As the Hornets get ready to take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (2-2) in their first home game of the season, they look to circle the wagons after losing to New Mexico on the road by a score of 58-0.

“What we did take away from that game was how to continue to play with pride and dignity, and how to finish a game with character,” said coach Marshall Sperbeck.

The Hornets started off the first three games of the season on the road against extremely tough and well-coached opponents. The first home game of the season will play a large role in whether Sacramento State will have a chance at the conference title.

“We’re just looking forward to getting back into conference play,” said wide receiver Ryan Coogler. “Two of our last three have been against D-1 opponents, and on the road it’s hard to even hear the quarterback on some plays – so most of all, we’re happy to be back home.”

Last year, the Hornets lost on the road in Flagstaff to the ‘Jacks 39-22.

In 2005, the Hornets beat the ‘Jacks for their first win of the season at Hornet Stadium by a score of 38-24. Sac State is looking for related success on Saturday to pull to 1-1 in the conference and 1-3 overall.

“That year was a situation similar to now,” Coogler said. “We got our first win of the season and it was at home. They’re a good team and tough opponent – they have a good quarterback, an All-American wide receiver and the history of a good program.”

That All-American wide receiver is Alex Watson, who is currently leading the ‘Jacks in receptions (21) and receiving yards (198). He also has scored two touchdowns to help Northern Arizona to a respectable 2-2 record.

Sac State will have to shut down a rather explosive NAU offense that is averaging 31.5 points per game and 418 total yards per contest.

The ‘Jacks recently moved to 1-0 in the Big Sky after defeating in-conference foe Northern Colorado 34-14 on Saturday.

NAU’s only losses have come to good teams in Arizona and the Appalachian State Mountaineers, the No. 1 ranked team in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Appalachian State shocked Michigan in the first game of the season to get nationwide recognition. NAU played the Mountaineers tough into the fourth quarter, but eventually bowed out 34-21 in a hard-fought game.

For the Hornets, this game is about being home in front of friends and family and getting a chance to get pumped up for a win in front of the supportive Sacramento football community.

“We are all excited about this game,” said quarterback Jason Smith. “To come back home and play in front of the home crowd is great, especially after being on the road for three weeks.”

Smith injured his pinky finger on his throwing hand in the match-up against New Mexico and is doubtful for Saturday’s game. The starter will either be true freshman Duncan White or senior veteran Tim Bessolo.

“We have to figure that out this week,” Sperbeck said. “Bessolo has more maturity and leadership to get us through a game. White probably has more ability but is a little wide-eyed when he’s on the field, so we’ll see how practice goes.”

Sperbeck noted that players like Ryan Coogler and line backer Cyrus Mulitalo might have to play numerous positions to get results in a much-needed win. Sperbeck also said the Hornets have limited numbers right now, so he will have to go with guys who can give the team the best chance at being successful.

“We gotta go win games,” Sperbeck said. “That’s the bottom line.”

Galen Kusic can be reached at [email protected].