North Dakota State vs Sacramento State Prediction 9/19/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a North Dakota State vs Sacramento State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 19th at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 3 matchup. 

North Dakota State Bison Betting Preview

The North Dakota State Bison are 3-0 this season after they defeated Air Force by a score of 38-32 last week. North Dakota State led 28-13 at halftime and 35-13 in the third quarter, but they needed to recover a late onside kick to seal the win. The Bison were out gained by a total of 386-374, went 4-12 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Nathan Hayes threw for 228 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Logan Conklin caught two passes for 57 yards and one score. Myles Mitchell rushed 15 times for 61 yards and two touchdowns in the win. 

Prior to that game, North Dakota State defeated Fordham by a score of 38-0 and Jacksonville State by a score of 33-7. The Bison have scored 36.3 points per game with 212.3 passing yards and 161.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 13.0 points against per game this season. Nathan Hayes has thrown for 598 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Myles Mitchell has rushed 36 times for 180 yards and two scores this season. 

Sacramento State Hornets Betting Preview

The Sacramento State Hornets are 1-2 this year after they lost to Fresno State by a score of 49-3 last week. Sacramento State trailed 32-0 at halftime and was outscored 17-3 in the second half in the blowout loss. The Hornets were out gained by a total of 542-262, went 3-13 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Jackson Sharman threw for 150 yards and one interception, while Onterrio Smith Jr caught four passes for 66 yards. Jamar Curtis rushed nine times for 48 yards in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Sacramento State defeated Mississippi Valley State by a score of 52-0, but lost to Eastern Michigan by a score of 28-17 before that. The Hornets have scored 24.0 points per game with 207.3 passing yards and 121.3 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 25.7 points against per game this season. Jackson Sharman has thrown for 397 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions this year. 

Why the North Dakota State Bison will win

• North Dakota State has won each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Sacramento State Hornets Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 3, Onterrio Smith Jr. has the most receptions without a receiving touchdown this season (16).

North Dakota State Bison Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 3, Marion Moore ranks T5th amongst FBS players for interceptions (2) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Sacramento State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for average point differential in second quarters this season (-8.7).
• Sacramento State ranks T130th among FBS teams for 1st downs against this season (53).
• North Dakota State ranks T9th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (60).
• North Dakota State ranks 12th among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (+12.7).

North Dakota State vs Sacramento State Prediction 

North Dakota State rolls into this matchup on a three game winning streak and they have scored 33+ points in all three of those wins. The Bison dominated Jacksonville State and Fordham in their first two games, so this should be another easy win. Sacramento State is looking for their first FBS win of the year, as they have been outscored 87-20 against Fresno State and EMU. Take North Dakota State to cover this big spread on the road.

David Racey's Pick: North Dakota State -27.5