Tyronne Gross may have only rushed for 31 yards in Sacramento State’s season opener against Oregon State on Thursday, but Saint Mary’s defense won’t compare to the Pacific-10 conference’s No. 2 defense.

The Gaels gave up 173 rushing yards in a 44-3 loss to Northern Arizona University last Saturday, meaning the Hornets have the opportunity to post some big numbers in their home opener against Saint Mary’s on Saturday.

“This is the most important game of the season right now,” head coach Steve Mooshagian said. The game will kick off at 6:05 p.m. at Hornet Stadium. Compared to OSU, who allowed Sac State to finish with 254 yards of total offense, the Gaels’ defense may be more conquerable for Gross .

Heisman Trophy candidate Steven Jackson exploited Sac State’s defense collecting 129 rushing yards last week when the Hornets visited Corvallis. Come Saturday the Hornet defense will again have its hands full. Gaels’ running back Clint Wilson led all Div 1-AA Independent rushers last season, averaging 91.7 yards a game, but on Saturday the Lumberjacks limited Wilson to just 42 yards.

Sac State’s starting wide receiver Fred Amey — who was named second team and ranked as the fourth best receiver in Div 1-AA by the Sports Network — has the opportunity to add to some of the receiving records he already owns. Currently Amey is tied with Lamont Webb for most career receiving touchdowns (16) in Sac State history. Amey’s teammates could also post major numbers against a Saint Mary’s defensive backfield that gave up 325 passing yards against Big Sky Conference member NAU last week.

Starting wide receiver Kenan Smith had two catches for 42 yards, including a key 33-yard catch on the Hornets’ initial drive against the Beavers. As long as Smith and Amey are able to out duel SMC’s safety Weston Borba, a topped ranked defender in Div. 1 –AA football, quarterback Ryan Leadingham and the receiving corps could light things up.

In fact, redshirt freshmen Brandon Lewis, Dustin Hagens and Mel Cuckovich, along with true freshman Billy White, got their first taste of Div. 1 football when they recorded their first catches against Oregon State. These receivers, along with Idaho State transfer Jason Girley, should have the opportunity for a few more receptions on Saturday.