Colorado State hits last-second field goal for win

Updated: Sep 6, 2008, 10:14 pm

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Mike Pagnotta recovered a late fumble and freshman kicker Ben DeLine hit a 20-yard field goal with no time remaining, lifting Colorado State to a 23-20 win over Sacramento State on Saturday.

DeLine also connected on a 36-yard field goal to tie the game with 1:29 remaining.

After the Hornets got the ball back, James Morehead broke through the line and nailed tailback Evander Wilkins, jarring the football loose. Pagnotta jumped on the football, setting the stage for DeLine's game-winning kick in Rams coach Steve Fairchild's home debut.

The Rams (1-1) have now won 11 straight against Championship Subdivision foes, but this one was far from easy.

Tony Washington caught seven passes for 117 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to give Sacramento State a 20-17 lead.

Washington broke free from Rams cornerback Brandon Owens down the left sideline and cradled Jason Smith's pass as he tumbled into the end zone.

But Colorado State came right back with a time-consuming drive, tying the game on DeLine's 36-yard field goal.

Sacramento State (1-1) lost for the ninth straight time against a Bowl Subdivision team, a streak spanning 17 years.

Billy Farris threw for 321 yards and Rashaun Greer caught nine passes for 152 yards. Kory Sperry had five catches for 62 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown in the first half.

Bryan Hilliard didn't play in the second half due to a shoulder injury. Hilliard had his string of four straight 100-yard games snapped, finishing with 39 yards on eight first-half carries.

Evander Wilkins had to pick up the slack, finishing with 14 carries for 57 yards.

Smith threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

The Rams took their first lead of the game early in the third quarter when Gartrell Johnson plowed into the end zone from a yard out, giving Colorado State a 14-10 lead.

Juan Gamboa connected on a 31-yard field goal early in the second quarter and Kyle Hill hauled in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Smith on a fourth down play during the opening drive, giving Sacramento State a 10-7 lead at halftime.