV/ESPN+	W 31–30	12,549
October 14	12:00 p.m.	at Northern Colorado	No. 4	Nottingham Field Greeley, CO	ESPN+	W 21–13	4,783
October 21	7:30 p.m.	No. 2 Montana State	No. 3	Hornet Stadium Sacramento, CA	ESPN2	L 30–42	16,122
October 28	6:00 p.m.	Idaho State	No. 6	Hornet Stadium Sacramento, CA	KMAX-TV/ESPN+	W 51–16	13,733
November 4	5:00 p.m.	at No. 4 Montana	No. 7	Washington–Grizzly Stadium Missoula, MT	KMAX-TV/ESPN+	L 7–34	25,888
November 11	2:00 p.m.	Cal Poly	No. 9	Hornet Stadium Sacramento, CA	KMAX-TV/ESPN+	W 41–30	12,022
November 18	12:00 p.m.	at UC Davis	No. 8	UC Davis Health Stadium Davis, CA (Causeway Classic)	ESPN+	L 21–31	11,622
November 25	10:00 a.m.	at No. 12 North Dakota*	No. 15	Alerus Center Grand Forks, ND (NCAA Division I First Round)	ESPN+	W 42–35	6,522
December 2	11:00 a.m.	at No. 3 South Dakota*	No. 15	DakotaDome Vermillion, SD (NCAA Division I Second Round)	ESPN+	L 24–34	6,288
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game All times are in Pacific time

^[3]^[4]

Game summaries

at Nicholls

No. 10 Sacramento State Hornets (0–0) at Nicholls Colonels (0–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 10 Hornets	7	10	7	14	38
Colonels	0	3	7	14	24

at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium, Thibodaux, LA

Date: August 31, 2023
Game time: 4:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 5,134
Referee: James Brookhard
TV announcers (ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jack Benjamin • Analysis: Wayde Keiser
Sources:^[5]^[6]

Game information

First Quarter

(10:01) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 5-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 4:59; Sacramento State 7–0)

Second Quarter

(13:16) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 1-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:04; Sacramento State 14–0)
(6:34) SAC – Zach Schreiner 23-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 2:46; Sacramento State 17–0)
(0:21) NICH – Gavin Lasseigne 30-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 3:07; Sacramento State 17–3)

Third Quarter

(7:16) NICH – Pat McQuaide 4-yard run (Gavin Lasseigne kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:12; Sacramento State 17–10)
(1:05) SAC – Jared Gipson 40-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:58; Sacramento State 24–10)

Fourth Quarter

(12:43) SAC – Kaiden Bennett 7-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:06; Sacramento State 31–10)
(10:13) SAC – Anderson Grover 6-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:06; Sacramento State 38–10)
(7:26) NICH – Jaylon Spears 3-yard run (Gavin Lasseigne kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 2:06; Sacramento State 38–17)
(1:40) NICH – Terry Matthews 84-yard pass from Pat McQuaide (Gavin Lasseigne kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 96 yards, 1:08; Sacramento State 38–24)

Line

SAC –23.5

Over/Under

54.5

Statistics	SAC	NICH
First downs	22	18
Total yards	441	293
Rushing yards	185	97
Passing yards	256	196
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	16–27–1	15–29–1
Time of possession	33:11	26:49

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	11/16, 221 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Marcus Fulcher	19 carries, 71 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Devin Gandy	3 receptions, 82 yards
Nicholls	Passing	Pat McQuaide	15/29, 196 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Collin Guggenheim	16 carries, 74 yards
	Receiving	Terry Matthews	1 reception, 84 yards

Texas A&M–Commerce

Texas A&M–Commerce Lions (0–1) at No. 9 Sacramento State Hornets (1–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	0	6	0	0	6
No. 9 Hornets	10	17	7	0	34

at Hornet Stadium, Sacramento, CA

Date: September 9, 2023
Game time: 7:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C) • NE 7 mph • Sunny
Game attendance: 12,316
Referee: Scott Root
TV announcers (KMAX-TV/ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jason Ross • Analysis: Darren Arbet
Sources:^[7]^[8]

Game information

First Quarter

(10:01) SAC – Kaiden Bennett 8-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:45; Sacramento State 7–0)
(4:13) SAC – Zach Schreiner 33-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 3:50; Sacramento State 10–0)

Second Quarter

(11:16) SAC – Chris Miller 16-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 5:51; Sacramento State 17–0)
(7:17) SAC – Kaiden Bennett 40-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 83 yards, 1:53; Sacramento State 24–0)
(0:41) TAMC – Peter Parrish 1-yard run (Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 0:25; Sacramento State 24–6)
(0:00) SAC – Zach Schreiner 40-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 0:36; Sacramento State 27–6)

