GREELEY, Colo.—Jeff Fleming ran for 59 yards and a touchdown as Sacramento State defeated Northern Colorado 14-0 on Saturday.
David Coleman scored on a 4-yard fumble recovery return for Sacramento State (3-3, 2-2 Big Sky). It was the first shutout by the Hornets since blanking San Francisco State on Sept. 10, 1994.
“It was a totally different game plan,” said Sacramento State coach Marshall Sperbeck. “Once we got here and saw the way (the wind) was blowing and the rain, we knew if we could limit our mistakes – and we knew we would get some turnovers with the defense, play the field position game – it would work out for us.”
The Hornets played without starting wide receivers Brandon Reed (ankle) and Chase Deadder. Both were hurt in Thursday’s practice.
Sacramento State did not attempt a pass in a game for the first time since a 2007 meeting with New Mexico.
“With the wind blowing and the way the ball was coming out, I felt like taking our chances with the run game and keep the clock running,” Sperbeck said.
Northern Colorado (0-6, 0-4) was held to season-low 72 yards of total offense. The Bears are 0-6 all-time against Sacramento State.
Northern Colorado hurt itself with two turnovers and numerous special teams mistakes.
The game was played under constant rain.
“The weather wasn’t what we were expecting,” Northern Colorado coach Earnest Collins said. “But you’ve got to be able to adjust and get it done.”
Sacramento State managed only 66 yards of total offense in the first half, but led 7-0 at the break. The Hornets led despite providing Northern Colorado excellent field position throughout the first half.
Northern Colorado took over at the Hornets 31 on its second possession after blocking Augie Heath’s punt. A bad snap denied Dave Eden from ever getting off a 33-yard field goal attempt.
The Bears drove from their own 46 to the Sacramento State 7. This time Eden was wide right from 27 yards.
Sacramento State cashed in a special teams mistake to score 56 seconds into the second quarter. Northern Colorado long snapper Doug Steele couldn’t get his snap past his blocking wall on a punt and Kyle Monson scooped up the ball, advancing it to the UNC 20.
Three plays later, Fleming escaped two tacklers and scrambled around right end for a 15-yard touchdown.
Fleming’s fumble set up the Bears with another scoring first half chance at the Sacramento State 39-yard line. The Bears took over with 1:46 left in the half, but chose to run the ball three times and attempt a wobbly pass by quarterback Seth Lobato that was easily batted down.
Coleman increased the lead to 14-0 with his fumble recovery. Osagie Odiase forced the fumble by Robert Holland after a punt by Heath pinned Northern Colorado at its own 3.
Coleman set a school record with his sixth career fumble recovery on the play. He has two touchdowns in his career off of fumbles, both against Northern Colorado.
