Sacramento State to host five, visit San Diego State

Published Apr. 19, 2018 7:40 p.m. ET

(STATS) - Sacramento State released its 11-game schedule on Thursday, its sights focused on winning the Big Sky title and reaching the FCS playoffs for the first time this year.

The Hornets will kick off their season by hosting NAIA member Saint Francis (Illinois) on Sept. 1. They'll also host four Big Sky opponents, Cal Poly (Oct. 6), North Dakota (Oct. 20), Portland State (Oct. 27) and Northern Arizona (Nov. 10).

The road portion of the schedule includes a Sept. 8 matchup against San Diego State.

Sacramento State finished 7-4 a year ago - a five-win improvement from 2016 - while going 6-2 and tying for third place in the 13-team conference.

2018 Sacramento State Schedule

Sept. 1, Saint Francis (Illinois)

Sept. 8, at San Diego State

Sept. 15, at Northern Colorado

Sept. 22, at Montana*

Oct. 6, Cal Poly*

Oct. 13, at Southern Utah*

Oct. 20, North Dakota*

Oct. 27, Portland State*

Nov. 3, at Weber State*

Nov. 10, Northern Arizona*

Nov. 17, at UC Davis*

* - Big Sky game