The Sacramento State football team concluded its Big Sky Conference schedule today with its third consecutive conference win, this time against the Idaho State University Bengals, 45-17 at Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.

Quarterback Jeff Fleming threw had his most efficient game of the season, going completing 15 of 19 passes for 207 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Fleming threw all his touchdowns in the third half and was replaced in the third quarter after the Hornets built a comfortable lead. He also ran for 54 yards on eight carries.

Sac State played without its leading rusher Bryan Hilliard. Hilliard is suffering from a toe injury that could keep him out of Saturday’s Causeway Classic against UC Davis.

Running back Jake Croxdale got the bulk of the work, carrying the ball 21 times for 69 yards &- both season-highs.

Wide receiver Chase Deadder caught six passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns &- both from Fleming.

Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson saw his first action since the Sept. 4 season-opener at Stanford when he suffered a high ankle sprain which required surgery.

Bethel-Thompson was 10-of-16 for 65 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Hornet defense forced five Idaho State turnovers and sacked the quarterback four times.

The Bengals scored 14 of their 17 points in the fourth quarter after Sac State had built a 45-3 lead.

The win gives the Hornets a 6-4 record overall and tied their best Big Sky record ever at 5-3. It is also the team’s best record since its 5-3 record in 2000. The loss dropped the Bengals to 1-9 overall and 0-7 in conference play.

The Hornets travel to Davis on Saturday to take on the Aggies in the 57th annual Causeway Classic. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m.

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]