NCAA· Season 2026
Noah Kim threw for two TDs and ran for another as Eastern Michigan beat Sacramento State 28-17 in the Hornets' FBS debut.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
After a scoreless first quarter, Eastern Michigan's offence found its rhythm in the second. Kim capped a nine-play, 79-yard drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown to open the scoring. He then connected with Santonyo Isaac on a 40-yard scoring strike to make it 14-3 after a Sacramento State field goal, and Braydon Bennett's 7-yard run pushed the lead to 21-3 with five minutes left in the half.
The Hornets answered before the break. Fata Puloka sacked Kim, forcing a fumble that Xavier Williams scooped up and returned 29 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-10 at halftime.
Neither side scored in the third quarter, but Kim extended the lead early in the fourth with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Nick Devereaux, making it 28-10. Isaiah Ene's 37-yard run keyed a 75-yard Sacramento State touchdown drive that brought the Hornets within 28-17, but Carson Conklin was intercepted by Jason Marshall deep in Eastern Michigan territory on the Hornets' final possession, sealing the result.
The turning point
Eastern Michigan's 21-point second quarter built a lead Sacramento State could not fully overcome. After the Hornets pulled within 11 early in the fourth, Conklin's late interception — his only turnover of the night — ended any realistic comeback hopes. Marshall's pick deep in EMU territory with time running down was the decisive defensive play.
Key performers
Noah Kim (EMU) — The quarterback completed 27 of 38 passes for 279 yards with two touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. His command of the offence in the second-quarter flurry set the tone.
Braydon Bennett (EMU) — The running back contributed a 7-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead to 21-3, part of a balanced Eagles ground attack that complemented Kim's passing.
Carson Conklin (SAC) — The Hornets QB went 25-for-46 for 221 yards and showed resilience in leading a second-half touchdown drive, but the one interception proved costly.
Xavier Williams (SAC) — His 29-yard fumble return for a touchdown just before halftime kept Sacramento State in the game and provided a much-needed momentum swing.
Player of the match: Noah Kim — Three total touchdowns and 279 passing yards in a season-opening conference win.
By the numbers — interpreted
Eastern Michigan's 21-point second quarter stands as the decisive period — the Eagles outgained the Hornets through the air (279 yards to 221) and capitalised on their one defensive takeaway (Marshall's interception), while Sacramento State's only takeaway (Williams' fumble return) went straight for six points rather than setting up a short field. The Hornets moved the ball with 25 completions but could not match EMU's red-zone efficiency in the pivotal second quarter.
What it means
Eastern Michigan begins 1-0 in MAC play and collects its 500th all-time victory. The Eagles host San Jose State on Friday, September 4. Sacramento State, in its first season at the FBS level under new head coach Alonzo Carter, hosts Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, September 5. The result suggests the Hornets can be competitive in their new division but will need to limit big moments like EMU's second-quarter explosion.
Verdict
A controlled, professional opener from Eastern Michigan, who used a dominant second quarter to build an insurmountable lead. Kim looked sharp, and the defence made the one stop it needed when the game hung in the balance. Sacramento State showed enough on offence to suggest improvement is possible, but the step up to FBS brings a harsh learning curve.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 30 Aug 2026
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