Third Quarter

(8:47) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 5-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:59; Sacramento State 34–6)

Line

SAC –34.5

Over/Under

56.5

Statistics	TAMC	SAC
First downs	13	28
Total yards	216	503
Rushing yards	144	311
Passing yards	72	192
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	13–27–1	17–26–1
Time of possession	29:08	30:52

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Texas A&M–Commerce	Passing	Peter Parrish	12/25, 63 yards, INT
	Rushing	Reggie Branch	14 carries, 65 yards
	Receiving	Micaelous Elder	6 receptions, 33 yards
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	14/22, 176 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Kaiden Bennett	10 carries, 101 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Coleman Kuntz	4 receptions, 68 yards

at Stanford

No. 8 Sacramento State Hornets (2–0) at Stanford Cardinal (1–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 8 Hornets	3	14	3	10	30
Cardinal	7	7	3	6	23

at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA

Date: September 16, 2023
Game time: 5:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C) • W 15 mph • Sunny
Game attendance: 23,848
Referee: Justin Elliott
TV announcers (P12N): Play-by-Play: Elise Woodward • Analysis: Greg Camarillo
Sources:^[9]^[10]^[11]

Game information

First Quarter

(6:34) STAN – Casey Filkins 1-yard run (Joshua Karty kick) (Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 6:30; Stanford 7–0)
(0:44) SAC – Zach Schreiner 24-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 5:50; Stanford 7–3)

Second Quarter

(13:07) STAN – Elic Ayomanor 51-yard pass from Ashton Daniels (Joshua Karty kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 2:31; Stanford 14–3)
(6:01) SAC – Elijah Tau-Tolliver 1-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:33; Stanford 14–10)
(0:35) SAC – Kaiden Bennett 2-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 4:21; Sacramento State 17–14)

Third Quarter

(10:35) STAN – Joshua Karty 41-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:19; Tied 17–17)
(2:25) SAC – Zach Schreiner 22-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:31; Sacramento State 20–17)

Fourth Quarter

(13:30) STAN – Joshua Karty 40-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:55; Tied 20–20)
(8:53) STAN – Joshua Karty 39-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 2:51; Stanford 23–20)
(4:13) SAC – Zach Schreiner 44-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:40; Tied 23–23)
(1:32) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 49-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 53 yards, 0:51; Sacramento State 30–23)

Line

STAN –7.5

Over/Under

60.5

Statistics	SAC	STAN
First downs	23	18
Total yards	448	387
Rushing yards	169	180
Passing yards	279	207
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	21–33–2	11–24–2
Time of possession	30:57	29:03

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	21/33, 279 yards, TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Kaiden Bennett	13 carries, 100 yards, TD
	Receiving	Devin Gandy	5 receptions, 64 yards
Stanford	Passing	Justin Lamson	7/17, 138 yards, INT
	Rushing	E. J. Smith	9 carries, 71 yards
	Receiving	Elic Ayomanor	4 receptions, 89 yards, TD

at No. 7 Idaho

No. 4 Sacramento State Hornets (3–0) at No. 7 Idaho Vandals (2–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 4 Hornets	3	7	7	10	27
No. 7 Vandals	3	10	14	9	36

at Kibbie Dome, Moscow, ID

Date: September 23, 2023
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: Sunny, Indoors
Game attendance: 9,433
Referee: Jake Iverson
TV announcers (KMAX-TV/ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Dennis Patchin • Analysis: Ryan Phillips
Sources:^[12]^[13]

Game information

First Quarter

(7:02) IDHO – Ricardo Chavez 29-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 49 yards, 7:58; Idaho 3–0)
(2:19) SAC – Zach Schreiner 36-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 4:39; Tied 3–3)

Second Quarter

(7:19) IDHO – Anthony Woods 2-yard run (Ricardo Chavez kick) (Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 7:03; Idaho 10–3)
(1:26) IDHO – Ricardo Chavez 50-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:08; Idaho 13–3)
(0:31) SAC – Austin Jarrard 5-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 0:55; Idaho 13–10)

Third Quarter

(10:39) IDHO – Turon Ivy Jr. 52-yard pass from Gevani McCoy (Ricardo Chavez kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 3:00; Idaho 20–10)
(7:35) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 2-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:04; Idaho 20–17)
(0:18) IDHO – Terez Traynor 60-yard pass from Gevani McCoy (Ricardo Chavez kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 3:04; Idaho 27–17)

