In a showdown that was expected to deliver much more competitive spark, South Dakota State's relentless defense lived up to its reputation by shutting down Sacramento State's "Go-Go" offense in a dominant 20-3 victory last Saturday night. Despite the Hornets' high hopes, the Jackrabbits' defensive strength and offensive consistency were the highlights of the evening, according to information obtained from the Sacramento Bee.
It's no secret that Sacramento State coach Brennan Marion was hoping for a more auspicious start to the season, especially after bringing in an enigmatic mixture of 73 new players, 50 of which came through the transfer portal. "We knew it would be a tough environment," Marion told the Sacramento Bee and Sacramento State sports information director Brian Berger. "I thought our guys were ready. Things just didn't go our way, and it kept going that way on offensive side." A mere 24 yards rushing on 24 carries told the story of their stalled attack – the Hornets' offense just couldn't get its wings into gear.
The Jackrabbits made a statement about their place in the FCS echelon, with their offense, helmed by quarterback Chase Mason, piling up an impressive 430 total yards. Mason, stepping confidently into the starting role, completed 17 of 23 passes for 190 yards and threw for a touchdown, highlighting the seamless transition within the SDSU ranks. His performance, paired with running back Julius Loughridge's impactful 159 yards on the ground, showcased an offense that was both versatile and effective, as reported by Underdog Dynasty.
While Sac State's offense struggled, the defense stood out with seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Linebacker Derek Houston posted a career-high 14 tackles, showing the Hornets still had bright spots on that side of the ball. Still, Coach Marion’s call for a reset makes it clear the team has plenty to improve before facing Nevada on September 6. Meanwhile, South Dakota State is already turning its focus to #2 Montana State, using the win over Sac State as a strong foundation. With momentum on their side, the Jackrabbits are showing they’re not just tough to beat—they’re a tradition that carries on no matter who’s on the roster.
