Here’s an updated ChatGPT, game‑by‑game scouting and prediction for Sacramento State’s 2025 season—and a projected postseason run:
Regular Season (Based on official schedule)
Aug 30 at South Dakota State
Sep 6 at Nevada (FBS)
Sep 13 vs Mercyhurst
Sep 20 vs Central Arkansas
Sep 27 vs Cal Poly
Oct 4 — Bye
Oct 11 at Weber State
Oct 18 vs Northern Colorado
Oct 24 vs Montana
Nov 1 at Eastern Washington
Nov 8 at Portland State
Nov 15 vs Idaho
Nov 22 at UC Davis
(
si.com)
1. @ South Dakota State
Scouting: The reigning FCS champs—elite defense, pro‑style offense.
Prediction: Sac State's first game under Brennan Marion will be tough. I expect a competitive showing but ultimately a
loss:
@ SDSU 27–17.
2. @ Nevada (FBS)
Scouting: Mountain West side, bigger roster and durability.
Prediction: Sac State is battle-ready from SDSU. They’ll play hard but come up short:
@ Nevada 31–21 loss.
3. vs Mercyhurst
Scouting: A lower-tier Division II program—not a serious threat.
Prediction: Sac State dominates:
Mercyhurst 10–55 loss in a comfortable win.
4. vs Central Arkansas
Scouting: Strong Southland contender with dynamic offense.
Prediction: A tougher contest, but Sac State’s improved recruiting and home field edge give them the edge:
Sac State 31–24 W.
5. vs Cal Poly
Scouting: Rivalry tilt; Cal Poly is rebuilding offensively.
Prediction: Hornets win a close one:
Sac State 28–20.
6. BYE (Oct 4)
Scouting: Good timing before conference grind.
Projection: Fresh legs heading into Big Sky play.
7. @ Weber State
Scouting: Weber is perennial conference top‑3 with strong defense.
Prediction: Sac State keeps it close but falls late:
Weber 24–21.
8. vs Northern Colorado
Scouting: Typically bottom‑tier Big Sky, struggling.
Prediction: Hornets bounce back:
Sac State 34–14 win.
9. vs Montana
Scouting: Montana is a power and ranked nationally.
Prediction: Intense home game. Sac State’s defense holds tight, but offense stalls late. Expect
Montana 27–24.
10. @ Eastern Washington
Scouting: Air‑raid offense, high‑scoring.
Prediction: Shootout ensues. Sac State edges them in final drive:
Sac State 38–35.
11. @ Portland State
Scouting: Portland State improved but inconsistent.
Prediction: Hornets keep momentum:
Portland State 17–30 loss—easy Sac State win.
12. vs Idaho
Scouting: Idaho is solid FCS program, strong run game.
Prediction: Close contest. At home, Sac State controls line:
Sac State 27–21.
13. @ UC Davis – Causeway Classic
Scouting: Intense rivalry, Davis had edge historically.
Prediction: Hornets come out fired-up.
Final score:
Sac State 24–17.
Regular Season Summary
Projected record:
9–4 overall,
7–1 Big Sky (losses at SDSU, Weber, Montana, Nevada in FBS). That likely secures a top‑2 Big Sky finish and spot in FCS playoffs.
FCS Playoffs Projection
Round 1
Seeded high, hosting a mid‑tier qualifier (e.g., Richmond or Yale).
Prediction: Sac State wins convincingly:
Sac State 35–21.
Round 2
Matchup against a strong regional rival (e.g., Northern Iowa or South Dakota State if unseeded).
Prediction: Tough home game, but Hornets' momentum carries them:
Sac State 28–24.
Quarterfinals
Likely road trip to top‑4 seed (e.g., Montana State or SDSU).
Prediction: Close game decided in fourth quarter; Sac State falls just short:
Opponent 30–27.
Season Outlook Summary
| Phase | Record | Notes |
|---|
| Regular Season | 9–4 | Strong countertop, two bad breaks |
| Playoffs | 2–1 | Deep run, stops before semis |
| Final Record | 11–5 | Marks upward trend under new coaching staff |
Key Factors
- New HC Brennan Marion brings fresh energy—but first-year learning curve.
- Non‑conference run is brutal (2 FBS/FCS champs); early losses expected.
- Big Sky depth: mistake-free play and close-game execution will define season.
- Playoffs hinge on seeding and Home-field advantage; I see a competitive Elite 8 exit.
Final Take
Sacramento State reshapes its identity under Marion, pushing the program into FCS elite territory. Expect 11–5 with a
quarterfinal appearance—a sign of progress and future ceiling toward national contention.
