A New Chapter for the Hornets
On Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m., the Sacramento State Hornets will travel to Fresno, California, to meet the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first road game the program has played inside the state.
The Hornets come in with a 1‑1 record after a resounding 52‑0 shutout of Mississippi Valley State, a victory that stands as the program’s 32nd school shutout and the fifth against an NCAA Division I opponent, while the defense limited the Delta Devils to 147 total yards and only 43 passing yards, the fewest since 2018.
Quarterback Jackson Sharman, making his inaugural start, delivered 247 yards and four touchdowns, three of which were connected to receiver Matt Coleman, who recorded a career‑best six catches for 141 yards and three scores, tying a school record for most touchdown passes in a starting debut.
Fresno State, now competing in the Pac‑12, opened its season with a 39‑0 win over No. 14 USC, limiting the Delta Devils to 147 total yards and 43 passing yards, while head coach Jayden Mandal oversaw a performance that included a two‑point conversion by quarterback Jayden Mandal in their 2024 meeting.
The contest will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network, with analysts Chris Lewis and Randy Cross offering commentary, bringing seasoned perspective to the coverage.
Beyond the gridiron, the matchup highlights a period of realignment for both schools: Sacramento State joins the Mid‑American Conference while Fresno State becomes part of the Pac‑12, a shift that adds significance to the Hornets’ quest for its first victory at Fresno State in six historic trips.