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(STATS) - Montana, Eastern Washington, FCS quarterfinalist Weber State ... surprise, the highest-scoring team in the Big Sky Conference last season wasn't one of them, it was Sacramento State.
The Hornets averaged 37.6 points, ranking fifth nationally in addition to leading the always offensive-heavy Big Sky. It was a stunning turnaround for a program that tied for last in scoring in the 13-team conference just one year earlier.
Not surprisingly, the Hornets improved by five wins to 7-4 and tied for third with a 6-2 conference record under Jody Sears, the Big Sky co-coach of the year.
As the Hornets conclude spring practice with their annual intrasquad game Friday night, their focus is squarely on qualifying for the FCS playoffs for the first time.
Quarterback Kevin Thomson returns as the offensive leader. In his first season following a transfer from UNLV, he set the school record with a 171.80 passing efficiency rating while totaling 26 touchdowns (17 passing, nine rushing) with only three turnovers (all interceptions).
He will team again with many of last year's leading skill position players, with redshirt freshman Pierre Williams expected to make a difference at wide receiver.
