Portland, OR - Somehow, some way, Portland State got the job done in its most important game of the season, beating Southern Utah, 24-23, at Providence Park.

Despite being out-gained 562-389, Portland State picked off three Thunderbird passes to stop drives deep in Viking territory. And Bruce Barnum reached into his bag of tricks for a go-ahead and eventually decisive score on a jump pass near the goal line.

The 15th-ranked Vikings were trying to remain in the Big Sky Conference title chase, but needed a win over 18th-ranked and first-place Southern Utah to do so. The Thunderbirds drew within 24-23 with 1:18 to play in the game. Winners of seven straight games going into the contest, Southern Utah Coach Ed Lamb probably figured he had nothing to lose, attempting a go-ahead, two-point conversion. But Ammon Olsen's pass fell incomplete in the end zone and that essentially ended a hard-fought battle between two of the best in the Big Sky.

"We were pretty sure he was going to go for two, and we may have lucked out a little bit, but good for the kids and good for Portland State," said an elated Barnum on the sideline at the end of the game. "That's fun. Good for these kids, they worked hard this week (to prepare). To get to eight wins by beating that football team, what a great night."

Portland State is now 8-2 on the season, and appears to be almost a shoo-in to the NCAA playoffs that begin on Nov. 28. But nothing is guaranteed and the Vikings, now 5-2 in league, still have a chance at a share of the Big Sky title next week at Eastern Washington.

Southern Utah remains in first place, but drops to 7-3 on the season, 6-1 in the Big Sky.

Eastern Washington, Montana, and Northern Arizona are all 5-2 in conference play.

The Viking offense put together a first-quarter scoring drive to jump on top 7-0. Alex Kuresa wrapped up a 73-yard drive with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Thompson.

The Thunderbirds came back with 10 points before the end of the quarter on a 42-yard field goal, then a 53-yard TD pass from Olsen to Mike Sharp.

A 39-yard field goal by PSU's Jonathan Gonzales early in the second quarter tied the game at 10-10.

Portland State finally broke a big play when Kuresa tossed a 73-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Carter III. That gave PSU the lead back at 17-10. An interception late in the half by Viking safety Patrick Onwuasor at the goal line stopped the Thunderbirds' effort at a tying score.

The Thunderbirds came back to tie the game late in the third quarter on a 10-play, 86-yard drive. A 38-yard sweep by Mike Sharp was the key play on a third-and-12. Later, Levi Te'o scored on a seven-yard run and it was 17-17.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Vikings went old school using a jump pass from the seven-yard line. Quarterback-converted-to-fullback Kieran McDonagh took a Kuresa handoff, approached the line, then leapt and tossed it over the scrum to a releasing Thompson, who was all by himself in the end zone. That had PSU up 24-17 with 14:54 to play.

Southern Utah missed a field goal, but was able to mount a scoring drive later in fourth quarter. Sharp caught a 14-yard touchdown pass with 1:18 to go. That's when Lamb decided to roll the dice and go for the possible win. Olsen found a receiver but the ball was dropped and PSU was able to go on to a 24-23 win.

Olsen passed for 384 yards on the game, but had three costly interceptions. Besides Onwuasor, Xavier Coleman made two interceptions as the T-Birds were driving. Portland State also had nine pass breakups in the game as Olsen completed 28-47.

Kuresa completed 12 of 20 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. McDonagh threw for the third score and rushed for 22 yards on four plays. Carter led Viking receivers with four catches for 88 yards. Thompson had just two catches, but both resulted in touchdowns.

Most importantly, the Vikings did not turn the ball over against a team that led the nation in turnovers forced (25) and turnover margin (+21).

Beau Duronslet had a team-high 11 tackles for the Viking, made a sack and broke up three passes. Coleman had three pass breakups to go with his two interceptions.

GAME NOTES: Patrick Onwuasor's interception was his ninth of the season, which leads the nation. Xavier Coleman now has five picks of the year… Jonathan Gonzales made his 12th field goal of the season… PSU is now 4-0 against nationally-ranked teams this year… the Vikings are 4-1 at home… the 24-team NCAA Playoff field will be announced on Nov. 22. Portland State's regular season finale is next Saturday at Eastern Washington. Kickoff is 2:05 p.m. The game will air on Rip City Radio 620 AM.