The battle between the Big Sky’s leading receiver — Sacramento State’s Fred Amey — and one of the conference’s top cover-cornerbacks — Montana State’s Joey Thomas — could be the determining factor if the Hornets are to break their four game losing streak.

“He’s as good as it gets in 1-AA football,” Montana State’s secondary coach Frank Robinson said of Amey. “He’s a special player.”

The Hornets travel to Bozeman, Mont. on Saturday to face the Bobcats (4-4, 2-1 Big Sky), who are coming off a 21-17 upset victory over Big Sky-leading Northern Arizona University.

The last-second victory for MSU came when sophomore quarterback Travis Lulay plunged into the end zone with 15 seconds remaining in the game.Sac State (2-6, 1-3) is looking for their first road victory of the season after losing 38-21 to Eastern Washington.

“Although Sac State’s record is not great, this team is very tough and has been in a few close games,” Robinson said. “I expect this game will be a tough hard fought battle for both programs.”

The Bobcats’ key to success has been their dominating defense, which could wreak havoc on Sac State quarterback Blake Mori, who is coming off a five interception performance.

Led by strong safety Kane Ioane, linebackers Roger Cooper and Chad Gluhm and Thomas, MSU’s defense tops the Big Sky in nearly every key defensive statistic, including scoring defense (13.1 points per game), total yards allowed (286.7 per game) and passing yards allowed (165.5 per game).

“We are very fortunate to have a group of seniors who have been in this defensive system for quite a few years and they really understand what we are trying to do philosophy wise,” Robinson said.

MSU’s offense has struggled this season and is ranked near the bottom of the Big Sky. Lulay quarterbacks an offense that scores 22.9 points per game, No. 7 in the big Sky.

His two favorite targets this season have been senior wide receivers Scott Turnquist and Corey Smith. Turnquist caught 14 passes against NAU, the second-most in MSU history. He’s scored six touchdowns this season, while Smith is sixth in the Big Sky in all-purpose yards.

“They are very similar to us,” Sac State head coach Steve Mooshagian said. “They have had to make a lot of adjustments due to key injuries or personnel changes.”

Carrying the Bobcat running game is senior Bruce Molack. He has rushed for 459 yards this season (5.2 yards per attempt) and four touchdowns.

“They are trying to find their niche of offense,” Mooshagian said. “They’ve had to battle through a lot of injuries upfront.”

Sac State will return home on Nov. 8 for its final home game of the season against the University of Montana. Kickoff is at 6:05 p.m.