Game 4 Preview: ISU Hosts Sacramento State on Homecoming

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POCATELLO, Idaho- After a bye week, the Idaho State football team returns to the field to host Sacramento State on Saturday, September 27 at 2 p.m. in Holt Arena. The game can be followed live on  Rock 102.5 and 930 CBS Sports Radio with Jerry Miller and Mark Liptak calling the action. For live stats, audio and video log onto isubengals.com.

Sacramento State is 3-1 after wins vs. Incarnate Word (49-13), Weber State (42-31) and Menlo (59-14). The Hornets only loss is to Cal (55-14). Sacramento State is scoring 41 points a game and giving up 28.2. The Hornets are averaging 193.8 yards on the ground and 232.5 in the air. Sac State averages 426.2 yards of total offense and gives up 413 yards of total offense.

The Hornets lead the series 11-6. Sacramento State has won the last four meetings with the most recent win being a 54-31 in Pocatello during the 2012 season.  The Bengals last beat Sac State 36-33 in overtime on Nov. 22, 2008.

Bengals on Homecoming
Idaho State is looking for its first Homecoming win since beating Northern Colorado 26-14 on Oct. 6, 2007. Last year the Bengals lost 28-25 to North Dakota on Homecoming and in 2012, ISU lost to Sacramento State, 54-31.

Honorary Captains

Today's game marks the begining of a new tradition at Idaho State as former Bengal football players will be honorary captains. Today's captains are Wally Kelly (1974-76) and Craig Norby (1973-76).

Norby played wide receiver and was a four-year starter. Norby played for Coach Bob Griffin and Joe Pascale. Norby led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 1975 and 1976. In 1975, Norby had 22 receptions for 361 yards. In 1976, he had 19 receptions for 278 yards. Norby is a Pocatello native and prepped at Highland High School. Norby has been a longtime supporter of ISU Athletics and is a member of the Bengal Athletic Boosters and FAT Club.

Kelly played wide receiver, served as the Bengals' punt returner, and was a two-year starter. He played for coach Bob Griffin. Kelly led the team in punt return average in 1975 with an 8.5 yards a return average. Kelly is also a Pocatello native and prepped at Highland High School. Kelly has been a longtime supporter of ISU Athletics and is a member of the Bengal Athletic Boosters, FAT Club, and "I" Club.

Airing it Out
After throwing for 3,547 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2013, Justin Arias returns for his senior season. He has climbed into the career Top 10 list for most passing yards and touchdown passes.  He is 10th for most passing yards in a career with 4,678. Shane Griggs (1996, 1999-00) is in ninth with 5,023. His 34 touchdowns ranks eighth, two behind Russel Hill's (2007-10) 36. Kevin Yost (2011-12) is in sixth place with 39 touchdown passes.

Finney Running into History
Xavier Finney has established himself as one of the top running backs in Idaho State history. The junior Bengal running back has rushed for 1,535 yards and sits in ninth place for most rushing yards in program history.  Here is a look at where he ranks for most rushing yards .
1    Josh Barnett            3,408    2004-07            
2    Alfredo Anderson        3,379    1993-96            
3    Merril Hoge            2,713    1983-86            
4    Isaac Mitchell        2,536    2000-03            
5    Nick Whitworth        2,353    1997-00            
6    Kennedy Nkeyasen        1,665    1994-98            
7    Craig Joseph        1,570    1994-96, 98            
8    Ken Cornist            1,539    2004-08            
9    Xavier Finney        1,535    2012-14