The Portland State football program has released its' 2008 football schedule, featuring eight Big Sky Conference games and three regional non-conference opponents, including Washington State of the Pac-10. PSU will have five home games and six road contests.

Head Coach Jerry Glanville will have his second go-round with the Viking program in 2008. He plans to improve on the 3-8 record of 2007, including 3-5 in the Big Sky Conference. Glanville, who introduced his first recruiting class of 30 on Wednesday, will lead Portland State into the season on Aug. 30 when the Vikings host NCAA II Western Oregon at PGE Park. It will be the first meeting with the Wolves program since 1977, and the first football game played on the new FieldTurf surface currently being installed.

Following an open week, Portland State plays its final two non-conference games on the road. PSU travels to UC Davis on Sept. 13. The Vikings will play in the brand new Aggie Stadium, facing UC Davis for the fourth time in five years. Last year, the Aggies won in Portland for the first time, 26-17.

On Sept. 20, Portland State goes to Pullman, WA for a first-ever meeting with Washington State. The Viking program has previously played Oregon, Oregon State and California from the Pac-10.

Big Sky Conference play opens on Sept. 27 at Sacramento State. The Vikings will take an eight-game winning streak over the Hornets to Sacramento (including a 35-24 decision last season).

Another conference opponent the Vikings defeated last year, Eastern Washington, will come to PGE Park for the Big Sky home opener on Oct. 4. The Eagles were 9-4 last year and reached the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals.

Other Big Sky home opponents in 2008 include Idaho State (Oct. 25), Montana (Nov. 8) and Northern Colorado (Nov. 22). The contest with the Grizzlies is always the feature game on the schedule. Montana was ranked in the top five in the nation for the entire 2007 season, going a perfect 11-0. The Grizzlies were upset in the opening round of the playoffs by Wofford. Last year, the Vikings played Montana tough, losing in Missoula, 34-31. The 2006 game in Portland drew 13,156 fans ? the largest PSU crowd since 2001.

The other three Big Sky Conference road games include Northern Arizona (Oct. 11), Weber State (Nov. 1) and Montana State (Nov. 15). PSU also has an open week on Oct. 18.

Kickoff times, television and radio schedules will be announced at a later date. 2008 Viking season tickets will go on sale on Monday. For information, or to purchase tickets, fans can call 503.725.5627.

2008 PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE