With the game on the line and momentum swinging both directions in the final quarter, Cal Poly football was just moments away from holding off No. 21 ranked Sacramento State by a narrow one possession lead.
In a newfound display of grit, the Mustangs dug deep late in the second half, slowing down the Hornets just enough to secure a 32-24 win on Saturday night at Hornet Stadium.
The Mustangs (3-2, 1-0 Big West) continued their alternating win-loss pattern, while the Hornets (2-3, 0-1 Big West) saw their two-game winning streak snapped with a loss at home.
After being tested by injuries, the Mustangs showed a revitalized run game backed by a steady performance from backup quarterback Bo Kelly.
Both Ty Dieffenbach and Anthony Grigsby Jr., the Mustangs’ primary quarterbacks, were unavailable dealing with injuries. Kelly stepped up and threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions against the Hornets
READ MORE: Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach exits early as Cal Poly Football falls to Stephen F. Austin
Sacramento State struck first, taking a 7-0 lead just four minutes into the opening quarter. But the early lead didn’t last.
On the next possession, linebacker Brian Dukes Jr. intercepted a pass and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown, flipping the momentum in their favor.
From there, Cal Poly’s offense began finding its rhythm. Kelly led a series of drives, connecting with receivers Michael Briscoe and Jordan Garrison, including a 28-yard reception to set up another score.
Running back Tyrie Washington capped a drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown, putting Cal Poly up 25-21 at halftime.
The second half opened with a noticeable shift in offensive strategy. Cal Poly’s offensive line began to create space at the line of scrimmage, and Washington took full advantage.
After being bottled up for much of the season, the run game exploded with a 57-yard burst that flipped field position and jumpstarted the offense. Washington finished the game with 113 yards and emerged as a true lead back, receiving over twice as many carries as any other rusher.
The team totaled a season-high 178 rushing yards. On the year, they remain over 300 yards behind their opponents in total rushing yards.
This season, Cal Poly is still in the process of defining its identity, showing flashes of growth and now entering the most pivotal stretch of its Big Sky schedule.
Cal Poly’s defense remained a key factor throughout the game, forcing multiple turnovers and holding Sacramento State to just three points in the second half.
Defensive back Troy Bean was carted off with an injury during the third quarter, halting the game for over 15 minutes while medical staff tended to him on the field.
READ MORE: Linebacker Troy Bean stretchered off with injury during Cal Poly Football game
The Mustangs defense was able to regain focus despite the loss, keeping the Hornets out of the end zone and maintaining their lead through the fourth quarter.
With the win, Cal Poly regained their winning record on the season and will look to build momentum as conference play intensifies.
The Mustangs will have a chance to extend their winning streak when they face UC Davis next Saturday, Oct. 4 at home.
Update 10/2: The statistic for Tyrie Washington’s total rushing yards was corrected from 122 to 113.