If the Portland State football team hopes to improve on its poorest showing in 27 years - a 2-9 record in 2009 - the Vikings must get better on defense. The focus is there in practice, and it is hoped the results will be there come game time.

Last year, PSU allowed 33.8 points per game, ranking 111th in the nation, and 413.2 yards per game to rank 107th.

Enter new Head Coach Nigel Burton, a former defensive coordinator, who is leading his team in the transition from a 3-4 scheme to the 4-3 that he ran at Nevada.

But more than the scheme, the Vikings need to get back to basics like playing fast and being disciplined in their assignments. So says new defensive coordinator Eric Jackson: "We are not a read and react team," he said. The Vikings' intent is "We play fast, we get vertical, we go up the field, and we are non-stop attacking. For these guys it's a lot different from what they did last year. They were pausing (reacting), then getting up the field. Or they were setting up another guy and hanging on a block.

"So now, we are re-teaching them, because it is like muscle memory. We want fast muscle memory."

Junior middle linebacker Ryan Rau returns to lead the new 4-3 scheme. He is the Vikings' top returning tackler, making 72 stops, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2009. Expect those numbers to go up in 2010.

"Ryan has great instincts," said Jackson. "He is just a natural guy (on the field). He understands how to flow over the top and get to the ball. And when he gets there he is going to make a play. He is not a guy who going to get there but can't make the play. The kid has done an unbelieveable job of getting himself there."

Rau knows his role is more important than ever in 2010.

"I have to be a leader and start calling the shots. I'm kind of the quarterback of the defense so if anything messes up, I'm the guy people are going to look at. So I have to make sure I am on top of my game," Rau said.

"I like the new defense because I am right in the middle and I can make a lot of plays. I have a good defensive line, good backers and corners to help me out. I think we are coming along but we have a lot to do before Arizona State."

Jackson acknowledges there is still a lot of work to be done. "Guys have to be disciplined in all of their assignments and do their jobs. That comes through all this practice we are doing now. You don't need to do a whole lot of different things to play great defense, you just have to do your job. If you do your job the play is going to come to you."

Rau echoes his coaches thoughts on the key to improvement. "Disciplinary stuff, remembering our assignments, staying tough, that is the biggest thing this year; being concerned about our discipline. Last year, we weren't very disciplined and that is something we have to work on."

One way that Burton and his staff are trying to improve the Viking program is through pride in the program and development of team unity. From nightly "Jeopardy" trivia games, skits and team functions, the team is growing as a unit.

"We are going from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m every day. I'm not home ever. It's straight football. It wasn't like that last year," said Rau. "I'm with my teammates the whole time. I think we are getting closer. And the closer you get, the more trust you can have in your teammates. That's what its all about - trust. Making sure you can trust the guy next to you to do his job so you can do your job."

SPEAKING OF DOING THEIR JOBS: Defensive coordinator Eric Jackson acknowledged several veterans as looking good in the early going: DT Travis Beckley, DE Carl Sommer, CB DeShawn Shead and Rau. Safeties Nathan Snow and Manoa Latu have also impressed. Returner OLBs Jaycob Shoemaker and DJ Macarthy have looked good as well.

MORE FROM JACKSON: "Faster... it's about being faster," said the Vikings new DC. At least that will be the mantra for his defense throughout preseason camp. And the example comes from the top. Said Jackson, who spent the last 10 seasons coaching at Princeton, "It has been great to be here. I have known Coach Burton a long time and he coaches like he played when I saw his first film (from his high school playing days). He was just this little squirt flying all over the place. Everything here is fast and I think that is a tribute to him. The guys are getting better every day from learning those things."

VIKING NOTES: With temperatures climbing into the 90s, Portland State took part in its first double-day practice on Friday. A high of 94 is forecast for Saturday's practice which includes the first full scrimmage beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. at Stott Community Field. More 90+ temperatures are expected next week. The hot weather should be good preparation for the Vikings' season opener at Arizona State on Sept. 4.

BACK IN GREEN: The Viking football team will have a new look, which is actually an old look, but better represents Portland State Athletics. PSU has new uniforms which include green as the dominant color once again. Gone are the all black uniforms of the past three seasons. In 2010, the Vikings will have varying combinations of green, white and black as in years past. The new green uniforms will be unveiled following Saturday's scrimmage.

BBQ TOO: Also following the scrimmage, Portland State football will host a free barbecue for all local youth and high school coaches. The event begins at 1 p.m. with the unveiling of the new uniforms.

FREE YOUTH CLINIC: Portland State football will host a free youth football clinic as part of the "Our Town, Your Team" program being undertaken by the Athletics program. The youth clinic runs Aug. 22 at 4-5:30 p.m. at Stott Community Field. Registration form here.