complete notes and stats in pdf

---

2015 NCAA FCS Playoffs Second Round
NORTHERN IOWA PANTHERS (8-4) vs. PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS (9-2)
Game 12 • Saturday, December 5, 2015, 7:04 p.m. • Providence Park (18,627), Portland, OR

---

TV/LIVE STREAM: ESPN 3, WatchESPN, www.espn3.com • Play-by-play: Shawn Kenney • Analyst: Forrest Conoly
RADIO: 1190 KEX (AM) • Pregame Show: 6 p.m. • Play-by-play: Tom Hewitt • Analyst: Mike Lund
INTERNET: Live stats: www.ViksLive.com
 
TICKETS: www.GoViks.com, 1-888-VIK-TIKS  • Prices: $30, $20
FRIDAY FOOTBALL LUNCHEON: Old Spaghetti Factory, 715 SW Bancroft, Noon • RSVP here

---

 DEC. 5 NCAA FCS PLAYOFF GAMES
Chattanooga (9-3) at #1 Jacksonville State (10-1), 11 a.m. PT
Citadel (9-3) at #8 Charleston Southern (9-2), 10 a.m. PT
 
Colgate (8-4) at #5 James Madison (9-2), 10 a.m. PT
Sam Houston State (9-3) at #4 McNeese State (10-0), 4 p.m. PT
 
Montana (8-4) at #3 North Dakota State (9-2), 12:30 p.m. PT
Northern Iowa (8-4) at #6 Portland State (9-2), 7 p.m. PT
 
William & Mary (9-3) at #7 Richmond (8-3), 9 a.m. PT
Western Illinois (7-5) at #2 Illinois State (9-2), 11 a.m. PT

---

 
VIKINGS HOST FIRST-EVER FCS PLAYOFF GAME
The Portland State Vikings will make just their second appearance in the NCAA I FCS post-season, and host their first FCS playoff game when the Northern Iowa Panthers come to town this Saturday.
     
The Vikings and the Panthers have never met on the gridiron, but they will play for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals on Dec. 11 or 12. PSU completed its season at 9-2, ranked fifth in the nation, placing second in the Big Sky Conference at 6-2. UNI is 8-4 this season. The Panthers were 5-3 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, tying for third, and ranked 15/14 in the final regular season polls.
 
PSU will go into the game having won its last two in a row and six of its last seven. The Vikings are 4-1 at home this season, and 5-0 against nationally-ranked opponents.
     
Northern Iowa has won six in a row and is 3-3 on the road. UNI is 5-2 against nationally-ranked opponents this year. The Panthers defeated Eastern Illinois, 53-17, in a first-round game on Nov. 28 to advance and face the Vikings.
     
The Panthers faced two Big Sky Conference schools earlier this season, winning both games. They won 38-35 at home against Eastern Washington on Sept. 12, then defeated Cal Poly at the road, 34-20, on Sept. 19.
     
Also in the FCS Playoffs on Saturday, Southern Utah lost at Sam Houston State, 42-39. Montana defeated South Dakota State, 24-17. The Griz advance to play at North Dakota State on Dec. 5. The winner of that game will play the winner of Portland State/Northern Iowa.
     
Kickoff this Saturday is 7:04 p.m. at Providence Park. The game will be available on ESPN 3 (www.espn3.com and WatchESPN). It will air on 1190 KEX in Portland and www.1190kex.com. The pre-game show airs at 6 p.m. Live stats can be found at ViksLive.com.
 
PLAYOFF NOTES
• Portland State is 12-9 all-time in NCAA Playoff games. However, they are 0-1 at the FCS level (2000). PSU went 12-8 as an NCAA II program, reaching the National Championship twice (1987, 1988). 
• PSU has never hosted a home playoff game at the Division I level. The Vikings were 12-4 in home games at the DII level.
• Northern Iowa is making its 18th NCAA FCS Playoff appearance. PSU is making its second appearance.
• The Oregon High School 6A State Championship will be taking place at Providence Park prior to the game between the Vikings and Panthers. The game features West Linn vs. Jesuit at noon.
 
SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
Northern Iowa will come to Portland State as one of the hottest teams in the nation. The Panthers have won six straight games including a 53-17 drubbing of Eastern Illinois last week in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. In their last four games, the Panthers have averaged 50.5 points per game. Over the last six, the UNI defense has held opponents to only 12.0 points per game.
     
UNI is 8-4 overall under Head Coach Mark Farley who is the winningest coach in Missouri Valley Football Conference history (128-60/78-34, 15th season).
      The Panthers have been led all season by a strong running game and run defense.  UNI quarterback Aaron Bailey has set new school records for rushing yards (1,101) and rushing touchdowns (17) by a signal caller at UNI. Tyvis Smith has added 814 rushing yards and five touchdowns to a running game that averages 228.8 per outing.
     
Overall, UNI averages 391.3 yards and 30.9 points per game.
     
On defense, then Panthers have held opponents to 341.3 yards and 19.5 points per game. They have been particularly strong against the run, giving up just 117.2 yards on the ground.
     
UNI has forced 27 turnovers while committing only 15 for a +12 margin which ranks seventh in the nation.
     
