The reigning FCS and Big Sky Player of the Week Darnell Sankey and his Sacramento State defense look to continue its stellar play as the team hosts Northern Colorado Saturday for Homecoming.

The Hornets defense allowed 243-yards of total offense to Weber State, its lowest yards-against this season.

Sankey, a sophomore defensive lineman, had 10 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble against Weber State to help lead the Hornets to a victory in the Big Sky opener. Sac State is now 2-3 for the season.

“I was ecstatic mostly,” Sankey said. “It’s a great honor to get such a big accomplishment.”

The defense as a whole put up 98 tackles at Weber State, which was a season high. Through the first three games, Sac State’s defense had four sacks. They put up four sacks alone against Weber State.

The Hornets now take on Northern Colorado, who has struggled for wins this season. After defeating NAIA school Langston University in its opener, the Bears have dropped four straight games, including last week against Southern Utah.

Northern Colorado’s offense mainly comes through the air, featuring two quarterbacks who have combined for 1,492-yards and nine touchdowns.

Both seniors Seth Lobato and Tim Tancik have played under center in games this season. Lobato started the first three games before injuring his shoulder against Wyoming Sept. 14. The quarterback for Saturday’s game has yet to be decided.

“(It) does not matter who’s gonna play quarterback, we’re gonna play the same way,” head coach Marshall Sperbeck said.

There is no uncertainty for Sac State when it comes to quarterback. Junior Garrett Safron has become a leader on the team and has played competitive games three weeks in a row.

Safron credits play calling for much of his success this season.

“(I’m) just executing the game plan to the best of my ability, reading my reads and feeding the balls to my playmakers,” Safron said.

One playmaker who is currently watching from the sideline is starting running back Ezekiel Graham. The senior left last game with an ankle injury and may not be ready to play against Northern Colorado.

Graham’s backup, freshman Demetrius Warren, has received a lot of playing time this season and has shown how elusive he is when he steps onto the field. Warren has played in all five games and has carried the ball 40 times for 4.9-yards per carry. He has also rushed for one score.

“He don’t go down, he’s a great ball player – smart kid,” Safron said.

Even with an injury to a key player, Sperbeck believes his team can stay true to themselves and continue to play solid football.

“We’re gonna approach the game the same way we approach every week and that’s to try and be balanced,” Sperbeck said.

Kickoff is at 6:05 p.m.