Conklin starts at QB, defense shines as No. 11 Sacramento State downs Nicholls for first win

The Sacramento State Hornets were beaten in the season’s first two weeks, battered and bruised, but they were not broken.

Playing inspired in their home opener at Hornet Stadium on Saturday night, the FCS-ranked No. 11 Hornets rolled No. 24 Nicholls of Louisiana 34-7 in front of an announced crowd of 12,494 for their first victory, followed by a fireworks show.

The fireworks in the first half were ignited by leading rusher Elijah Tau-Tolliver and redshirt freshman quarterback Carson Conklin, who got the start as the team’s opening-night starter, Kaiden Bennett, did not suit up due to injury.

Conklin directed the Hornets to a 24-7 halftime lead. He finished with 264 yards passing and touchdown strikes of 34 yards to Danny Scudero and Onterrio Smith, Jr. The Hornets did not allow a sack for the second successive game, a credit to position coach Kris Richardson and his bang-up unit that helped lead the charge for Tau-Tolliver, who rushed for 111 yards and scored on an 11-yard run to cap a 75-yard opening drive.

The Hornets defense recorded seven sacks, the most for the program since 2011, and there was a blocked field goal and field goals of 25 and 44 yards by Schreiner.

Summed up, Sacramento State looked the part of serious FCS-ranked heavy and a Big Sky Conference contender in taking on a program of equal size and division. The Hornets had 408 yards of offense while limiting Nicholls to 186.

Both programs came in having endured tough opening losses to larger FBS-level programs, including Sacramento State against San Jose State and Fresno State. Sacramento State led San Jose after three quarters in an opener and rallied to make a game of it after trailing 25-3 at Fresno State.

“We made a lot of strides tonight and we played a clean game, started fast, and our offense gave us a good jolt,” Hornets coach Andy Thompson said. “No way two games were going to define our season. Your confidence comes from preparation. The first two games, we had adversity, but I’m proud of how we stuck together and kept playing. Any time you’ve got a group that sticks together and works this hard, you have a chance to improve.”

The ever-poised Conklin was superb in timing routes and touch. He had just one pass that he wanted back, one that was tipped by his receiver and plucked by Ty Mash, who returned it 49 yards for a score with 14 seconds left in the half. As a good team leader, Conklin owned it.

“I kind of forced it, but it’s part of the game,” Conklin said.

Conklin said of getting the start at quarterback that he is not wired to overthink things.

“I’ve been doing this since I was 5 years old,” Conklin said. “At the end of the day, it’s just football.”

Thompson raved about the poise and delivery of Conklin, a southern California native who as a true freshman last season showed glimpses of how good he can be. He and Bennett are pals, and they work hard together at their craft. No quarterback controversy that will buckle the team.

Conklin said the Hornets can play better and have to play better, adding, “we’re not even at our full potential. We haven’t come close to a full game.”

Hornets led by transfer defensive star

Will Leota led the spirited defensive charge for the Hornets with a team-high 10 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss. The Utah Tech transfer said he is “blessed” to be a Hornet. His cousin, Ezra Moleni, is a running back on the team, so Leota received encouraging intel on the program, the school, the coaches and the city.

“This is the biggest blessing of my life,” a grinning Leota said. “Love being here.”

Thompson said Leota’s effort popped on game film while recruiting him out of the transfer portal and even more so in person. Leota was a three-time all-conference player at Utah Tech, recording 213 career tackles. Thompson doubles as the defensive coordinator and appreciates any stopper that gets after it.

“This guy,” the coach said looking at his star linebacker, “he’s got an unbelievable heart. He gives everything he has. He always plays hard. He’s bought in. It’s always ‘yes sir, yes coach.’ He’s a gentleman off the field. He’s hungry for what we’re doing.”

What the Hornets are doing is attempting to win the Big Sky Conference for the fourth time since 2019 and to reach the playoffs for the fifth time in that span.

Sacramento State plays at Texas A&M Commerce on Sept. 21.