The Sacramento State Hornets were in record-setting form Saturday as senior quarterback Garrett Safron had an explosive performance, throwing for 251 yards and five touchdowns as they cruised past the University of the Incarnate Word 49-13 in San Antonio, Texas.

The Hornet’s dominating win marks a school record as the most in a season opener, breaking the previous mark of 48 points set in 1988 against Chico State, and giving first year interim head coach Jody Sears his first victory of the season.

Safron broke a school record, throwing for five touchdowns in a game. This marks the sixth game where he has completed four or more touchdown passes. The senior also completed 17 of 25 passes, hitting seven different receivers for multiple receptions, including six to junior receiver Nnamdi Agude for 116 yards and two touchdowns.

“Garrett’s a good player. He knows where he’s going with the ball,” Sears said. “He understands the offense, having been in it for three years.”

Senior receiver and first team All-Big Sky conference receiver DeAndre Carter caught three passes for 56 yards and two scores, the first of which moved him into second place all time with 19 total touchdowns.

Defensively, Sac State held the Cardinals to 287 total yards of offense, and forced three turnovers – two fumbles and one interception, which was returned 59 yards for a touchdown by junior linebacker Darnell Sankey, who also added 10 tackles.

The defense made its presence felt on special teams as well. Junior running back Garrett Steele blocked an Incarnate Word punt with 1:33 left in the first quarter after Safron threw an interception the previous drive. The Hornets recovered at the UIW 33-yard line.

“I really liked the way we tackled and the energy we played with on special teams and defense,” Sears said. “I’m just really proud of the guys.”

The Hornets applied pressure to Incarnate Word’s replacement quarterback Taylor Woods, sacking him four times after the Cardinals starting quarterback Trent Brittain went down with a broken ankle with 3:24 left in the first quarter.

“It’s a tragedy when someone gets injured,” Sankey said. “We don’t want to get the quarterback injured.”

Senior defensive lineman Jaycee Totty sacked Woods 1.5 times and senior defensive back Robbie Kendall took Woods down in the backfield.

Sankey, junior defensive lineman Ronald Ussery and junior defensive lineman Antonio Hayes contributed 0.5 sacks.

Sac State also utilized their backup quarterback Saturday. Redshirt freshman Daniel Kniffin replaced Safron in the third quarter, completing two passes for 15 yards.

The Hornets will look to carry over their dominant performance on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Pac-12 opponent Cal Berkeley for a 12 p.m. kickoff at California Memorial Stadium.