Defense comes up big as Cal Poly edges Sac State, 26-23

Cal Poly’s defense for the past few seasons has been an area of concern. Even when the offense found its stride, the defense struggled to get stops.

But this season, the dynamic has shifted. And in the Mustangs’ 26-23 win over Sacramento State on Saturday, the defense secured the win and served as an example of the improved unit.

The victory over Sacramento State is the first time Cal Poly has won two conference games since 2019.

When Hornets quarterback Carson Conklin took off on the last drive of the game, he came within two yards of the end zone. Freshmen safety Jeremiah Bernard saw the play develop and dove in for the tackle.

In the process, he managed to break the ball free and fellow member of the secondary Mason Rivera scooped up the fumble.

“You put in all the work all off-season not knowing as a true freshmen if you’re going to play or not,” Bernard said. “When your opportunity comes, you just got to seize it.”

Head Coach Paul Wulff said Bernard has a “bright future.” He complimented his physicality and smarts for a first-year player.

Bernard said the defense has come “more together as a unit.”

“Communication is way better. We’re better at tackling, and we just have that want,” Bernard said.

While it was a freshman who made the game-sealing play, it came on Senior Night, the final home game for Cal Poly.

Senior defensive end Elijah Ponder, who is fifth in the Big Sky in sacks, had one sack and a quarterback hurry.

Senior receiver Michael Briscoe has been one of the team’s most reliable targets. He finished with a 30-yard reception.

Sophomore transfer quarterback from University of Mount Jackson Akins stepped into the starting role. He was the starter in last week’s game against Northern Arizona.

Akins completed 29 of his 45 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns.

“I think we have a lot of young guys that are stepping up late in the year and making some plays,” Akins said.

He was happy the team was able to send off the seniors with a win in their last home game.

Akins found 10 different receivers. Logan Booher had seven receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior Giancarlo Woods made six grabs for 52 yards.

The Mustangs’ offense, which put up 369 total yards, consistently worked itself into scoring position. Kicker Noah Serna converted all four of his field goal attempts.

Wulff pointed out that in their previous four games, the Mustangs lost to ranked opponents.

“We’re learning how to play at that level,” Wulff said. “We have to continue to grow where we are as a program, but it’s going to take games like this when you’re playing good teams, but you find ways to win those.”

The Mustangs last game is next week against Weber State.