Sacramento State picks up a pair of 2023 standouts
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The Hornets are leading Colorado State of the Mountain West 24-10 at half.
They could be up more but Jake Dunniway threw an ill-advised pass into double coverage deep in Rams territory while up 21-3 and CSU ended up converting a TD out of it.
Odd circumstances led to Sac State’s 2nd TD of the 1st half when WR Pierre Williams dropped an easy TD only then to catch a deflection in the end zone a play or two later. Ball deflected up high and he out-jumped a defender to high point it while keeping his feet inside the back line of the end zone.
The Hornets get the opening kick of the 2nd half. Hopefully they can put together a TD drive to push to a 3 TD lead and create more distance.
They could be up more but Jake Dunniway threw an ill-advised pass into double coverage deep in Rams territory while up 21-3 and CSU ended up converting a TD out of it.
Odd circumstances led to Sac State’s 2nd TD of the 1st half when WR Pierre Williams dropped an easy TD only then to catch a deflection in the end zone a play or two later. Ball deflected up high and he out-jumped a defender to high point it while keeping his feet inside the back line of the end zone.
The Hornets get the opening kick of the 2nd half. Hopefully they can put together a TD drive to push to a 3 TD lead and create more distance.
41-10 final.
CSU isn’t good, but still. Great win for this Hornets program.
3-0 for the first time in quite a while.
CSU isn’t good, but still. Great win for this Hornets program.
3-0 for the first time in quite a while.
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Sac state would beat plenty of fbs teams. CSU Rams aren’t good but still a smack down. Nice to see.
Glad to see that Sac State is off to a great start. Sacramento is a prime location for football talent. Much success to the Hornets!
Time to revive this thread.
Sac State battled back to defeat Montana at Hornet Stadium tonight in an OT thriller and currently sits at 7-0, which sets the program record for best all-time start to a season.
It sure wasn't pretty. The Hornets had to overcome their 1st deficit of the season, along with 4 turnovers and 9 penalties.
But it kinda shows how far this program has come. To play as poorly as the Hornets did for pretty much 3 quarters yet still find a way to win the game against an opponent the caliber of Montana is .... well, progress.
While the crowd of just under 16,000 wasn't to be confused with a major university football program, it sure was quite cool to see many of those students and fans storm the field in excitement after the win. Something we've never really seen before, and perhaps could be a sign of more to come?
Honestly, the 16K attendance was fairly impressive given the Sacramento Kings and Sac Republic FC also hosted home games at the same time.
Those that stuck it out at Hornet Stadium were rewarded with an exciting Q4, OT and win. Cameron Skattebo had the ESPN announcing crew -- which included Ohio State Nat'l Champion Dustin Fox -- excited by his physical style of play. It was a great stage to show off what could be built here.
IDK how the Hornets season will end up. They still have some tough upcoming games to play against Idaho, Weber State and UC Davis. And of course there's still the elusive postseason success box to check off as well.
But for now it was another positive step forward for what's long been an underwhelming yet sleeping giant program.
Best part of all are all the local SAC area kids (and coaches) stepping up for the program. I hope to see more of it.
Sac State battled back to defeat Montana at Hornet Stadium tonight in an OT thriller and currently sits at 7-0, which sets the program record for best all-time start to a season.
It sure wasn't pretty. The Hornets had to overcome their 1st deficit of the season, along with 4 turnovers and 9 penalties.
But it kinda shows how far this program has come. To play as poorly as the Hornets did for pretty much 3 quarters yet still find a way to win the game against an opponent the caliber of Montana is .... well, progress.
While the crowd of just under 16,000 wasn't to be confused with a major university football program, it sure was quite cool to see many of those students and fans storm the field in excitement after the win. Something we've never really seen before, and perhaps could be a sign of more to come?
Honestly, the 16K attendance was fairly impressive given the Sacramento Kings and Sac Republic FC also hosted home games at the same time.
Those that stuck it out at Hornet Stadium were rewarded with an exciting Q4, OT and win. Cameron Skattebo had the ESPN announcing crew -- which included Ohio State Nat'l Champion Dustin Fox -- excited by his physical style of play. It was a great stage to show off what could be built here.
IDK how the Hornets season will end up. They still have some tough upcoming games to play against Idaho, Weber State and UC Davis. And of course there's still the elusive postseason success box to check off as well.
But for now it was another positive step forward for what's long been an underwhelming yet sleeping giant program.
