The Hornets led at the half 6-0, but complete the victory in a loss to Montana State on Saturday, 20-9, in Bozeman, Mont.

The Hornets dominated the run game for the second week in a row with 138 yards- 141 of those coming off of Travon Jones’ 26 carries. The Hornets led 9-0 with a minute left in the third quarter, but couldn’t hold on as Montana State scored 20 unanswered on the way to victory.

The final Montana State’s score was set up by a Jason Smith interception to Kevin Retoriano with just over two minutes left to go in the game. Retoriano returned the ball 36 yards to the Hornet four, where the Bobcats quickly punched the ball into the end zone and put the game out of reach.

The Hornets inability to convert on third-down helped ensure the loss. The Bobcat defense essentially stopped Sac State on third down all game – the Hornets only converted on one of 13 chances.

Quarterback Jason Smith finished the game 14-31 for 157 yards with an interception. Ryan Coogler had four receptions for 29 yards and wide receiver Tony Washington had three catches for 71 yards, with a long of 38. The Hornets managed to put up 295 total yards of offense, but couldn’t put the ball in the end zone.

On defense, Brett Shelton led the way with 11 tackles. Cyrus Mulitalo and Kevin Davis also contributed eight tackles. The Hornets only gave up 72 yards rushing, but allowed a total of 316 yards to the Bobcats.

Montana State moves to 5-2 overall, and 3-1 in Big Sky conference play, while Sacramento State drops to 1-6 and 1-4 in the Big Sky.

The Hornets next game is at home on Saturday against Eastern Washington at 2:05 pm at Hornet Stadium.

The State Hornet Staff can be reached at [email protected]