Fresh from consecutive victories at Portland State and over Idaho State at home, Sacramento State's football team hits the road with a growing sense of confidence.

The Hornets find themselves 2-1 in the Big Sky Conference and 2-3 overall entering today's league contest at 15th-ranked Weber State, which reached the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs last season.

Sac State is 0-6 in Ogden, Utah, against the Wildcats, (3-1, 3-3) who beat the Hornets 26-7 there in 2007 before posting a 32-27 win at Hornet Stadium last season.

But if the Hornets are going to become Big Sky contenders, this is the kind of game they need to win. And with a 31-14 triumph at Portland State and a 38-17 win over Idaho State fresh on their minds, they're not backing down from anyone.

"Anytime you win, it breeds confidence," Sac State coach Marshall Sperbeck said. "I think winning two in a row certainly helps us. Hopefully we can keep it going."

The Hornets won three consecutive games last season, prevailing at Eastern Washington and UC Davis and beating Northern Colorado at home.

And a victory today would add significance to third-ranked Montana's visit to Hornet Stadium next Saturday.

"We need to win a championship," Hornets junior safety Zach Schrader said. "That's all I want for my college career."

But Weber State appears to have the talent for another postseason push.

The Wildcats opened the season with road losses to Football Bowl Subdivision teams Wyoming (29-22) and Colorado State (24-23), then beat Idaho State at home (44-17) and Portland State on the road (36-29), lost at home to Montana State (26-21) and won at Eastern Washington (31-13).

Running back Trevyn Smith, Weber State's career rushing leader with 4,696 yards, ranks first in the Big Sky with 668 rushing yards in five games. Quarterback Cameron Higgins has thrown for 1,819 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.

The Wildcats lead the Big Sky in total offense with 440.8 yards per game.

"They're very talented," Sperbeck said. "They run the ball effectively. (Higgins) is a very polished quarterback who gets the ball out quick."

The Hornets' offense will likely rely heavily on sophomore running back Terrance Dailey, who ran for 178 yards against Idaho State. Junior running back Evander Wilkins, recovering from a hamstring injury, remains questionable.

Sperbeck was hoping wide receiver Chase Deadder would see his first action in 2009 today, but said the sophomore is out for the season with a broken collarbone.

Whatever happens against Weber State, Sperbeck hopes the Hornets continue to show progress.

"We're just trying to work on our deficiencies," he said. "Each game we learn from a few things we can sharpen up.

"We're just trying to do a better job."

Sac State (2-3, 2-1) at Weber State (3-3, 3-1)

When: 12:35 p.m. today.

Where: Stewart Stadium, Ogden, Utah.

TV: None.

Radio: KRJY (1240 AM).

Last meeting: Weber State won 32-27 in 2008.

Sacramento State on offense: The Hornets hope sophomore Terrance Dailey, who ran for 178 yards against Idaho State, and freshman Sam McCowan can find running room. Junior quarterback Jason Smith ranks fifth in the Big Sky Conference with 197.2 passing yards per game. Sac State shares the Big Sky lead in sacks allowed, giving up just six in five games. But Weber State is tied for the conference lead in sacks, posting 14 in six contests.

Weber State on offense: Senior running back Trevyn Smith, the Big Sky's leading rusher (111.3 yards per game), and junior quarterback Cameron Higgins (303.2 passing yards per game) are the focal points. Senior wide receiver Tim Toone has caught 42 passes for 500 yards and four scores. Sac State's defense, led by tackle Christian Clark and safety Zach Schrader, ranks eighth in the nine-team Big Sky in scoring defense (32.6 points per game) and total defense (443.0 yards per game).

Fast fact: The Wildcats have scored 26 points in each of the last three games against the Hornets in Ogden, winning 26-14 in 2003 and 2005 and prevailing 26-7 in 2007.

The last word: "I like the way Dailey runs. He's fast to the hole and makes people miss." — Weber State coach Ron McBride.

– John Schumacher

Call The Bee's John Schumacher, (916) 326-5523.