58th PEPSI CAUSEWAY CLASSIC COMES TO HORNET STADIUM ON SATURDAY

11/15/2011

A BRIEF PREVIEW
Following a 24-9 win over Idaho State, which was dominated by the defense, the Sacramento State football team will close its 2011 season against UC Davis in the 58th annual Pepsi Causeway Classic on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1:05 p.m. at Hornet Stadium.

The Hornets improved to 4-6 on the year with the victory over the Bengals. The defense tallied 10 sacks, including five from Zack Nash to help stop ISU’s pass-happy offense. Both sack totals tied school records. Freshman Garrett Safron led the Hornet offense by throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another.

This week’s game will also serve as Senior Day for Sacramento State. The program will honor 19 players who will be playing their final home game at Hornet Stadium and each will be recognized prior to kickoff.

UC Davis is 3-7 after a 14-7 home loss to North Dakota. The Aggies were held to 228 yards of total offense in the game, including 75 on the ground. Quarterback Randy Wright was replaced in the second half after suffering an injury.

There will be multiple ways to follow this week’s game. Hornet fans can tune in to Classic 93.1 FM and KAHI 950 AM in the foothills to hear the radio call of Jason Ross, Steve McElroy and Danny Sullivan. Live audio streaming is also available via www.hornetsports.com and on the iHeart Radio application for mobile devices. The broadcast will begin at 12:45 p.m.

The game will also be televised by Comcast SportsNet California. Grant Napear, the television voice of the Sacramento Kings, and former Cal quarterback Mike Pawlawski will bring the action from the booth with Dan Dibley providing sideline insight.

Fans can also watch the game free online via www.bigskytv.org. Fans must create a username and password prior to watching a Big Sky event.

THE COACHES
Marshall Sperbeck is in his fifth season as the head coach at Sacramento State. During that span, Sperbeck has produced a 24-31 overall record. The Sacramento native also serves as the team’s offensive coordinator. For a complete bio, please see page 2.

UC Davis is coached by Bob Biggs who is in his 18th season. The former Aggie quarterback and assistant coach owns a 139-78-1 overall record.

THE SERIES
Sacramento State has faced UC Davis more than any other opponent in school history. The teams have met annually since 1954 and the Aggies own a 40-18 advantage. Recently, Sacramento State has won two of the last three games with the lone loss coming in last season’s weather-affected 17-16 affair.