The No. 25 Sacramento State football team could not avenge last year’s wild overtime loss to the No. 4 Montana State University Bobcats, losing 31-21 today at Bobcats Stadium in Bozeman, Mont.

The Hornets and Bobcats played in a historic game last year, combining for 125 points.

Montana State used big plays, including 95- and 41-yard touchdown passes from quarterback Denarius McGhee to wide receiver Elvis Akpla, and a strong ground game to earn the victory.

McGhee went 15-for-25 for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Akpla caught six passes for 174 yards to go along with his two touchdowns.

Running back Cody Kirk finished with 134 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns.

Sac State had its fair share of opportunities, but turnovers and mistakes led to the loss.

Quarterback Jeff Fleming was not sharp today, as he overthrew receivers down the field and fumbled inside the Montana State 5-yard line in the fourth quarter. He finished 19-of-35 for 220 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He added 52 yards on 13 carries.

The team also didn’t capitalize on an opportunity inside the red zone late in the first half. Kicker Jason Diniz missed a 22-yard field goal with 7 seconds remaining in the half.

Running back Bryan Hilliard scored his 35th career rushing touchdown in the first quarter to give the Hornets a 7-3 lead. Wide receiver John Hendershott returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and wide receiver Brandyn Reed hauled in a Fleming pass in the fourth quarter for the Hornet scores.

Hilliard had 13 carries for 51 yards to accompany his touchdown. Hendershott caught eight passes for 57 yards and had 105 kickoff return yards. Reed caught six passes for 132 yards.

The loss drops Sac State to 2-3 (1-2 Big Sky Conference) on the season. The win improves Montana State to 4-1 overall (2-0 Big Sky) on the season.

The Hornets travel to Greeley, Colo., on Saturday to take on the University of Northern Colorado. Kickoff is set for 12:35 p.m.

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]