Saturday's 59th Causeway Classic is our Big Game (especially since Cal-Stanford won't be played the same day this year).
Most years, the Classic is about little more than bragging rights for Sacramento State and UC Davis. The Aggies, who host Saturday's game at Aggie Stadium at 3 p.m., lead the series 40-18 and have won the past two games.
This year, there's far more at stake than the coveted concrete trophy.
If the Hornets win – and they appear to be the stronger team – they could land a spot in the expanded 20-team field for the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs. The Hornets would have seven D-I victories, including one over Colorado of the Pacific-12 Conference, though they didn't help themselves with that heartbreaking 20-17 loss to No. 3 Montana State on Nov. 3.
For the Aggies, what better way to send longtime coach Bob Biggs into retirement.
Biggs is 143-85-1 in 20 seasons, but the Aggies are a disappointing 3-7 this season. A third consecutive Causeway Classic victory – while keeping the Hornets out of the playoffs – would be a fitting finish to his fine career.
No matter which side you favor, here's hoping for another thrilling Causeway Classic, an example of a college football rivalry at its finest.
• Stanford is a 21-point underdog at Oregon on Saturday, but if the Ducks sleep-walk through the first half as they did against Cal, the Cardinal might make a game of it.
If Stanford pulls off the upset and beats UCLA on the road next Saturday, it will represent the North in the first Pac-12 championship on Nov. 30.
Cardinal fans can dream, no?
What to watch
Baseball, MVP awards, 3 p.m., MLB: Will Giants catcher Buster Posey win the National League honor as expected?
Today's poll
Who will win Saturday's Causeway Classic?
• Sac State
• UC Davis
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Wednesday's results
What do you think of Jeff Gordon's punishment?
• Too lenient: 52%
• Just about right: 22%
• Too severe: 26%
Total votes: 115
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