The Sacramento State defense stopped Portland State on a key fourth-and-inches play late in the fourth quarter, which led to the Hornets scoring the game-winning touchdown.

The Vikings running back DJ Adams rushed to his left and was stopped behind the line by senior linebacker Todd Davis and sophomore defensive lineman Antonio Hayes. Portland State used up nearly six minutes on the drive leaving the Sac State offense with 1:39 to go from its own 15 yard line.

Junior quarterback Garrett Safron made four first down throws in the final drive, the longest being a 34-yard pass complete to sophomore wide receiver Shane Harrison down to the Viking four yard line. One play later, Safron connected with freshman tight end Cole Hikutini on a 4-yard touchdown pass with 26 seconds left giving Sac State the 43-42 lead.

The defense held Portland State on its next possession finishing the game with an interception by Hornets senior defensive back Osagie Odiase.

The win snaps a two-game losing streak for Sac State (5-6; 4-3) and halts a three-game winning streak by the Vikings (6-5; 3-4).

Both offenses were on point today as Sac State and Portland State combined for 1,341 net total yards. Both teams had record breaking performances.

Safron’s four passing touchdowns broke the Sac State record for career touchdowns thrown with 52. The previous record was 50 held by Ryan Leadingham. He also set the single game record for most passing yards with 554.

Safron finished the game with six touchdowns, four passing and two rushing. He now has 34 total touchdowns on the season.

Junior wide receiver DeAndre Carter’s third quarter touchdown catch tied the single-season receiving touchdown mark of 14.

Adams scored five rushing touchdowns on senior day for the Vikings. He finished with 249 yards on 26 attempts.

The third quarter had the most scoring action having five touchdowns on six drives between the two schools. Two rushing touchdowns each by Adams and Safron followed by a 78-yard pass to Carter helping both teams combine for 35-points.

The Hornet wide receiver trio of senior Morris Norrise, Harrison and Carter had its most efficient game yet, combining with 21 receptions and 397 yards. The 397 yard mark is the most the three have combined for this season.

Sac State will take the momentum into next Saturday’s Causeway Classic at home against UC Davis.