COMPLETE GAME STATISTICS

Tempe, AZ - Portland State took one on the chin in its season-opener losing to Arizona State, 54-9, on a 100-degree night at Sun Devil Stadium.

The Vikings got off to a good start, forcing Arizona State to a three-and-out on the Sun Devils' first possession. Then, starting quarterback Connor Kavanaugh drove PSU to a 42-yard field goal and a quick 3-0 lead.

ASU running back Cameron Marshall answered with a pair of long touchdown runs of 50 and 38 yards. The Sun Devils tacked on a safety and led 16-3 at the end of the first period.

Viking kicker Zach Brown kicked a career-long 53-yard field goal in the second period, pulling PSU within 16-6.

ASU added two more scores before halftime to take a 30-6 lead into the locker room. Marshall had just four carries in the first half, but they went for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

The Sun Devils defense, tops in the Pac-10 in 2009 and expected to be just as good this year, shut down the Vikings, allowing just 83 yards by halftime. Meanwhile ASU, ran up 341 yards of offense.

Following a quick ASU touchdown in the third period, Brown came back with another field goal - this time from 47 yards. It came after the Vikings' biggest play of the game, a 62-yard pass from Kavanaugh to Ray Fry.

But ASU's speed was too much on both sides of the ball as the Sun Devils eased to the win and ended a six-game losing streak.

Arizona State outgunned the Vikings 553-263 on offense as each team ran 66 plays. The Sun Devils had the element of the big play that the Vikings did not possess.

Kavanaugh completed 12-23 passes for 146 yards. Tygue Howland completed 6-14 passes for 63 yards and two interceptions.

The Vikings managed just 54 rushing yards against the Sun Devils speedy defense.

"We knew it was going to be a challenge," said Viking Coach Nigel Burton. "Arizona State has a great defense. They have got some guys.

"With a guy like Connor Kavanaugh, he is used to being able to escape the pocket. He can see a linebacker, shake him down and go. He wasn't able to pull away from these guys."

Brown's three field goals made him the star of the game as he now has made 21-28 in his 12-game Viking career.

Junior cornerback DeShawn Shead made six tackles, had two for losses and a sack. Sophomore linebacker Joel Sisler had an interception.

GAME NOTES: The game marked the fourth time in six seasons that Portland State has opened on the road at an FBS school… it was the first game in the head coaching career of Nigel Burton… Brown's field goal of 53 yards tied for second longest in school history. The record is 55 yards by Pat Moore. Brown is 3-6 in 50+ yard field goals in his career… PSU has lost six straight games dating to last season… Portland State plays at UC Davis on Sept. 11. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 6 p.m.