Fourth Quarter

(11:00) SAC – Zach Schreiner 44-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 4:12; Idaho 27–20)
(4:54) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 11-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:13; Tied 27–27)
(0:01) IDHO – Ricardo Chavez 30-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 4:46; Idaho 30–27)
(0:00) IDHO – Turon Ivy Jr. 6-yard fumble return (Idaho 36–27)

Line

IDHO –2.5

Over/Under

57.5

Statistics	SAC	IDHO
First downs	18	21
Total yards	305	412
Rushing yards	69	178
Passing yards	236	234
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	15–29–0	15–21–0
Time of possession	21:21	38:39

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	15/29, 236 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Marcus Fulcher	10 carries, 44 yards, TD
	Receiving	Jared Gipson	3 receptions, 91 yards
Idaho	Passing	Gevani McCoy	15/21, 234 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Anthony Woods	24 carries, 117 yards, TD
	Receiving	Hayden Hatten	7 receptions, 72 yards

Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (1–3) at No. 8 Sacramento State Hornets (3–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lumberjacks	7	14	7	2	30
No. 8 Hornets	14	10	0	7	31

at Hornet Stadium, Sacramento, CA

Date: September 30, 2023
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C) • 0 mph • Cloudy
Game attendance: 12,549
Referee: Gregg Wilson
TV announcers (KMAX-TV/ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jason Ross • Analysis: Darren Arbet
Sources:^[14]^[15]

Game information

First Quarter

(11:54) NAU – Chase Belcher 3-yard run (Marcus Lye kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 1:37; Northern Arizona 7–0)
(8:36) SAC – Carlos Hill 16-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:18; Tied 7–7)
(1:32) SAC – Elijah Tau-Tolliver 3-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 4:58; Sacramento State 14–7)

Second Quarter

(14:29) NAU – Devon Starling 8-yard run (Marcus Lye kick failed) (Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 1:58; Sacramento State 14–13)
(8:08) NAU – Coleman Owen 19-yard pass from Adam Damante (Adam Damante pass to Devon Starling for two-point conversion) (Drive: 8 plays, 98 yards, 4:05; Northern Arizona 21–14)
(5:25) SAC – Zeke Burnett 7-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 2:38; Tied 21–21)
(1:22) SAC – Zach Schreiner 31-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 3:09; Sacramento State 24–21)

Third Quarter

(7:55) NAU – Devon Starling 8-yard run (Szymon Gawlick kick) (Drive: 16 plays, 99 yards, 6:54; Northern Arizona 28–24)

Fourth Quarter

(8:31) SAC – Coleman Kuntz 2-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 18 plays, 81 yards, 6:54; Sacramento State 31–28)
(0:02) NAU – Team Safety (Drive: 4 plays, -13 yards, 1:34; Sacramento State 31–30)

Line

SAC –20.0

Over/Under

59.5

Statistics	NAU	SAC
First downs	21	25
Total yards	450	418
Rushing yards	195	161
Passing yards	255	257
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	24–34–1	18–27–0
Time of possession	30:13	29:47

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Northern Arizona	Passing	Adam Damante	23/33, 196 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Devon Starling	21 carries, 117 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Elijah Taylor	2 receptions, 73 yards
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	18/27, 257 yards, TD
	Rushing	Kaiden Bennett	22 carries, 76 yards
	Receiving	Jared Gipson	5 receptions, 108 yards

at Northern Colorado

No. 4 Sacramento State Hornets (4–1) at Northern Colorado Bears (0–5) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 4 Hornets	14	0	7	0	21
Bears	3	7	0	3	13

at Nottingham Field, Greeley, CO

Date: October 14, 2023
Game time: 12:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 4,783
Referee: Jim Crowley
TV announcers (ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jason Alvine • Analysis: Mik Hager
Sources:^[16]^[17]

Game information

First Quarter

(12:19) UNC – Hunter Green 39-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:50; Northern Colorado 3–0)
(8:44) SAC – Devin Gandy 15-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:35; Sacramento State 7–3)
(0:34) SAC – Ezra Moleni 8-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 3:56; Sacramento State 14–3)

Second Quarter

(7:47) UNC – Brayden Munroe 41-yard pass from Jacob Sirmon (Hunter Green kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 92 yards, 2:29; Sacramento State 14–10)

Third Quarter

(0:00) SAC – Carlos Hill 20-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:41; Sacramento State 21–10)

Fourth Quarter

(8:31) UNC – Hunter Green 19-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 3:50; Sacramento State 21–13)

Line

SAC –25.0

Over/Under

58.5

Statistics	SAC	UNC
First downs	23	17
Total yards	334	332
Rushing yards	151	75
Passing yards	183	257
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	25–31–0	20–39–0
Time of possession	30:57	29:03

