Sacramento State Triumphs 40-35 Over Northern Colorado with Key Plays by Hammond Jr.
Sacramento State achieved a thrilling 40-35 victory over Northern Colorado in a closely contested match. Key performances from Rodney Hammond Jr. and JaQuail Smith propelled the Hornets to triumph.
Game Highlights
Rodney Hammond Jr. showcased his skills by rushing for 134 yards on 21 carries, including a notable 46-yard touchdown. JaQuail Smith contributed significantly as well, rushing for 103 yards on 17 attempts. Together, they were instrumental in Sacramento State’s impressive ground game.
Key Plays and Turning Points
- Grant Meadors played a crucial role, kicking two fourth-quarter field goals, including a 42-yarder with just 2:01 left on the clock.
- Ricky Lee III intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving Sacramento State a 34-28 lead to start the fourth quarter.
- In response, Northern Colorado’s Eric Gibson connected with Carver Cheeks for a 62-yard touchdown, bringing his team back ahead at 35-34.
- Meadors later secured the lead with a 34-yard field goal, making the score 37-35.
Game Statistics
| Team | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento State | 323 | 111 | 5 | 0 |
| Northern Colorado | 113 | 321 | 3 | 4 |
Despite Northern Colorado’s Eric Gibson’s strong performance—completing 21 of 33 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns—his four interceptions ultimately proved costly. Carver Cheeks emerged as a star for the Bears, recording nine receptions for 223 yards and three touchdowns.
Big Sky Conference Standings
This victory improved Sacramento State’s record to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Big Sky Conference. Northern Colorado fell to 3-4 with a 1-2 record in the conference. The thrilling gameplay exemplified the competitive nature of college football.
The outcome showcases the dynamic capabilities of Sacramento State’s offense, particularly in their rushing attack, which accumulated a total of 434 yards throughout the game.
