SACRAMENTO -- If last week’s win over No. 6 Montana State was enough to move Sacramento State into the Top 25, this week’s 49-22 win over No. 5 Montana proved the Hornets are right where they belong in the FCS hierarchy.
The perennial cellar dwellers are for real, with perhaps the most complete roster in the Big Sky conference.
After the game, Montana coach Bobby Hauck said Sac didn’t do anything unexpected, they just did what they’re good at and flat out played better.
“They beat us on offense, and they beat us on defense and that’s it, they won both halves of it,” said head coach Bobby Hauck. “We sure looked rusty, I don’t know how you can rusty in week eight or whatever this is.”
Missed opportunities have plagued the Griz at times this year, but several missed tackled and dropped passes were the difference in this game.
“Ultimately I have to coach them better. We have to make plays when they are to be made,” Hauck said. “We didn’t look like a sharp, well-drilled football team. That goes back to the head coach, I got to do a better job.”
The loss could be two-fold for Montana. Senior quarterback Dalton Sneed was under pressure from the Hornet defensive line all night and went down in the third quarter with an apparent ankle injury.
He spent the rest of the game on the sideline with crutches as backup Cam Humphrey took over the offense.
“I’m assuming he’ll be back, I love the dude,” said Griz linebacker Dante Olson said. “He’s a great player and great leader and I’m hoping that would be alright. Cam is a very capable quarterback and whatever happens, I trust the coaches, trust the offense to get done what needs to be done.”
Hauck couldn’t provide an update on Sneed’s condition after the game but he said if Humphrey has to step in under center temporarily, or long term, he’s got a lot of confidence in the redshirt junior signal caller and the rest of the roster.
The Griz will look for answers this week at practice, preparing for perennial rival Eastern Washington (3-4, 2-1). Saturday’s kickoff at Washington Grizzly stadium is scheduled for noon.