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	25/31, 183 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Ezra Moleni	16 carries, 93 yards
	Receiving	Marshel Martin	7 receptions, 52 yards
Northern Colorado	Passing	Jacob Sirmon	20/39, 257 yards, TD
	Rushing	David Afari	10 carries, 36 yards
	Receiving	Brayden Munroe	3 receptions, 66 yards, TD

No. 2 Montana State

No. 2 Montana State Bobcats (5–1) at No. 3 Sacramento State Hornets (5–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 2 Bobcats	0	14	7	21	42
No. 3 Hornets	7	0	10	13	30

at Hornet Stadium, Sacramento, CA

Date: October 21, 2023
Game time: 7:30 p.m. PST
Game weather: SW 9 mph • Sunny
Game attendance: 16,122
Referee: Jim Crowley
TV announcers (ESPN2): Play-by-Play: John Schriffen • Analysis: Rocky Boiman • Sideline: Dawn Davenport
Sources:^[18]^[19]^[20]

Game information

First Quarter

(0:58) SAC – Danny Scudero 16-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:20; Sacramento State 7–0)

Second Quarter

(12:47) MTST – Jon Johnson 16-yard interception return (Brendan Hall kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 1 yard, 0:32; Tied 7–7)
(3:46) MTST – Ty McCullouch 21-yard pass from Sean Chambers (Brendan Hall kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:44; Montana State 14–7)

Third Quarter

(10:10) MTST – Tommy Mellott 11-yard run (Brendan Hall kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards, 1:16; Montana State 21–7)
(8:48) SAC – Elijah Tau-Tolliver 53-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:22; Montana State 21–14)
(6:09) SAC – Zach Schreiner 26-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 2:30; Montana State 21–17)

Fourth Quarter

(14:53) MTST – Tommy Mellott 9-yard run (Brendan Hall kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 6:11; Montana State 28–17)
(10:02) SAC – Elijah Tau-Tolliver 10-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 4:51; Montana State 28–24)
(8:26) MTST – Julius Davis 1-yard run (Brendan Hall kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 1:31; Montana State 35–24)
(5:05) MTST – Jared White 12-yard run (Brendan Hall kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 28 yards, 2:31; Montana State 42–24)
(1:27) SAC – Devin Gandy 7-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (two-point pass conversion failed) (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:38; Montana State 42–30)

Line

MTST –10.5

Over/Under

59.5

Statistics	MTST	SAC
First downs	26	25
Total yards	448	434
Rushing yards	328	200
Passing yards	120	234
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	10–16–1	26–42–2
Time of possession	32:40	27:20

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Montana State	Passing	Tommy Mellott	9/14, 99 yards
	Rushing	Julius Davis	12 carries, 110 yards, TD
	Receiving	Ty McCullough	4 receptions, 53 yards, TD
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	26/42, 234 yards, TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Elijah Tau-Tolliver	8 carries, 100 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Devin Gandy	5 receptions, 59 yards, TD

Idaho State

Idaho State Bengals (3–4) at No. 6 Sacramento State Hornets (5–2) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals	0	16	0	0	16
No. 6 Hornets	14	10	20	7	51

at Hornet Stadium, Sacramento, CA

Date: October 28, 2023
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C) • N 14 mph • Sunny
Game attendance: 13,733
Referee: Jeff Rink
TV announcers (KMAX-TV/ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jason Ross • Analysis: Darren Arbet
Sources:^[21]^[22]

Game information

First Quarter

(11:17) SAC – Jared Gipson 23-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:43; Sacramento State 7–0)
(0:45) SAC – Coleman Kuntz 1-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:12; Sacramento State 14–0)

Second Quarter

(14:05) ISU – Chedon James 25-yard pass from Hunter Hays (Thomas Kopcho kick failed) (Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 1:36; Sacramento State 14–6)
(7:14) ISU – Thomas Kopcho 27-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 4:14; Sacramento State 14–9)
(5:46) ISU – Alfred Jordan Jr. 16-yard pass from Hunter Hays (Thomas Kopcho kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:28; Idaho State 16–14)
(3:13) SAC – Devin Gandy 13-yard pass from Carson Conklin (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 2:27; Sacramento State 21–16)
(0:00) SAC – Zach Schreiner 30-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 1:12; Sacramento State 24–16)

Third Quarter

(7:53) SAC – Carlos Hill 69-yard pass from Carson Conklin (two-point run conversion failed) (Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 0:34; Sacramento State 30–16)
(3:04) SAC – Elijah Tau-Tolliver 4-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:34; Sacramento State 37–16)
(1:17) SAC – Michael Johnson 8-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 29 yards, 1:16 ; Sacramento State 44–16)

