Portland, OR - The fifth-ranked Eastern Washington Eagles captured their third straight Big Sky Conference Championship with a 56-34 win over Portland State in the regular season finale at Providence Park. 

The Eagles totaled 494 yards of offense, forced five turnovers and returned an interception and kickoff for touchdowns to overwhelm the Vikings. PSU, trailing 14-0 midway through the second quarter, rallied behind quarterback Kieran McDonagh to tie the game at 14 before halftime and close to 21-20 in the third quarter.

But the Eagles scored 42 second-half points. They were led by All-American quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns while running for another 39 yards and a score.

Eastern Washington also got a boost from third-strong running back Jabari Wilson, who rushed 24 times for 132 yards and three touchdowns. He entered the game with only 47 yards on the season.

Still the Vikings outgained the Eagles with 522 yards of offense. McDonagh threw for 274 yards and tied a career-high with four touchdown passes. 

The difference in the game for the Eagles in an otherwise evenly played game was turning PSU's first four turnovers into 28 points.

Eastern Washington finished the regular season at 10-2 overall, 7-1 in the Big Sky. Montana State can tie the Eagles at 7-1 with a win over Montana on Saturday, but EWU takes the automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs by virtue of an earlier win over the Bobcats.

Portland State completes its season at 3-9, 2-6 in the Big Sky. The Vikings lost four of their six Big Sky games by a single possession. 

PSU was down only 42-34 with 6:36 to play after Stevie Coury caught his second touchdown pass of the night from McDonagh. A defensive stand would have given them a chance to catch the Eagles.

However, Eastern's Shaq Hill returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. Defensive back Tevin McDonald tacked on a pick-six for the Eagles in the late-going to complete the scoring.

"We played hard like we always do. We did some good things like we always do, and we did a few silly things," said Viking Coach Nigel Burton. "But you have to tip your cap to Eastern, they are a heck of a football team. They will represent the Big Sky well in the playoffs. There is no question."

McDonagh threw 41-yard TD passes to both Alex Toureen and Thomas Carter late in the second quarter. Toureen and Carter each had eight receptions on the game for 96 and 91 yards, respectively.

Senior Shaq Richard led the Viking running game with 13 carries for 64 yards and a score.

Xavier Coleman had nine tackles and two pass breakups to lead PSU's defense. Aaron Sibley made his second interception of the season on an Adams' pass in the third quarter.

GAME NOTES: The Eagles have beaten the Vikings three straight times… PSU finishes the season 2-3 at home… the Vikings also lost their last four games overall… Steven Long had a Viking season-best 91-yard kickoff return in the third quarter. That set up Shaq Richard's TD run. Long had 193 kick return yards in all and rush for 60 yards on 10 carries.