Sac State falls apart in 49-3 rout at Fresno State

At first, Sacramento State appeared to have Fresno State’s number. 

As the first quarter came to a scoreless close, the Hornets had held a usually potent Fresno State ground attack in check. While not able to score themselves, Sac State had shown life, thanks to junior quarterback Jackson Sharman and senior wideout Matthew Coleman’s rapport. 

But as soon as the next quarter began, the wheels fell off. 

Fresno State quarterback Jayden Mandal found senior running back Rayshon Luke on a sweep, who evaded several Hornet tacklers on his way into the end zone. From there, Fresno State ran roughshod, scoring on their next eight drives, burying the Hornets, 49-3. 

“We gave up a couple big plays in the passing game, which is uncharacteristic for us,” head coach Alonzo Carter said. “We didn't recover. We didn't respond the way I would have thought we would have, and we're just disappointed because it was nothing special, not taking nothing from them. We just didn't make plays, you know.

Mandal’s career game saw him throw for over 300 yards on near-perfect efficiency, adding a pair of passing touchdowns and a third on the ground. His favorite targets were Ezekiel Avit and Josiah Freeman, both of whom logged triple-digit yards. 

Sac State’s first quarter run defense was phenomenal, but like everything else, crumbled in the second quarter. Junior running back Bryson Donelson carried the majority of the load, recording triple-digit yards and a trio of touchdowns. 

It took until late in the third quarter for the Hornets to earn their first points, a 35-yard field goal from Grant Meadors. 

Sharman struggled against the Bulldog defense, completing 15 of his 31 pass attempts and throwing an interception. He was consistently pressured by Fresno State’s front seven, forcing quick throws and rushed reads. 

“It felt like we couldn't get in a rhythm tonight,” Sharman said. “I was trying to get the ball out to our playmakers, and you know, I made some bad decisions tonight. That's all me”

Senior running back Jamar Curtis, junior wideout Onterrio Smith Jr. and Coleman were the only three Hornets to eclipse 40 yards in an anemic offensive display. Defensively, Sac State didn’t fare much better. Specifically, the Hornets tackled poorly, allowing the Bulldogs to complete several massive chunk plays. Fresno State finished the game with eight 20+ yard plays, three of which were touchdowns. 

“We just didn't tackle well,” Carter said. “If you were telling me we weren't gonna tackle, I'd say no, that’s not us. We tackle every day. So when you come to practice, you will see us tackling because we gotta tackle better.”

The first touchdown by Luke was the ultimate example. With Luke in motion, Sac State safety Boogsie Silvera was caught flat-footed, allowing Luke to speed past as two other Hornets whiffed on their attempts to stop him.

“We just didn't make plays,” Carter said. “A lot of that stuff was mano-a-mano stuff. Missed tackles, touchdown, blown coverages, touchdown.”

The loss to Fresno State is the first half of the Hornets’ toughest stretch of the season. Next Saturday, they’ll take on North Dakota State, a fellow FBS debutante, but one that’s hit the ground running. The Bison improved their record to 3-0 during Sac State’s game, with two of those wins coming against FBS programs. 

“I thought we were ready for this game, and that it would be a good measuring stick for us,” Carter said. “We're not there yet, and it doesn't get any easier because we’ve got to play North Dakota State this week. So hopefully we'll be able to watch this; own it, fix it, flush it, and get ready for the next one. But this one's on me. I'm the head coach."