Sacramento State is looking to win back-to-back games at Hornet Stadium as they take on Menlo College Saturday, Sept. 20. This marks the first meeting between the teams as the Hornets wrap up their non-conference portion of the season.

The squad is currently in a five-way tie for first place in the Big Sky Conference with a record of 2-1. Menlo boasts a 1-2 record with its only win coming on the road against Simon Fraser University in its season opener.

Sac State is coming off a big 42-31 victory over division foe Weber State on Sept. 13. Garrett Safron and Jordan Robinson became the first Hornet quarterback/running back tandem since 2012 to both rush for 100 yards each in the same game.

Wide receiver Nnamdi Agude finished with seven receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown against Weber State. Through three contests, the junior is averaging a robust 88.7 receiving yards per game to go along with three touchdowns.

When asked how he would prepare to face increased coverage thrown his way, the 6-foot-3-inch deep threat remained sure of the chemistry he shares with his quarterback.

“[Safron] still has confidence throwing it up there for me in any situation,” Agude said. “I’ve just got to do my job of going up and getting them. I’m always ready to make plays.”

Agude also gave credit to teammate and fellow receiver DeAndre Carter, who was the team’s offensive MVP last season.

“DeAndre demands so much attention from the defense that it tends to open things up for me,” Agude said.

Linebacker Henry Fernandez and the rest of the Hornets’ defense will look to continue their strong play after forcing three turnovers against Weber State. Fernandez and fellow linebacker Darnell Sankey had 12 and 14 tackles, respectively.

The senior credited the defensive chemistry to a selfless, teammate-centered culture.

“It’s never about stats or any one player with us,” Fernandez said. “Everybody knows their role and we always push each other to be our best.”

The Hornets’ run defense has been effective, allowing a meager 147 total rushing yards through three contests while sacking the opposing quarterback seven times.

They have also recovered four fumbles; Sankey has forced two of those while also leading the team with 39 total tackles. He spoke on the challenge of containing speedy Menlo quarterback Wade Hawkins.

On top of completing 40 of 66 pass attempts this season, Hawkins also serves as a dual-threat in the Oaks’ offense with 11 rushing attempts. His longest run this year went for 47 yards against Eastern Oregon.

“We just need to stick to our assignments,” Sankey said. “He’s a quick guy and scrambles really efficiently, so we’re going to have to break down before tackling him.”

Much like Fernandez, Sankey emphasized the importance of a cohesive defensive unit.

“We as a defense have to rally and work together to slow him down,” Sankey said.

Fans who can’t make the trip to Hornet Stadium can still tune in to the radio call of Jason Ross on KTKZ 1380 AM. The game will also be broadcast via BigSkyTV.org.