The Sacramento State football team added another win to the books as it defeated conference opponent Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks 27-24 at home on Saturday.

The win breaks the Hornets’ 2-game losing streak and serves as third conference win of the season. The team is 3-3 in conference play and 3-5 overall.

Junior quarterback Jason Smith passed for 210 yards with one touchdown. The offensive game largely relied on freshman running back Sam McCowan who gained more than 100 yards, leading the team in rushing.

McCowan took on the bulk of the teams running back duties today due to injuries. He finished with a total of 134 rushing yards on 27 carries.

“I felt like the pressure was on me today to step my game up. I was the only one out there healthy enough to get our yards – I had to step up for the team,” McCowan said.

The Lumberjacks began the game strong with a 9- play, 86-yard drive possession that resulted in a touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Herrick to wide receiver Conrad Meadows.

Sac State offense, however, answered back with a 5-play, 42-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Brandyn Reed.

The Hornets’ defense was also a key factor in today’s win. Junior Christian Clark broke a school record for amount of sacks in one game. Clark had four sacks in the game.

“This is a great feeling. To beat this team it was up to the ‘D-Line,’ and we executed. We really just needed a win – that was my motivation,” Clark said.

Neither team was down by more than seven points during the game. At the half, the Lumberjacks led the game 17-24.

The Hornets controlled the second half with a 23-yard field goal by Chris Diniz and a one-yard touchdown run by Smith at the end of the third quarter. This put the Hornets ahead 27-24

With 0:01 left in the fourth quarter, Lumberjacks’ sophomore kicker Matt Myers attempted a 55-yard field goal to tie the game, but missed.

Sac State head coach Marshall Sperbeck said he is relieved by the win.

“We needed that one bad. I feel good for the players because they put in a lot of work, especially for games like this,” Sperbeck said. “This is a heck of a game for us and I am proud of their efforts.”

Britney Rossman can be reached at brossman@state hornet.com.