Sacramento State snapped its three-game losing streak with a win over conference rival Portland State, 31-14, on Saturday.

The win was the Hornets’ first at Portland State since 1985. Sac State also recorded consecutive victories over the Vikings for the first time since 1985-86.

Junior quarterback Jason Smith passed for 256 yards and three touchdowns. Smith led the Hornets to a turnover-free game for the first time this season.

The Hornets got started early with a 13-play, 52-yard drive on its first possession, which ended in a Smith-to-Brett Willis 15-yard touchdown pass.

Junior wide receiver John Hendershott caught five passes for 117 yards, including an acrobatic 46-yard grab in which he out-jumped the Portland State defender.

Sac State got a solid performance out of sophomore Terrance Dailey, who rushed for 111 yards on 34 carries and a touchdown.

The Hornet defense played its best game of the season, after giving up 132 points in its first three games. The defense did not allow a touchdown until the fourth quarter and forced three Viking turnovers.

Sac State answered by intercepting a Hubel pass, which ultimately led to a touchdown with 0:57 left in the first half. The Hornets led 14-6 at the half.

Sac State took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove 80 yards in eight plays. The drive was capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Junior Dylan Lane – his second of the day.

Lane had seven receptions for 73 yards to go along with his two touchdowns.

After Sac State went up 28-6, Portland State looked as if it was getting in sync, but a fumble by Viking running back Ben Bowen gave the ball back to the Hornets.

Sac State moves to 1-3 on the season overall, and 1-1 in Big Sky Conference play. The Hornets host Idaho State on Saturday, which is homecoming.

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]