Box Score
Boxscore

Portland, OR - Portland State took control early using a balanced offensive attack with solid defense to defeat Willamette, 36-10, in a non-conference game at JELD-WEN Field.

The win improved the Vikings to 4-3 on the season, while Willamette dropped to 3-4.

Portland State took advantage of an early Willamette turnover when Jamiere Abney fumbled near midfield. Connor Kavanaugh led a six-play, 43-yard drive capped off by a Shaquille Richard three-yard touchdown run.

Three minutes later, Kavanaugh connected on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Nevin Lewis. It was the first of a career-high three scoring passes for the senior quarterback. He hooked up with Justin Monahan and Richard in the second quarter, leading the Vikings to a 29-3 halftime lead.

It was all Kavanaugh would play, but he was effective, completing 9-12 passes for a season-high 162 yards. He also rushed five times for 37 yards.

The only first-half score Willamette managed was a field goal following a failed fake punt attempt by the Vikings. The Bearcats drove 14 yards, getting a 40-yard field goal from Mitch Rowan late in the half.

Drew Hubel took over at quarterback in the second half and led a quick scoring drive, hitting Kalua Noa on a 22-yard touchdown pass. That gave PSU a 36-3 lead.

Neither team could mount any significant offense after that until Willamette made its only touchdown drive of the game. The Bearcats completed an 11-play, 68-yard scoring march in the middle of the fourth quarter. Quarterback Brian Widing rushed for a nine-yard touchdown.

Portland State outgained Willamette, 485-212, in the game. After being a run-heavy offense all year, PSU made it happen with the pass on this night, completing 14-25 passes for 255 yards and four scores. Shaquille Richard, starting in place of the injured Cory McCaffrey, rushed 22 times for 85 yards and one score to go with his touchdown reception.

Willie Griffin ran the ball 10 times for 61 yards while the Vikings totaled 230 yards on the ground.

The defense performed well, making 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and recovering three fumbles. Safety DeShawn Shead made six stops, including one for loss and forced a fumble. Linebacker Ian Sluss made five tackles, two for losses, a sack, and forced two fumbles.

GAME NOTES: It was a first-ever meeting between Portland State and Division III Willamette… the Vikings are now 3-1 at home this year… Portland State travels to face defending national champion Eastern Washington next Saturday in Cheney, WA. Game time is 1 p.m. at Roos Field. It will be televised on Comcast SportsNet in the Portland area, as well as air on Freedom 970 AM.

Audio - Lewis touchdown reception

Audio - Monahan touchdown reception

Audio - Richard touchdown reception

Audio - Noa touchdown reception