On Interstate-80 in Northern California sits the Yolo Causeway, a three-mile bridge over a floodplain between Davis and Sacramento.
Last week Cal Poly (3-2, 1-0 Big Sky) took down No. 21 Sacramento State on one side of the causeway, slowing down the go-go offense while the Mustang offense put together a complete game.
Bo Kelly had an efficient night, throwing for 203 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Tyrei Washington had the first 100-plus yard rushing game for any Mustang this season and added a touchdown of his own.
Brian Dukes Jr. was responsible for two of the three picks on defense, returning one for a touchdown. Mikey D’Amato had 19 tackles, the fourth most in program history for a single game.
As D’Amato sacked Jaden Rashada to cap off the 32-24 road win, No. 9 UC Davis (3-1, 1-0 Big Sky) was on the other side of that causeway, wrapping up their comfortable home win against Weber State.
Caden Pinnick turned in a performance that would earn him Big Sky Offensive Player of the week, responsible for three touchdowns and 300 yards of total offense.
An Aggies squad that made the FCS quarterfinals 10 months ago has shown zero sign of slowing down. Even in their season opener against then No.11 Mercer that was ruled a no contest, UC Davis held a six point lead with seven minutes left in the game.
They will travel to San Luis Obispo without the services of standout safety Rex Connors, who left their win against Weber State with a knee injury.
That should open up the passing game a bit for whoever Cal Poly decides to roll out under center, whether that is Kelly or the return of either Ty Dieffenbach or Anthony Grigsby Jr.
History of the Golden Horseshoe
Cal Poly and UC Davis first met in 1939, before either school was called Cal Poly or UC Davis. The Aggies won the opening contest in Davis and the Mustangs won the return game in 1940.
Since 1976 there have been just two years where the two squads have not faced off. UC Davis has won the last 8 games in a row, and overall holds a 28-20-2 advantage in the series.
Both teams will look to hand the other their first loss in this year’s Big Sky campaign and claim the 51st Battle for the Golden Horseshoe on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. at Mustang Memorial Field.