Fourth Quarter

(8:30) SAC – Marshel Martin 6-yard pass from Carson Conklin (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 6:57; Sacramento State 51–16)

Line

SAC –17.0

Over/Under

63.5

Statistics	ISU	SAC
First downs	16	26
Total yards	334	587
Rushing yards	42	273
Passing yards	292	314
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	30–56–4	21–32–1
Time of possession	24:55	35:05

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Idaho State	Passing	Hunter Hays	17/31, 193 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Hunter Hays	7 carries, 22 yards
	Receiving	Chedon James	10 receptions, 77 yards, TD
Sacramento State	Passing	Carson Conklin	14/21, 235 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Zeke Burnett	9 carries, 143 yards
	Receiving	Marshel Martin	6 receptions, 103 yards, TD

at No. 4 Montana

No. 7 Sacramento State Hornets (6–2) at No. 4 Montana Grizzlies (7–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 7 Hornets	7	0	0	0	7
No. 4 Grizzlies	7	14	0	13	34

at Washington–Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, MT

Date: November 4, 2023
Game time: 5:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C) • NE 15 mph • Cloudy
Game attendance: 25,888
Referee: Scott Root
TV announcers (KMAX-TV/ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jay Kohn • Analysis: Marty Mornhinweg • Sideline: Kyle Hansen
Sources:^[23]^[24]^[25]

Game information

First Quarter

(6:45) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 1-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 1:44; Sacramento State 7–0)
(0:39) MONT – Eli Gillman 8-yard run (Nico Ramos kick) (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:06; Tied 7–7)

Second Quarter

(13:35) MONT – Nick Ostmo 9-yard run (Nico Ramos kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 33 yards, 0:34; Montana 14–7)
(8:00) MONT – Aaron Fontes 9-yard pass from Clifton McDowell (Nico Ramos kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:45; Montana 21–7)

Fourth Quarter

(11:03) MONT – Keelan White 97-yard pass from Clifton McDowell (Nico Ramos kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 99 yards, 0:48; Montana 28–7)
(7:11) MONT – Nick Ostmo 10-yard run (Nico Ramos kick failed) (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:18; Montana 34–7)

Line

MONT –2.5

Over/Under

53.5

Statistics	SAC	MONT
First downs	17	21
Total yards	268	547
Rushing yards	149	305
Passing yards	119	242
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	15–39–0	12–22–1
Time of possession	24:19	35:41

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Carson Conklin	7/22, 67 yards
	Rushing	Marcus Fulcher	11 carries, 87 yards, TD
	Receiving	Carlos Hill	4 receptions, 53 yards
Montana	Passing	Clifton McDowell	11/21, 218 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Eli Gillman	16 carries, 113 yards, TD
	Receiving	Keelan White	2 receptions, 103 yards, TD

Cal Poly

Cal Poly Mustangs (3–6) at No. 9 Sacramento State Hornets (6–3) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	10	13	7	0	30
No. 9 Hornets	14	17	7	3	41

at Hornet Stadium, Sacramento, CA

Date: November 11, 2023
Game time: 2:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C) • NW 3 mph • Sunny
Game attendance: 12,022
Referee: Kelly Holman
TV announcers (KMAX-TV/ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jason Ross • Analysis: Darren Arbet
Sources:^[26]^[27]

Game information

First Quarter

(10:14) CP – Noah Serna 26-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:43; Cal Poly 3–0)
(7:55) SAC – Elijah Tau-Tolliver 34-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:12; Sacramento State 7–3)
(5:41) SAC – Devin Gandy 7-yard pass from Carson Conklin (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 1:10; Sacramento State 14–3)
(2:37) CP – Michael Briscoe 29-yard pass from Sam Huard (Noah Serna kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:04; Sacramento State 14–10)

Second Quarter

(8:27) CP – Noah Serna 44-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 4:17; Sacramento State 14–13)
(6:27) SAC – Marshel Martin 39-yard pass from Carson Conklin (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, 1:38; Sacramento State 21–13)
(2:27) SAC – Carlos Hill 15-yard pass from Carson Conklin (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:10; Sacramento State 28–13)
(1:39) CP – Michael Briscoe 52-yard pass from Sam Huard (Noah Serna kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 0:42; Sacramento State 28–20)
(0:18) CP – Noah Serna 23-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 0:52; Sacramento State 28–23)
(0:00) SAC – Zach Schreiner 32-yard field goal (Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:12; Sacramento State 31–23)

