Sacramento State defeats Bears 45-16 in with dominating performance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento State (2-2) claimed a convincing 45-16 victory over Central Arkansas (1-3) on Saturday at Hornet Stadium.

The Hornets jumped ahead early and never let up, using explosive plays and consistent offense to pull away.

Sacramento State set the tone in the first quarter with three scores. Rodney Hammond Jr. opened the game with an 8-yard touchdown run at 11:11.

A short while later, Sam Adams II caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Cardell Williams.

The quarter closed in dramatic fashion when Damian Henderson II broke free for an 85-yard run, giving Sacramento State a commanding 21-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Central Arkansas managed to get on the board. After facing pressure, quarterback Luther Richesson was sacked early, the Bears converted a key fourth-down with a 3-yard rush by Landen Chambers.

With just 17 seconds left in the half, Richesson connected with Tyrell Pollard on an 18-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-6. The extra point was missed. Despite that, Sacramento State kept control.

Sacramento State continued to extend their advantage in the second half. Early in the third quarter, Cardell Williams scored on a 21-yard run.

Later in the quarter they added a field goal. UCA’s offense struggled with sacks and punts. By the end of the third, the score was 38-6.

In the fourth quarter, Central Arkansas showed signs of life. Richesson hit Pollard on a 56-yard pass, setting up Chambers’ 1-yard touchdown run.

Then, kicker Caleb Jones converted a 38-yard field goal. However, Sacramento State answered with a 50-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Rashada to Ernest Campbell to maintain the margin.

UCA forced a turnover earlier in the quarter but couldn’t capitalize enough to threaten the outcome. Final score: 45-16.

Several individual performances stood out. Landen Chambers ran for 108 yards on 22 carries with one touchdown. Richesson completed 17 of 26 passes for 195 yards and one touchdown.

Pollard caught four passes for 84 yards and one score. On defense, Dude Person led UCA with nine tackles, forced a fumble, and recovered another.

Sacramento State, meanwhile, out-gained UCA 602 total yards to 282, including 340 through the air and 262 on the ground. The Bears managed 195 passing yards and 87 rushing yards.

UCA will look to rebound next Saturday when they travel to Beaumont, Texas, to face Lamar. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Explosive plays set pace: Sacramento State’s early big plays—including a long run and quick touchdown pass—gave them separation they maintained.

2. UCA’s offense had moments but couldn’t sustain: Long passes and short runs came, but pressure, sacks, and stalled drives limited their ability to mount a comeback.

3. Defense comparisons: Sacramento State’s defense contained UCA’s rushing game and forced turnovers; UCA’s defense had effort but was overwhelmed by the Hornets’ offensive balance.