The Sacramento State football team has its first losing record of the season as their 31-13 loss to 12th-ranked Montana dropped the Hornets to 4-5.

Sac State had opportunities early on but had trouble converting the red zone while also going 4 of 15 on third-down conversions.

The Hornets struck first on a 27-yard field goal from kicker Brad Cornish at the 8:36 mark of the opening quarter. Montana responded with a strong first drive of 9 plays for 80 yards, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Jordan Canada.

The Grizzlies went up 10-3 on a 29-yard field goal by Daniel Sullivan just three minutes into the second quarter and never looked back. Montana led 17-6 at halftime after Cornish’s second field goal of the day.

Sac State quarterback Garrett Safron was held without a passing touchdown for the first time this season. He completed 27 of 48 attempts for 262 yards and one interception.

The quarterback accepted responsibility for a disappointing performance from an offense that came in averaging 39.2 points per game.

“The coaches came up with a great game plan for us, and it was up to us to execute,” Safron said. “We just left a few plays out there on the field and it cost us late in the game.”

Safron continued to be effective with his legs, as he scored the Hornets’ only touchdown of the day on a 1-yard keeper with just 32 seconds left in the game. His late push for the Hornets’ offense included five completions to receiver DeAndre Carter, who continues to move up the school’s all-time receiving charts.

Safety Robbie Kendall and the rest of the Sac State defense had a tough time containing the running back duo of Canada, who finished with 12 carries for 109 yards and two touchdowns, as well as Travon Van who ran eight times for 42 yards and one score.

“They were really consistent on third down,” Kendall said. “We’d have some nice stops but then miss a tackle here or there.”

“They made plays, and we didn’t,” he concluded.

Even with the Grizzlies dominating the scoreboard, the Hornets managed to lead in total yards of offense, with 356 yards compared to Montana’s 339, as well as a 21-15 advantage in first downs. The Hornets also had a six-minute time of possession advantage at 31:31 to the Grizzlies 25:30.

Sac State coach Jody Sears was disappointed in the outcome of a game that was hyped as potential high-scoring matchup.

“I saw inconsistency on both sides of the ball,” Sears said. “There were a couple of times we gave up the big run, which has been a nemesis of ours this year.”

“You’ve got to tip your hat to [Montana],” he added. “They made some great plays.”

Sears still took time to reflect on the bright notes to take from a tough loss. The Hornets still have a chance to finish the season with a winning record as three games remain, with two of those contests at home.

“I really can’t say anything but positive things about our kids, and the fight, grit, and heart that they show,” Sears said. “We just have work on those inconsistencies and paddle on. I’m going to keep on coaching.”

Sac State will return to Hornet Stadium to face Southern Utah Saturday Nov. 8.