Third Quarter

(11:13) SAC – Elijah Tau-Tolliver 4-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 1 play, 4 yards, 0:04; Sacramento State 38–23)
(3:27) CP – Paul Holyfield Jr. 3-yard run (Noah Serna kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:04; Sacramento State 38–30)

Fourth Quarter

(12:28) SAC – Zach Schreiner 22-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:54; Sacramento State 41–30)

Line

SAC –29.5

Over/Under

60.5

Statistics	CP	SAC
First downs	24	23
Total yards	539	538
Rushing yards	45	225
Passing yards	494	313
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	38–59–2	17–26–1
Time of possession	29:37	30:23

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Cal Poly	Passing	Sam Huard	37/58, 483 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Paul Holyfield Jr.	7 carries, 27 yards, TD
	Receiving	Michael Briscoe	3 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD
Sacramento State	Passing	Carson Conklin	17/26, 313 yards, 3 TD, INT
	Rushing	Marcus Fulcher	20 carries, 121 yards
	Receiving	Jared Gipson	5 receptions, 154 yards

at UC Davis

No. 8 Sacramento State Hornets (7–3) at UC Davis Aggies (6–4) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 8 Hornets	0	0	7	14	21
Aggies	14	3	0	14	31

at UC Davis Health Stadium, Davis, CA

Date: November 18, 2023
Game time: 12:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 11,622
Referee: Jeff Reid
TV announcers (ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Scott Marsh • Analysis: Scott Gordon
Sources:^[28]^[29]

Game information

First Quarter

(10:00) UCD – Lan Larison 3-yard run (Hunter Ridley kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:00; UC Davis 7–0)
(0:46) UCD – Lan Larison 7-yard run (Hunter Ridley kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 3:54; UC Davis 14–0)

Second Quarter

(8:27) UCD – Hunter Ridley 42-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:58; UC Davis 17–0)

Third Quarter

(0:55) SAC – Anderson Grover 16-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 1:55; UC Davis 17–7)

Fourth Quarter

(9:54) UCD – Lan Larison 47-yard pass from Miles Hastings (Hunter Ridley kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:58; UC Davis 24–7)
(5:46) SAC – Jared Gipson 14-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:07; UC Davis 24–14)
(3:30) UCD – Lan Larison 12-yard run (Hunter Ridley kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 18 yards, 0:53; UC Davis 31–14)
(2:26) SAC – Carlos Hill 35-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 0:57; UC Davis 31–21)

Line

UCD –2.0

Over/Under

53.5

Statistics	SAC	UCD
First downs	22	17
Total yards	388	308
Rushing yards	27	133
Passing yards	361	175
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	32–53–2	16–23–0
Time of possession	28:07	31:53

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	19/28, 232 yards, 3 TD, INT
	Rushing	Marcus Fulcher	10 carries, 23 yards
	Receiving	Carlos Hill	10 receptions, 144 yards, TD
UC Davis	Passing	Miles Hastings	16/23, 175 yards, TD
	Rushing	Lan Larison	28 carries, 121 yards, 3 TD
	Receiving	Lan Larison	3 receptions, 54 yards, TD

FCS Playoffs

at No. 12 North Dakota – First Round

FCS Playoffs First Round: No. 15 Sacramento State Hornets (7–4) at No. 12 North Dakota Fighting Hawks (7–4) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 15 Hornets	14	14	0	14	42
No. 12 Fighting Hawks	7	7	14	7	35

at Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Date: November 25, 2023
Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST
Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C) • Indoors
Game attendance: 6,522
Referee: James Brookhart
TV announcers (ESPN+): Play-by-Play: David Saltzman • Analysis: Jay Walker
Sources:^[30]^[31]

Game information

First Quarter

(11:55) SAC – Kaiden Bennett 1-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:05; Sacramento State 7–0)
(9:59) UND – Gaven Ziebarth 7-yard run (C.J. Elrichs kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:51; Tied 7–7)
(5:51) SAC – Anderson Grover 14-yard pass from Kaiden Bennett (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:08; Sacramento State 14–7)

Second Quarter

(12:51) SAC – Coleman Kuntz 1-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 13 plays, 84 yards, 5:24; Sacramento State 21–7)
(6:54) UND – Gaven Ziebarth 14-yard run (C.J. Elrichs kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:51; Sacramento State 21–14)
(2:49) SAC – Coleman Kuntz 1-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:05; Sacramento State 28–14)

Third Quarter

(8:10) UND – Bo Belquist 7-yard pass from Tommy Schuster (C.J. Elrichs kick) (Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 6:44; Sacramento State 28–21)
(2:07) UND – Quincy Vaughn 1-yard run (C.J. Elrichs kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:31; Tied 28–28)