Best part of all are all the local SAC area kids (and coaches) stepping up for the program. I hope to see more of it.
Awesome to watch on ESPN2. We should be all happy for this program!
I’m not sure they beat Montana If Johnson (Montana QB) didn’t get knocked out. When he was playing he was clearly the best player on the field and Montana looked great. But that is football and we will take it.
StingersUp
I think Sac St needed to give the ball to Skateboo much more more in the first half, 2 carries? Every time I see Dunniway, I walk away torn. For every great ball he throws, seems he forces some others. 2 of those Ints were bad decisions and poor throws. He also seems to miss a number of crosses in the 5-10 yard range with balls thrown a bit too hard. He had about 10 poor passes last night, way too many IMHO.
Apparently Montana didn’t watch enough game tape on Folsom back when Taylor was on the staff. 😜
Seriously, I’d have bet money the Hornets were gonna try that onside kick midway through the 4th quarter. At the very least, there is no way Montana should’ve been caught so off guard by it.
I suppose winning a game where you make as many mental mistakes as Sac did, does show how far they’ve come. They really need to start much better against quality teams - but a W is a W and we will take it.
I think Sac St needed to give the ball to Skateboo much more more in the first half, 2 carries? Every time I see Dunniway, I walk away torn. For every great ball he throws, seems he forces some others. 2 of those Ints were bad decisions and poor throws. He also seems to miss a number of crosses in the 5-10 yard range with balls thrown a bit too hard. He had about 10 poor passes last night, way too many IMHO.
Apparently Montana didn’t watch enough game tape on Folsom back when Taylor was on the staff. 😜
Seriously, I’d have bet money the Hornets were gonna try that onside kick midway through the 4th quarter. At the very least, there is no way Montana should’ve been caught so off guard by it.
I suppose winning a game where you make as many mental mistakes as Sac did, does show how far they’ve come. They really need to start much better against quality teams - but a W is a W and we will take it.
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With a out 8 snaps under his belt. Not the college career I thought he would have. Dunniway not nearly as recruited out of st Marys. Bennett was always on the small side but I didn’t expect this.
IDK about that. The officiating was very one-sided the first 3 quarters, specifically the first half. Penalties for the entire game was 9-5 against the Hornets and 3-4 were called against Montana late 3rd quarter til the end of regulation.
Lots of missed calls helped to create the 10 point deficit. That, and a 4-0 turnover deficit.
I’d love to see what the Hornets might have been able do to Montana had they not fallen behind and could commit more to Skattebo and the run. He dominated and ran all over UM just like he’s done to every other defense he’s faced this season.
Given all they had to overcome penalty and turnover wise, I believe the Hornets were the better team. But given how this game actually unfolded, yes, I agree that Johnson’s injury was a big factor.
Totally agree about Skattebo and Dunniway.
I’ve long pointed out Coach Taylor’s history with running backs and underutilizing them. While Skattebo had 30 touches the week prior, there are plenty of weeks where he only ends up with 10-12 and O’Hara carries 20 times.
I like O’Hara but Skattebo and Fulcher need to get their touches, and sometimes it doesn’t happen early enough in the game.
Dunniway had one of his jeckyl and hyde games. He made some terrible decisions and throws that nearly cost Sac State the game. But then he made some crazy good throws to aid the comeback.
Agree! Dunniway was one the better QBs St Mary’s had over the years. He was quite consistent in his play, until his jeckyl and hide play in the state championship game vs Cathedral Catholic when forced to throw more with Frampton (RB) injured in the 2nd half. We should have won that game, being up 2 scores throughout most of the game, if not for the pick 6 he threw late in the game. Yet, he almost pulled off a comeback at the end. Still, think it’s cool we have a former SM QB coached by former Folsom coaches. I was able to watch some of the game last night (first quarter) but missed the rest. Darn it! Sounds like it was a great game.
”Light touch” is a term no one is ever gonna use with Dunniway. LOL
I watched the entire game and I thought most, if not all, the calls against the Hornets were correct - and self inflicted wounds. They just couldn’t get out of their own way. Honestly, I think the Hornets were fortunate to win. That 4th down completion by Sac State, inside the 5 yard line (near the end of the game) appeared to be a blown call by the ref IMHO, and likely would have ended the game if he was called out of bounds (which I think he was). The replay wasnt 100% conclusive, which is why the call ‘STOOD’. While the hornets were whistled for more penalties, sure seemed like they deserved them from here. I have a hard time thinking the officiating favored Montana night. The big calls sure seemed to go Sac State’s way.
