2026 MAC Football Week 2 Game Preview: Sacramento State Hornet at Fresno State Bulldogs

Sacramento State (1-1, 0-1 MAC) and Fresno State (1-0) go into Week 2 coming off opposite results the last time they hit the field; the Hornets dismantled Mississippi Valley State, 52-0, while the Bulldogs suffered a 39-0 shellacking at the hands of USC.

For both teams, this upcoming game presents itself as a “prove-it” game. Fresno State wants to prove that they can compete with Boise State in the new Pac-12, while Sac State needs to prove themselves against FBS-level competition.

Game Notes

• Date and Time: Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time/7:30 p.m. Pacific
• Location: Valley Children’s Stadium in Fresno, California.
• TV options: The game will air on CBS Sports Network. A valid cable subscription is required for viewing.
• Streaming options: The game will be available for streaming via the Paramount+ App. A valid subscription is required for viewing. Other applicable cable/satellite streaming options are also available with a valid subscription.
• Sac State radio option: Jason Ross (play-by-play) and Steve McElroy (color) will provide the home call for ESPN 132o Sacramento.
• Gambling Considerations: Fresno State is a -18.5 home favorite, with an over/under set at 44.5-45.5 by book, per Covers.
• All-Time Series: Fresno State has dominated the series historically, holding a 5-0 record over the former FCS Hornets. The most recent matchup between the two teams was in 2024, when the Bulldogs won, 46-30.

Sacramento State outlook

Head coach Alonzo Carter earned the first win of his career on Saturday as the Hornets bounced back from a season-opening loss to Eastern Michigan with a thumping of Mississippi Valley State. 

Fresno State represents a major jump in level of competition, and one of the toughest tests ahead of the newest members of the FBS and the MAC.

One of this game’s most interesting narratives was lost after former Fresno State quarterback Carson Conklin– who re-claimed the starting job for Sac State this offseason after leaving two years ago– sustained a wrist injury that will sideline him for the forseeable future. In his stead, junior quarterback Jackson Sharman will start for a second consecutive game after showing out in his first collegiate start against the Delta Devils. 

Sharman dealt in his debut, throwing for 247 yards and four touchdowns, including several jaw-dropping throws that energized the record-breaking home crowd.

Jackson Sharman can sling it.

One of his best throws of the night: https://t.co/AYDx4GRTti pic.twitter.com/9kLN6hVTtx

— Jack Dann (@JackBDann) September 6, 2026

He was highly accurate, missing on just six of his total throws, and his one interception came due to a fluky tipped ball. Sharman was viewed as Conklin’s "1B" by the coaching staff, who value his combination of arm and athleticism. 

Sharman’s favorite target in Saturday’s win was senior wideout Matthew Coleman, who pulled in six receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns. He consistently found openings in the weak Mississippi Valley secondary, and notched his career-highs in yards and touchdowns. Senior wideout Jace Wilson was also a factor, recording 48 yards and a touchdown.

While the Hornets were able to move the ball in the air, they initially struggled to establish the run for the second straight game. This can in part be attributed to inconsistency with the offensive line, who are still looking to define their starting unit and grow chemistry. 

As Sac State’s games progress, their lines improve, suggesting that getting the starting unit consistent snaps will help solve this issue for the Hornets. 

True freshman Isaiah Ene and senior Jamar Curtis have emerged as the two primary backs for Carter, while junior Daniel Swinney and sophomore Cincere Rhaney starred in the second half of Saturday’s win and will act as Ene and Curtis’s backups. 

Stereotypically, the veteran Curtis has been the most consistent of the two, while Ene flashes moments of brilliance amidst moments of youth. Ene has turned his 14 all-purpose touches into 83 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.9 yards a touch, and projects as one of Sac State’s foundational players going forward. 

It’s difficult to have any tangible takeaways from the Hornet defense, who shutout an inept Delta Devil offense. Sac State created a lot of pressure on the opposing quarterback, but their performance isn’t reflected in the numbers. Mississippi Valley ran the ball over 65 percent of the time, and almost all their throws were quick, single-read plays. 

The Hornets will face a similar style offense from the Bulldogs, who run the ball significantly more than they throw under head coach Matt Entz. 

The swing factor for Sac State’s front seven is whether star seventh-year senior Xavier Williams suits up or not. He was sidelined in the win over Mississippi Valley, and was listed as questionable before playing in the loss to Eastern Michigan– though he did play eventually. He’d be a major loss against an opponent that wants to run as frequently as Fresno. 

Fresno State Outlook

The Bulldogs would like to make a statement in their home opener after being dismantled by USC’s early-season Heisman contender Jayden Maiava. Fresno State allowed 30 points at halftime, improving defensively as USC rotated their team in the second half. 

Bulldog quarterback Jayden Mandal had a tough outing against the Trojans, throwing an interception on his first drive. He’d turn the ball over twice and was sacked in the end zone for a pair of safeties. Mandal failed to beat out both of Fresno State’s starters, EJ Warner and injured Sac State starter Carson Conklin, during fall camp last year, but earned the job for this season. 

If the game is going in Fresno State’s favor, Mandal won’t have a major impact, as Entz’s offense is run-heavy and will deploy multiple backs to grind down the Hornet defense. Starting running back Rayshon Luke had a down game against the Trojans, logging just 21 yards on eight attempts. If he can return to his 2025 form; 702 yards at a rate of 6.2 yards an attempt with six touchdowns, he’ll be the biggest issue for Sac State. 

Bryson Donelson will be firmly in the mix as well after nearly matching Luke in carries against USC. The pair present Sac State’s biggest challenge this season on the run defense front, setting this game up as one that will be won in the trenches. 

Defensively, Fresno State is led by a familiar face.

After a dominant redshirt sophomore season at Sac State where he recorded eight sacks and double-digit TFLs, junior defensive lineman Dylan Hampsten hit the portal and landed 175 miles southeast at Fresno. 

He recorded a TFL and forced a fumble in his Bulldog debut, and is poised to terrorize an inconsistent Sac State offensive line. Joining him in his efforts is the excellently named linebacker K’vion Thunderbird, who led Fresno State in tackles in their opener. 

After a massive game against Mississippi Valley, Coleman will face off against one of the Pac-12’s stingiest defensive players, senior defensive back Simeon Harris. Harris led the Mountain West with five interceptions while also recording six TFLs. 

The Bulldogs lost a key member of their secondary in the loss to USC, when senior Ryan Wilson went down with a lower leg injury. In his place, former Northern Illinois defensive back Ethan Tierney will start after allowing two touchdowns to Maiava. 

Game Outlook  

This matchup will likely be decided in the trenches. Fresno State is built to run the ball, with Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson capable of wearing down a defense over four quarters. Sac State has been stout against the run through two games, but the status of Xavier Williams looms large against the best backfield the Hornets have faced this season.

The same concern exists on the other side. Sac State’s offensive line has improved as games progress, but slow starts against Eastern Michigan and Mississippi Valley State are concerning with Hampsten and Thunderbird waiting on the opposite sideline. 

That makes the opening quarter particularly important. Sac State can’t afford to spend another half searching for consistency up front while Fresno State establishes its ground game. The Hornets need to keep the Bulldogs from controlling possession and forcing Sharman into obvious passing situations.

Fresno State enters as the clear favorite, and for good reason. The Bulldogs have more experience at this level, home-field advantage, and personnel capable of exploiting Sac State’s biggest question marks. But after getting little meaningful information from a blowout win over Mississippi Valley State, this is the measuring stick the Hornets have been waiting for.

Prediction: Fresno State 34, Sacramento State 24