Fourth Quarter

(11:52) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 4-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:18; Sacramento State 35–28)
(8:10) UND – Quincy Vaughn 2-yard run (C.J. Elrichs kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:37; Tied 35–35)
(4:54) SAC – Kaiden Bennett 4-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:16; Sacramento State 42–35)

Line

UND –3.0

Over/Under

59.5

Statistics	SAC	UND
First downs	26	21
Total yards	458	358
Rushing yards	244	221
Passing yards	212	137
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	18–23–0	11–18–1
Time of possession	26:36	33:24

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Kaiden Bennett	17/22, 207 yards, TD
	Rushing	Kaiden Bennett	13 carries, 126 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Anderson Grover	6 receptions, 96 yards, TD
North Dakota	Passing	Tommy Schuster	11/17, 137 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Gaven Ziebarth	18 carries, 96 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Bo Belquist	5 receptions, 90 yards, TD

at No. 3 South Dakota – Second Round

FCS Playoffs Second Round: No. 15 Sacramento State Hornets (8–4) at No. 3 South Dakota Coyotes (9–2) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 15 Hornets	0	14	0	10	24
No. 3 Coyotes	3	21	7	3	34

at DakotaDome, Vermillion, SD

Date: December 2, 2023
Game time: 11:00 a.m. PST
Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C) • Indoors
Game attendance: 6,288
Referee: Tim Barker
TV announcers (ESPN+): Play-by-Play: Jack Benjamin • Analysis: Craig Haubert
Sources:^[32]^[33]

Game information

First Quarter

(0:59) USD – Will Leyland 37-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 8:12; South Dakota 3–0)

Second Quarter

(14:55) USD – Javion Phelps 18-yard pass from Aidan Bouman (Will Leyland kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 0:54; South Dakota 10–0)
(14:17) USD – Mi'Quise Grace 56-yard fumble return (Will Leyland kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:38; South Dakota 17–0)
(9:31) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 2-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:46; South Dakota 17–7)
(8:38) USD – JJ Galbreath 75-yard pass from Aidan Bouman (Will Leyland kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:53; South Dakota 24–7)
(0:14) SAC – Marcus Fulcher 2-yard run (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:46; South Dakota 24–14)

Third Quarter

(0:20) USD – Travis Theis 3-yard run (Will Leyland kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:14; South Dakota 31–14)

Fourth Quarter

(11:54) SAC – Zach Schreiner 28-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:26; South Dakota 31–17)
(5:06) USD – Will Leyland 34-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:42; South Dakota 34–17)
(1:37) SAC – Jared Gipson 3-yard pass from Carson Camp (Zach Schreiner kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 3:19; South Dakota 34–24)

Line

USD –4.0

Over/Under

50.5

Statistics	SAC	USD
First downs	18	15
Total yards	350	368
Rushing yards	148	194
Passing yards	202	174
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	17–30–1	11–17–0
Time of possession	27:13	32:47

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sacramento State	Passing	Carson Camp	14/23, 168 yards, TD
	Rushing	Marcus Fulcher	13 carries, 67 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Anderson Grover	3 receptions, 79 yards
South Dakota	Passing	Aidan Bouman	11/16, 174 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Charles Pierre Jr.	13 carries, 123 yards
	Receiving	JJ Galbreath	1 reception, 75 yards, TD

Ranking movements

Ranking movements
**Legend:** ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
( ) = First-place votes
	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	Final
STATS FCS	10	9	8	4 (1)	8	4	4	3	6	7	9	8	15	13
Coaches	8	8	6	4	9	7	5	4	7	7	11	10	16	16