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I wasn’t implying that the calls against the Hornets were incorrect. More so that the Griz were getting away with a lot of the same BS the Hornets were getting called for. I saw numerous offensive and defensive holds — which lets be honest can be called on practically every play — go uncalled in one direction only.
The call against the Hornets that I had the most problem with was the PI on 3rd down near the goal line that ended up allowing the Griz a TD and a 24-14 lead rather than, likely, a 20-14 lead. It was good defensive play you see go uncalled much of the time.
So when the Hornets looked to have gotten the benefit of the Gipson catch that setup the tying TD, I felt it was a bit of karma to equal things out.
No argument from me. Good kid, but he’s very enigmatic and erratic as a QB.
He’s like a college version of Jimmy Garoppolo. Capable of very good things, but often maddening to watch.
Only from late 3rd quarter on. Not for most of the 1st three quarters though. Which is what contributed to the deficit in the 1st place.
Sac state seems a great landing spot for that FBS transfer with 1-2 more years eligibility at QB. They should attract some good talent assuming they want to pursue that route.
I think they have a commitment from the CC10 QB who is ranked #51 player in the state he should be a good one
I know they had a decent crowd (15-16k), but was really hoping for better considering the importance of the game, the late start, and ESPN in town for the game. The layout of Hornet Stadium doesnt help, with a completely separate HOME and VISITOR side. The Sac State side was pretty full, (about 90%), but the place would give a better feel if the stands wrapped.
I know it “is what it is”, and when it come to athletic facilities, Sac State is about as bad as it gets for DI. Still can’t help but get a bit jealous when looking at the facilities of the other Big Sky schools.
I know it “is what it is”, and when it come to athletic facilities, Sac State is about as bad as it gets for DI. Still can’t help but get a bit jealous when looking at the facilities of the other Big Sky schools.
Me too. But in reality it was still a good turnout considering there were 16K at the KINGS game and 11k at the Republic FC playoff game at the same time.
I imagine at least a few of those other 27K would have found their way over to Hornet Stadium if not for the conflict of interest.
Hopefully the winning continues and the interest in the program continues to build along with it. That’s a path heading toward finally getting some better facilities.
I’ve heard that they are planning to build a Broad 2.0 behind the press box that will have a larger weight room, rooms for team meetings, film rooms, more training facilities, and permanent rest rooms for the fans.
That’s a good start. But they really need to relocate the track and find a way to replace the erector set bleachers with something more permanent and encompassing.
It was good to watch Sac State on TV. Wish I could have made it out to the game! Admittedly, I’ve never followed FCS football until Troy Taylor and Deion Sanders became head coaches.
I’ve always thought that Sacramento was a great sports town with excellent geographical proximity. There’s a ton of support here via alumni and people that just love Sacramento. The city is just not very familiar with the team, FCS, and or Big SKy…. There are huge media and marketing opportunities for Sac State.
I would love to be an athlete in this NIL era!!!! $$$$ hahahaha
I’ve always thought that Sacramento was a great sports town with excellent geographical proximity. There’s a ton of support here via alumni and people that just love Sacramento. The city is just not very familiar with the team, FCS, and or Big SKy…. There are huge media and marketing opportunities for Sac State.
I would love to be an athlete in this NIL era!!!! $$$$ hahahaha
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That’s great to hear. Success will continue to help in recruiting. Wasn’t long ago that sac state was a household joke.
Carson Conklin. He supposedly has offers from Arizona St, Cincinnati and Kansas among others.
Scouting report I’ve read on him is as follows:
"a pure pocket guy with one of the quicker releases in the region. He has a live arm, can change speeds, throws with touch and accuracy and is a cerebral quarterback with a advanced feel for the position."
According to an article I read he really likes CAL Berkeley but hasn’t yet received an offer from them. So that could still pose a threat to him actually signing with the Hornets.
But, he already plays in a 2-QB system and that may be among the things Troy Taylor and staff have sold him on.
Yeah Cal has whiffed on everyone so if they don’t get their Plan D guy from Chaminade HS I bet an offer to Conklin may come
I was a bit surprised too. He was always a bit limited IMO on what he could do. He had a ton of weapons around him at Folsom. I think he was overrated.
The amount of schools he's been at during his college years is pretty insane. I do love Dunniway though. He is an exciting player to watch.
