Sacramento State wide receiver Morris Norrise threw the game-changing interception that led to UC Davis' 34-27 victory in the 59th Causeway Classic last Saturday, but he certainly wasn't to blame.
Norrise had no business passing the ball in the first place.
A double-reverse pass to the quarterback early in the fourth quarter never should have been called by the Hornets – not one play after a huge interception put Sac State at UC Davis' 37-yard line.
Not after Sac State had overcome a rash of mistakes on special teams.
Not after Sac State had overcome the disappointment of having a touchdown catch erronously called incomplete.
Not after the Hornets had rallied to take a 27-26 lead with the momentum and wind at their back.
But Sac State and coach Marshall Sperbeck couldn't help themselves.
From Jim Sochor to Bob Foster to Bob Biggs, the formula to beat Sac State has been passed down by UC Davis coaches.
Play fundamental football, wait for the Hornets to make a mistake – or many of them – and pounce.
And like a fish nibbling at a fly on a hook, Sac State finally took the bait Saturday.
Sperbeck may no longer call the offensive plays, but this is his loss to carry on his shoulders until the next time Sac State plays UC Davis. The Aggies will have a new coach, who will have been handed the formula to beating the Hornets.
What to do
Men's college basketball, UC Davis at Sac State, 7 p.m.: The rivalry spills from the football field to the basketball floor.
Today's poll
Should Geoff Petrie be fired as the Kings' basketball president?
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Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Weekend results
Which surface makes a high school football game more fun to watch?
• Grass: 66%
• Turf: 34%
Total votes: 328
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