SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento State rallied from a four-point halftime deficit to defeat Kent State, 31-10, on Friday night at Hornet Stadium, earning the first Mid-American Conference football victory in program history and the first win over an FBS opponent since joining the FBS ranks.

The Hornets (2-7, 1-5 MAC) held the Golden Flashes (3-6, 2-3 MAC) scoreless in the second half, outscoring Kent State 25-0 over the final two quarters to secure the historic victory.

Kent State took a 10-6 lead into halftime behind a 92-yard touchdown connection from Dru DeShields to Wayne Harris and a 29-yard field goal from Tommy Newcomb as time expired. Sacramento State stayed within striking distance thanks to a pair of first-half field goals from Grant Meadors.

Meadors added a 36-yard field goal early in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 10-9. Following a three-and-out by the Golden Flashes, Jamar Curtis returned a punt 19 yards to set up the go-ahead score. Isaiah Ene capped the ensuing drive with a 35-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion to give the Hornets a 17-10 advantage with 2:58 remaining in the third quarter.

Sacramento State continued to build its lead in the fourth quarter. Donovan Turner returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown with 9:04 remaining before Ene added his second rushing touchdown of the night, scoring from five yards out with 2:55 left to seal the 31-10 victory.

Ene led the Hornets on the ground with 107 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Meadors accounted for three field goals, while Turner added the defensive touchdown.

Despite outgaining Sacramento State, 302-278, Kent State was unable to overcome five turnovers. Harris led the Golden Flashes with 122 receiving yards on three catches, including the 92-yard touchdown. DeShields threw for 190 yards and added 43 rushing yards. Josue Cordoba and Hayden Dawahare paced the Kent State defense with six tackles apiece.

With the victory, Sacramento State secured its first MAC win in program history and its first triumph over an FBS opponent as an FBS member.