The schedule reads, Sac State versus UC Davis at Hughes Stadium, Saturday October 28, at 2 p.m. This game, however, is one that both teams were ready to play on the first day of spring practice in the Hughes Stadium parking lot.

This is also a game that coaches will have no trouble motivating their players for.

“Guys are always ready to go into kill-Davis mode,” former Hornets? offensive tackle Tim Conley said.

Conley has seen his share of intense rivalries having spent two years with the Hornets after transferring from Oklahoma and playing in the hallowed Oklahoma vs.Texas match-up. He believes the Causeway rivalry is every bit as intense, especially in the trash-talking department.

“Texas and Oklahoma was big in its own right, and with Davis you get that trash talking feeling,” Conley said.

After 47 Causeway Classics, you would think players from both schools have become a little embittered at the prospect of playing each other. Most players take this rivalry very seriously.

“I couldn?t stand Davis. I had a friend that went to Davis and we haven?t spoken since we beat them last year,” Conley said.

Last year, the Hornets beat the Aggies 47-28 in a game that Conley said was hard-fought by both sides.

The emotions will be running high again in the days and minutes leading up to kickoff. “Whoever has more heart and passion will win this game,” Conley.said.

What can be expected is a hard-fought game between two teams who are familiar with each other?s coaching staffs, and tendencies. Whether familiarity will keep this game close remains to be seen.

That?s why they play the game.