References

^ Dapper, Michelle (December 16, 2022). "Sacramento State football welcomes Andy Thompson as new head coach". KCRA. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
^ "Montana State Tabbed Preseason Football Favorites". July 23, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
^ "2023 Sacramento State Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
^ "2023 Football Schedule - Sacramento State". Sacramento State Athletics. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
^ "Football vs Nicholls on 8/31/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
^ "Football Starts Season With 38–24 Road Win At Nicholls". August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
^ "Football vs Texas A&M - Commerce on 9/9/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
^ "Football Rolls To 34–6 Win Over Texas A&M–Commerce". September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
^ "Football vs Stanford on 9/16/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
^ "Football Takes Down Stanford, 30–23, Behind Late Touchdown". September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
^ "Sacramento State stuns former coach Troy Taylor in 30–23 win at Stanford". ESPN. September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
^ "Football vs Idaho on 9/23/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
^ "Football Has Streak Snapped With Loss At No. 7 Idaho". September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
^ "Football vs Northern Arizona on 9/30/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
^ "Football Holds On For 31–30 Home Victory Over Northern Arizona". September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
^ "Football vs Northern Colorado on 10/14/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". October 14, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
^ "Football Wins Another Close Game In Victory At Northern Colorado". October 14, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
^ "Football vs Montana State on 10/21/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
^ "Football Falls To No. 2 Montana State, 42–30". October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
^ "Mellott runs for 2 TDs to help FCS No. 2 Montana St. beat No. 4 Sacramento St. 42–30". ESPN. October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
^ "Football vs Idaho State on 10/28/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". October 28, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
^ "Football Blows Past Idaho State, 51–16". October 28, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
^ "Football vs Montana on 11/4/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "No. 7 Football Suffers Loss At No. 4 Montana". November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "McDowell, Gillman lead Montana over Sacramento State 34–7 in matchup between top-ranked FCS teams". ESPN. November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "Football vs Cal Poly on 11/11/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "Football Wins Shootout, 41–30, Over Cal Poly On Senior Day". November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "Football vs UC Davis on 11/18/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "Football Comes Up Short In Causeway Classic, Awaits FCS Playoffs Decisions". November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "Football vs North Dakota on 11/25/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
^ "Football Advances With 42–35 Win At North Dakota". November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
^ "Football vs South Dakota on 12/2/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
^ "Football Season Comes To A Close With 34–24 Loss To #3 South Dakota". December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.

[1] Dapper, Michelle (December 16, 2022). "Sacramento State football welcomes Andy Thompson as new head coach". KCRA. Retrieved September 13, 2023.

[2] "Montana State Tabbed Preseason Football Favorites". July 23, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.

[3] "2023 Sacramento State Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved April 20, 2023.

[4] "2023 Football Schedule - Sacramento State". Sacramento State Athletics. Retrieved April 20, 2023.

[5] "Football vs Nicholls on 8/31/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.

[6] "Football Starts Season With 38–24 Road Win At Nicholls". August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.

[7] "Football vs Texas A&M - Commerce on 9/9/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.

[8] "Football Rolls To 34–6 Win Over Texas A&M–Commerce". September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.

[9] "Football vs Stanford on 9/16/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.

[10] "Football Takes Down Stanford, 30–23, Behind Late Touchdown". September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.

[11] "Sacramento State stuns former coach Troy Taylor in 30–23 win at Stanford". ESPN. September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.

[12] "Football vs Idaho on 9/23/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.

[13] "Football Has Streak Snapped With Loss At No. 7 Idaho". September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.

[14] "Football vs Northern Arizona on 9/30/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.

[15] "Football Holds On For 31–30 Home Victory Over Northern Arizona". September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.

[16] "Football vs Northern Colorado on 10/14/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". October 14, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.

[17] "Football Wins Another Close Game In Victory At Northern Colorado". October 14, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.

[18] "Football vs Montana State on 10/21/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.

[19] "Football Falls To No. 2 Montana State, 42–30". October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.

[20] "Mellott runs for 2 TDs to help FCS No. 2 Montana St. beat No. 4 Sacramento St. 42–30". ESPN. October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.

[21] "Football vs Idaho State on 10/28/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". October 28, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.

[22] "Football Blows Past Idaho State, 51–16". October 28, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.

[23] "Football vs Montana on 11/4/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[24] "No. 7 Football Suffers Loss At No. 4 Montana". November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[25] "McDowell, Gillman lead Montana over Sacramento State 34–7 in matchup between top-ranked FCS teams". ESPN. November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[26] "Football vs Cal Poly on 11/11/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[27] "Football Wins Shootout, 41–30, Over Cal Poly On Senior Day". November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[28] "Football vs UC Davis on 11/18/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[29] "Football Comes Up Short In Causeway Classic, Awaits FCS Playoffs Decisions". November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[30] "Football vs North Dakota on 11/25/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.

[31] "Football Advances With 42–35 Win At North Dakota". November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.

[32] "Football vs South Dakota on 12/2/2023 - Box Score - Sacramento State". December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.

[33] "Football Season Comes To A Close With 34–24 Loss To #3 South Dakota". December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.

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2023 Sacramento State Hornets football

NCAA Division I Second Round, L 24–34 vs. South Dakota
Conference	Big Sky Conference
Ranking
STATS	No. 13
FCS Coaches	No. 15
Record	8–5 (4–4 Big Sky)
Head coach	Andy Thompson (1st season)
Offensive coordinator	Bobby Fresques (1st season)
Home stadium	Hornet Stadium
Seasons ← 2022 2024 →