Meh. I wouldn’t say “insane”. Is this age of NIL and transfer portals, three schools isn’t really out of the ordinary, and in reality - he was only at two (he spent his last semester of HS at Boise, but pretty sure he transferred to Nevada before his first year of eligibility). At Nevada he was a redshirt and then COVID year hit. So in reality, he transferred to Sac St as a frosh last season.
More interesting question to me is Bennett in line to start next season?
Still- 3 schools so far and still not starting. Crazy in the sense for how highly he was touted out of HS.
I can’t imagine so. I said it before that sac st seems perfect for a 5th year senior or a jc guy next year to start. I know the CC QB committed and if he shows up I would put him ahead of bennet not having even practiced in college yet. Pasty is right. He was surrounded by amazing players at Folsom.
Ive got no real insight outside of simply watching the games. I do think if O’Hara got hurt, Bennett would get a hard look before Sac just settled into Dunniway being the F/T guy. I think Bennetts arm is the big question mark, but he can run, and I think Taylor likes giving teams that additional look. One thing I really like when O’Hara comes into the game, Skateboo as a lead blocker. Guy is a frickin freight train! As for the CC QB, I just have a hard time thinking a Frosh comes in and starts next year. What about Hale from DLS?
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I don’t think it’s Bennett’s arm, I believe it’s more the ability to quickly process and read coverages. Might even be a vision thing, as not all sub-6‘2“ QB’s are able to see and scan the field as well as others. It can take some time to develop that skill as a player levels up. Drew Brees wasn’t so great at it during his SD stint.
Yes he is. I saw Skat several times in HS. Among the many things I liked about him and was super excited about when he signed with the Hornets is his all-around skill set. He’s a complete football player. From the mental part of it to the physical part of it and most importantly he has immense love for the game.
The kid is a phenomenally skilled, instinctive and physical runner, but he’s also a very good blocker and pass catcher. I’m sure he could play somewhere on the defensive side of the ball if the Hornets needed him too. He did that a bit at RL.
Oh, and he returns kicks too!
IMO, his balance is one of the things that makes him so special and is one of the more important yet under-appreciated skills of a great runner.
Circling back to his blocking, the 3rd offensive play of the OT and 2nd consecutive O’Hara QB sweep to the left had Skattebo as lead blocker where he proceeded to block both the middle LB’er and the deep safety coming up in run support. It was a modest 6-yard gain down the 7-yard line but set up the game winning QB run on the very next play.
There aren’t a lot of backs that could make both those blocks.
As you basically said, Skat’s ability as a lead blocker really helps take O’Hara’s elusive and slippery rushing skills to another level.
It’s hard to know the development of Hale and Bennett given the current situation with Dunniway and O’Hara being Seniors and team leaders. We don’t get to see practice and they only seem to get time in games during blowouts where they don’t get to sling it much. For all we know one of them may be ready to take a step forward.
Hale got in for a special play in last season’s playoff game against South Dakota St. and finally got a shot at a drive a couple weeks ago against UNC and scored his first collegiate TD.
It sure will be interesting to see which will get the opportunity next season. My guess is Bennett, more so due to his time at Folsom and familiarity with the coaching staff.
If Conklin does sign with the Hornets, I could see Taylor continuing to employ the 2-QB system with Conklin being the pass threat and the runner gig going to Bennett or Hale.
Or, as Larry said, perhaps a seasoned transfer is added to the mix.
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Agreed TR. Mack ticks all the boxes at next level but in terms of HS QB’s in Folsom’s system, this is one of the weaker offensive teams I can recall by Folsom. As somebody mentioned, they win games defensively and primarily with secondary.
I think Mack is one of the better throwers they've ever had. Pure passer.
He just looks different because of the speed of their offense and how tall he is. He isn't super mobile.
Imo I think Hale is an athlete they will find a spot for. I still think it's going to be at FS but it could very well be at slot if he is super smart and can run/adjust routes on the fly that their offense requires.
Bennett? No idea but it's not the best the sign when u played for your current staff while in hs, 2 years in and you've taken zero meaningful snaps, and the system uses 2 qbs. Again I have no insight on Bennett and spent zero mins watching him I'm hs or scouting for a potential matchup.
Bennett? No idea but it's not the best the sign when u played for your current staff while in hs, 2 years in and you've taken zero meaningful snaps, and the system uses 2 qbs. Again I have no insight on Bennett and spent zero mins watching him I'm hs or scouting for a potential matchup.
Abel Ordaz is a former De La Salle quarterback who found success at Sacramento State on the defensive side of the ball
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