A preview of the 2023 Causeway Classic

Time to call an audible for your weekend plans.

Sac state football players celebrate following the 2019 Causeway Classic

Sac State’s 2019 Causeway Classic win also helped them secure a Big Sky Conference Championship.

Photo via Flickr by Sacramento State/Jessica Vernone

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There is nothing better in college football than a good old-fashioned rivalry. The spirit of passionate students screaming in pride from the stands following an early afternoon of tailgating (and all its associated activities) just gets us so amped.

Today, we wanted to prepare you for our region’s rivalry: The Causeway Classic between Sac State and UC Davis, which kicks off this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 12 p.m. at UC Davis Health Stadium.

🏈 The history

First squaring off on Oct. 9, 1954, the two teams have faced each other 69 times, with UC Davis taking home the victory 46 times. Named after the Yolo Causeway that connects the two cities, the winner takes possession of a unique trophy — one made from a concrete core sample of the road.

🏈 The Hornets

Sac State comes into the game ranked No. 10 in the FCS Coaches Poll behind their 7-3 record. The team hopes to keep their playoff hopes alive + earn a bid into the FCS playoffs. The Hornets buried Cal Poly during last week’s Senior Day contest, with the 41-30 victory giving the team its fourth straight season of seven or more wins.

🏈 The Aggies

Don’t let UC Davis’ lack of a ranking fool you — the Aggies are a team that punches above its weight class. Running back Lan Larison leads the Big Sky Conference with 980 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns — even after sitting out for three weeks with a knee injury. Two of the team’s four losses came during games where Larison missed playing time.

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