Causeway Classic Preview

Teams: UC Davis vs. Sacramento State

Records: Aggies, 3-7; Hornets, 4-6

Where: Hornet Stadium

When: Saturday at 1:05 p.m.

Who to watch: If you’re the type of person who gets nostalgic after a long football season, keep you’re eye on the 14 seniors who will be playing their last game in UC Davis blue and gold.

If you’d rather look toward next season, watch junior defensive end Bobby Erskine.

One of four team captains, the San Diego native has been a constant presence on Aggies’ defensive line for three years, playing in 29 of the last 32 games.

This year Erskine leads the team with 9.5 tackles for loss and has also recorded 2.5 sacks.

Asked about his recent success — 5.5 tackles for loss in the last two games — Erskine attributed it to consistency.

“Nothing’s really changed,” he said. “Our mindset has been the same, just busting our butts. I’ve struggled with some injuries, just trying to come back from those and staying healthy [is key].”

Did you know? UC Davis and Sacramento State will once again be conference opponents next year when both football teams join the Big Sky Conference. The Aggies and Hornets were last in a conference together in 1993 when both teams played in the American West Conference.

Preview: There’s a lot to think about as the Aggies prepare to play their last game of the 2011 season.

The team’s 3-7 record comes to mind, along with the struggling offense that ranks 103 out of 120 FCS teams.

There’s also coach Bob Biggs, who has never lost eight games in a season in his 19 years as head coach, and the seniors, who, more than anything, want to finish their careers with a win at the home of their cross-town rivals.

It’s not just the seniors that want this win, though. Rivalries bring out the fight in everyone, from the scout team on up, offense and defense.

“I don’t hate those guys but I don’t like them,” Erskine said. “A lot of [our] guys were recruited at Sac State and Davis and we…” he said, trailing off, wary of the microphone.

“There’s nothing more fun than a cross-town rivalry.”

For the first time this year the Aggies may have a new starter at quarterback on Saturday after Randy Wright picked up an ankle injury at the end of last week’s game.

Should Wright not be able to play, Biggs will turn to redshirt freshman London Lacy.

The 6’3” 200 pound Lacy has played only three games this year, completing two of two passes for 36 yards.

“I feel very comfortable with [Lacy] playing,” Biggs said.

Wright’s injury is just one of many that UC Davis has dealt with this season. The team lost key offensive weapons across the board early in the season, including wide receivers Stephen Dunstan and Alex Cannon and running back Nick Aprile.

“We’re decimated, we really are,” Biggs said. “This time of year it’s expected but it seems like this year it’s been rough. That’s why you have a team.”

Senior running back Josh Reese has also had injury problems this year. He will be back in the line-up on Saturday after missing his senior day due to injury.

On the other side of the ball, the Aggies aren’t sure who will be quarterbacking for Sacramento State.

The Hornets have had three quarterbacks play in at least three games. Most recently, Garrett Safron was under center, leading a run-heavy offense.

If the more experienced Jeff Flemming plays for the Hornets, the Aggies will expect to see more a more passing attack.

“We’re preparing against what they do,” Biggs said. “Game day we’ll figure who’s playing and who’s not playing.”

You can follow CAELUM SHOVE on twitter @CaAggieFootball or you can e-mail him at sports@theaggie.org.