After 16 years of losing, the Sacramento State football team looks to end this streak against the University of Montana with a rare win against the Grizzlies.

The Hornets’ first match-up with the Grizzlies was a non-conference game in 1993 where they lost 54-7. In 1996, Sac State joined the Big Sky Conference and began its conference play with the Grizzlies by losing 35-17. Since then, the Grizzlies have won every game and are coming into this year’s match up with a 16-0 record against Sac State.

Coming in 1-2 after an historic win at Oregon State University and losses to Southern Utah and Weber State University, the Hornets look to get back in the win column and end their 16 game losing streak against the Grizzlies.

This is the Hornets’ first home game of the season.

Senior quarterback Jeff Fleming said he is excited to play in front of the fans and get the Hornets back on the right track.

“It’s nice to have everyone out there supporting you. It gives you a little boost in your effort,” Fleming said. “When you’re at away games, you got everyone yelling at you. It’s nice to have the fans behind you when you’re at home.”

The Grizzlies come in 2-1 after a week one loss to the University of Tennessee and back-to-back wins against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Eastern Washington University.

Grizzlies’ quarterback Jordan Johnson has proven to be a versatile quarterback who can both run and pass the ball well. Johnson has 500 yards passing and a team leading 153 yards rushing.

The Hornets defense faces the challenge to contain Johnson and keep him in the pocket.

On the other side of the ball, Fleming comes into the game after a shaky performance against Weber State. He threw for 230 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.

Through three games, Fleming has 565 yards passing and 100 yards rushing with four passing touchdowns and three interceptions. Fleming and the Hornets will look to rebound from the awful Weber State game.

Junior biology major Jesus Prieto said he is very excited for the Hornets’ first home game.

“After beating Oregon State, I am excited to see what our team can accomplish,” Prieto said. “I am looking forward to the first home game of the year and beating Montana.”

The game against the Grizzlies is a chance for the Hornets to get back to .500 on the season and head into their game with the Montana State Bobcats on a high note. The game is free of charge to all Sac State students with a valid OneCard and kickoff is at 6:05 p.m.

Josh Stanley can be reached at [email protected].