Nevada Wolf Pack Edges Sacramento State Hornets 20-17
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Mackay Stadium
Nevada Wolf Pack 20, Sacramento State Hornets 17, final. Our NCAAF picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Sacramento State Hornets vs Nevada Wolf Pack?
Nevada Wolf Pack beat Sacramento State Hornets 20-17 at Mackay Stadium on September 6, 2025.
In a closely contested matchup at Mackay Stadium, the Nevada Wolf Pack secured a narrow victory over the Sacramento State Hornets, finishing the game with a score of 20-17. This win marks an important moment for Nevada, as they improve their record to 2-8 over their last ten games, while Sacramento State falls to 0-2 this season.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent performances. The Wolf Pack, despite their overall struggles, had managed to secure two wins in their last ten outings, with an average of 18.0 points scored per game and 26.7 points allowed. Their recent form included a notable win against San José State Spartans, where they triumphed 55-10, but they also faced significant defeats, such as a 17-42 loss to UNLV Rebels. At home, Nevada's record stands at 1-4, indicating challenges in their own stadium.
On the other hand, Sacramento State had a much stronger recent record of 7-3, averaging 38.5 points scored and allowing 27.5 points. However, their current season has not started well, with two consecutive losses. Their last game saw them narrowly lose to UC Davis Aggies 27-31. The Hornets have been more successful at home, boasting a 4-2 record, but their away performance has been less impressive at 3-1.
This game also marked the second meeting between the two teams, with Nevada previously defeating Sacramento State 20-17 earlier in the season. The Wolf Pack's ability to maintain their winning record against the Hornets adds a layer of significance to this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant player absences that could have impacted the game. Both teams appeared to field their strongest lineups, which contributed to the competitive nature of the contest.
The betting market had priced Nevada as the favorite to win, reflecting a home win probability of 1.0, indicating strong confidence in their ability to secure the victory.
Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but the matchup's significance and the stakes for both teams were evident. Viewers should have watched for the Wolf Pack's defensive strategies, which were crucial in limiting Sacramento State's scoring opportunities, as well as the effectiveness of Nevada's offensive plays that ultimately led them to victory.
Leaders
- Passing yardsChubba Purdy12/21, 144 YDS, 2 INTNevada Wolf Pack
- Rushing yardsChubba Purdy21 CAR, 111 YDS, 1 TDNevada Wolf Pack
- Receiving yardsMarcus Bellon2 REC, 59 YDSNevada Wolf Pack
- Passing yardsCardell Williams11/13, 158 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INTSacramento State Hornets
- Rushing yardsJamar Curtis8 CAR, 37 YDSSacramento State Hornets
- Receiving yardsErnest Campbell3 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TDSacramento State Hornets
Recent form
Nevada Wolf Pack
Last 10: 2-8Streak L118 scored · 26.7 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L17-42vs UNLV RebelsNov 30
- W13-7at Wyoming CowboysNov 22
- W55-10vs San José State SpartansNov 15
- L14-51at Utah State AggiesNov 9
- L3-24vs Boise State BroncosOct 25
- L22-24at New Mexico LobosOct 19
- L10-44vs San Diego State AztecsOct 12
- L17-20at Fresno State BulldogsOct 5
- L16-31at Western Kentucky HilltoppersSep 20
- L13-14vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersSep 13
Sacramento State Hornets
Last 10: 7-3Streak L138.5 scored · 27.5 allowed per game3-1 away
- L27-31at UC Davis AggiesNov 22
- W23-20vs Idaho VandalsNov 16
- W52-24at Portland State VikingsNov 8
- W35-13at Eastern Washington EaglesNov 1
- L35-49vs Montana GrizzliesOct 25
- W40-35vs Northern Colorado BearsOct 19
- W55-27at Weber State WildcatsOct 12
- L24-32vs Cal Poly MustangsSep 28
- W45-16vs Central Arkansas BearsSep 21
- W49-28vs Mercyhurst LakersSep 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | In conference |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Michigan | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Akron | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Ball State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Bowling Green | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Buffalo | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Central Michigan | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Kent State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Massachusetts | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Miami (OH) | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Ohio | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Toledo | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Western Michigan | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Sacramento State | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| North Dakota State | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Air Force | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Nevada | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| New Mexico | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Northern Illinois | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| UTEP | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Wyoming | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Hawai'i | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| San José State | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| UNLV | 0-1 | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | Sacramento State Hornets | Nevada Wolf Pack |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 15 | 23 |
| Third downs | 2-12 | 4-12 |
| Fourth downs | 2-3 | 2-4 |
| Total yards | 371 | 409 |
| Net passing yards | 225 | 144 |
| Completions | 14/19 | 12/21 |
| Yards per pass | 11.8 | 6.9 |
| Rushing yards | 146 | 265 |
| Rushing attempts | 41 | 48 |
| Yards per rush | 3.6 | 5.5 |
| Penalties | 9-71 | 7-62 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 2 |
| Time of possession | 27:14 | 32:42 |
Win probability
Above the line favours Nevada Wolf Pack, below favours Sacramento State Hornets.
Venue
- Mackay StadiumReno, NV
- Attendance20535
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