The loss dropped the Hornets to 2-8 overall and 1-5 in Big Sky Conference games. Montana State won its fifth game in its last six tries and improved to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in league games.

Montana State struck first, taking the opening drive 73 yards capped by a 1-yard run from quarterback Travis Lulay. During the drive, Lulay completed 6-of-7 passes for 63 yards. The Bobcats looked to have stopped Sacramento State on its first drive but a roughing the punter penalty kept drive alive and the Hornets took advantage of the miscue. Following the penalty, Sacramento State used seven plays to go 56 yards. The drive concluded with a 20-yard run from Daniels for a touchdown. On the play, Daniels cut around the left side of the line then split two defenders and was untouched into the end zone.

MSU regained the lead on its next drive when Jeff Hastings kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:32 remaining in the first period. That lead stood until midway through the second quarter when Daniels scored his second touchdown on the game. The drive was setup by Matt Logue who intercepted Lulay and returned the ball to the 8-yard line. From that point, Daniels took the ball to the five then added the score for his first career multi-TD game.

Evin Groves returned the lead to the Bobcats when he scored on an 8-yard run with 6:53 left in the first half. Montana State then stopped Sacramento State and returned the punt inside Hornet territory to set up a 2-yard score from Groves to give the team a 23-14 halftime lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Bobcats added to their lead when tight end Brandon Bostic caught a 2-yard touchdown pass (his first reception of the season) from Lulay 41 seconds into the fourth quarter. Groves tallied his third rushing touchdown of the day at the 5:52 mark when he scored from 2 yards out.

Sacramento State scored the final points of the game when Logue and senior Mason Mitchell combined to tackle Jason Gathing in the end zone for a safety.

The Hornets were playing without the services for four starters as quarterback Chris Hurd (arm), running back Ryan Mole (shoulder), center Travis Johnson (knee) and linebacker Steve Lynn all remained in Sacramento. Mole’s absence paved the way for Daniels who collected 26 carries en route to his career day. Entering the game, Daniels had 46 carries for 137 yards and one touchdown.

Logue became the school’s career tackle-for-loss leader as he collected 2.5 against the Bobcats to raise his career total to 45 moving him ahead of Anthony Daisley (44). Against Montana State, Logue finished with 11 tackles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and half a safety. Both of his fumble recoveries came on special teams. The first occurred when he scooped up a fumble on the MSU return. The second came in the third quarter and resulted in a Hornet first down. On the play, Mitch Lively’s punt was blocked, Logue picked up the loose ball, which remained behind the line of scrimmage, and ran for the first down.

Senior Brad Tredway started the game at quarterback and was 10-for-10 for 68 yards and an interception before giving way to Crosby Wehr. The sophomore was 1-for-5 in his time. Freshman Bobby Mooshagian led all Hornet receivers with three catches for 24 yards.

Lulay completed 20-of-37 for 238 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also rushed for 20 yards and a score. Groves amassed 112 rushing yards and three scores while Rick Gatewood caught a game-high seven passes for 72 yards.

Sacramento State will conclude its season on Saturday, Nov. 12, against Montana. The game against the Grizzlies will kick off at 4:05 p.m. Prior to the start, the Hornets will honor their seniors who will be playing their final contest.