Sacramento State put a scare into top-ranked University of Montana on Saturday, but let a fourth quarter lead slip away, falling 31-24 to the Grizzlies.

Montana (10-0 overall, 5-0 in Big Sky Conference) extended their winning streak to 24-straight games, tying the University of Pennsylvania for the most consecutive wins at the Div. I-AA level. The Hornets (3-7, 2-4 in BSC) failed to record a third-straight road victory.

The Hornets played the game without head coach John Volek, who was suspended for comments and actions made toward officials following the Hornets’ loss to Montana State last week. Assistant coach Bob Shook took over for Volek against Montana.

“We are really happy with the effort level, and the fact that we never quit,” Shook said of Saturday’s game.

The defending national champion Grizzlies scored on a 13-yard strike from John Edwards to Tate Hancock late in the fourth quarter to take back a 28-24 lead. Chris Snyder connected on a field goal for the game’s final score.

Montana opened the game’s scoring as Brent Myers returned a blocked punt 10 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Montana quarterback John Edwards then connected with Jon Talmage on a two-yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-0.

Just when it looked as if the Grizzlies were going to run away with a blow out, the Hornets came roaring back. Garrett White scored on a one-yard run to make the score 14-7 at the half.

“It’s two weeks in a row that we’ve faced the number one defense in the Big Sky,” offensive coordinator Bruce Pielstick said. “We did a decent job in the first half, but in the second half our tight ends and offensive line started to take over.”

Kendall Riley scored on a one-yard run of his own to tie the score in the third quarter. A botched snap on a Montana 47-yard field goal attempt set up Riley’s second touchdown run of the quarter; a 37-yard scamper.

Edwards tied the game on a five-yard touchdown pass to Rory Zikmund, but Brett LeVier responded with a 43-yard field goal to give Sac State a 24-21 lead. Montana then scored 10-straight points to seal the game.

“Not to get it done in the second half means we need to get more consistent,” Pielstick said. “And that’s the difference between the number one team in the country and us.”

The Hornets rushed for 171 yards on the Montana defense, which had allowed a conference-best 78 rushing yards per game coming into Saturday. Riley led the Sac State rushing attack with 86 yards on 12 carries. Garrett White rushed for 81 yards on 18 carries.

On the other side of the ball, the Hornets held the Montana rushing attack, which had averaged 153.8 rushing yards coming into the game, to 40 yards rushing.

“Our kids played hard and they never gave up,” defensive coordinator Lou Patrone said. “We played with solid energy throughout the whole game.”

While the Grizzlies running game struggled, Edwards guided a strong Montana passing attack. The senior quarterback completed 23-of-38 passes for 282 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Hancock led Montana receivers with 78 yards on six catches with a touchdown.

Hornet quarterback Ryan Leadingham completed 20-of-39 passes for 203 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. Fred Amey led all Hornet receivers with 94 yards on eight catches. Amey failed to get into the end zone, however, snapping a streak of seven-consecutive games with a touchdown.

Tight end Caleb Jones found a soft spot in the middle of the Montana defense, as he picked up 60 yards on five catches.

“Caleb is learning more of the offense,” Pielstick said. “He and (Leadingham) are getting on the same page.”

Neither offense committed a turnover in the game. The Hornets special teams, however, made their share of mistakes. The Hornets allowed one blocked punt for a touchdown, 202 yards in kickoff and punt returns, and missed a 37-yard field goal.

“This team stayed focused and played hard,” said Volek, who watched the game from the stands. “They need to continue to do that in the next few games. We need to find a way to finish.”

The Hornets will return to Sacramento to finish their season with two home games, starting with a Saturday game against Weber State. Game time is set for 6:05 pm.

“We want to win these next two games for the seniors,” Volek said. “All of my energy is in this Weber State game, and trying to finish in the middle of the pack in the Big Sky.”

Box Score: vs Montana