Nickelback Brett McMakin leads the the Panthers with 101 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss this year. Defensive end Karter Schult has team-highs of 20 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Free safety Deiondre Hall has intercepted six passes and broken up nine more.
 
REMARKABLY SIMILAR
• Each team relies on the run. Northern Iowa runs the football on 67% of its plays, while Portland State runs on 72% of its plays. PSU averages 257.0 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry. UNI averages 228.8 yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry.
• JR QB Alex Kuresa averages 234.3 yards of total offense pergame and is responsible for 23 touchdowns. UNI quarterback Aaron Bailey averages 218.8 yards of total offense per game and is responsible for 29 touchdowns.
• SR FS Patrick Onwuasor leads the nation with nine interceptions. UNI free safety Deiondre Hall ranks eighth in the nation with six interceptions.
• PSU has a +16 turnover margin to rank second in the nation. UNI has a +12 turnover margin to rank seventh in the nation.
• Both teams have wins over Eastern Washington and Cal Poly this season.
 
SETTING NEW STANDARDS ON THE PARK BLOCKS
• The Vikings have achieved the Division I school record for wins (9) in season.
• Portland State matched its best Big Sky Conference record (6-2).
• The Vikings are 5-0 against nationally-ranked teams in 2015 after losing the previous 21 in a row dating back to 2008.
• PSU has improved by 6 1/2 games over last season (9-2/3-9).
• Portland State set a school record with five road wins in one season, including tying a school record with four straight road wins.
• PSU ended a three-game losing streak to Eastern Washington on Nov. 21.
?• The Vikings were the only team to beat first-place Southern Utah (Nov. 14).
• PSU ended an eight-game losing streak to Montana on Oct. 31.
• The Vikings stopped a three-game losing streak to Cal Poly on Oct. 24.
• PSU ended an eight-game losing streak to Montana State on Oct. 17.
• An Oct. 10 win at North Texas gave PSU two wins over FBS teams in a season for the first time ever.
• The Vikings beat a Pac-12 team for the first time ever in a win over Washington State on Sept. 5.
• Ranked fifth in the nation entering the NCAA Playoffs, the Vikings have achieved their highest ranking since Oct. 16, 2000 (2nd).
 
BEST RECORDS IN VIKING DIVISION I HISTORY
Portland State's nine wins are the most by the program at the Division I level. Here are PSU's top regular season records as a Division I program (1977-80, 1996-present):
 
2015    9-2 (playoffs)
1999    8-3
2000    8-3 (finished 8-4 after playoffs)
1980    8-3
 
At the NCAA II level, PSU had regular season records of 9-1-1 (1987), 9-2 (1991), 8-2 (1993, 1994), 8-2-1 (1988), and 8-3 (1975, 1976, 1984, 1989).
 
VIKINGS RANKED FIFTH IN SEASON-ENDING FCS POLL
Portland State was ranked fifth in the final STATS FCS and FCS Coaches polls released on Nov. 22. It is the Vikings' highest ranking since being ranked second in the Oct. 16, 2000 poll.
 
BARNUM NAMED BIG SKY COACH OF THE YEAR, NOW A NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR FINALIST
Portland State's Bruce Barnum has gone from interim Head Coach to National Coach of the Year Finalist in just a few short months. Barnum was named the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year in a vote by his peers on Nov. 25. He is also on the FCS National Coach of the Year ballot.
     
Barnum, who took over as interim coach last November, was given a five-year contract in the middle of this season and he definitely earned it. In a season that has probably surprised all except those within the Viking program, the native of Vancouver, WA has led the Vikings to a 9-2 record and the post-season. Barnum's achievements are well-documented (see SETTING NEW STANDARDS above).
     
As the postseason beckons for a number of the finalists, a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will cast their ballots based on the regular season. The winner will be honored at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation, scheduled for Jan. 8 in Frisco, Texas, on the eve of the FCS championship game.
     
The STATS FCS Coach of the Year finalists: Bruce Barnum, Portland State; Jamey Chadwell, Charleston Southern; Rick Chamberlin, Dayton; Broderick Fobbs, Grambling State; John Grass, Jacksonville State; Mike Houston, The Citadel; Dan Hunt, Colgate; Ed Lamb, Southern Utah; Jerry Mack, North Carolina Central; Ray Priore, Penn; Danny Rocco, Richmond; Jerry Schmidt, Duquesne; John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State; Matt Viator, McNeese State; Chris Villarrial, Saint Francis
 
KURESA NAMED NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR, ONWUASOR FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG SKY CONFERENCE
Portland State Quarterback Alex Kuresa highlighted the Vikings' All-Conference selections for leading the Viking team to its best Division I season in history. Kuresa, a junior college transfer, was selected as the Big Sky's Newcomer of the Year, while senior safety Patrick Onwuasor was named first team All-Big Sky Conference.
     
Kuresa, from Millville, UT and Snow JC, took over at quarterback this season and led the Viking resurgence. He completed 115-204 passes for 1,870 yards, 16 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Kuresa also ranked second on the team in rushing with 144 carries for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. He is the third Viking in history to be named Big Sky Newcomer of the Year (Charles Dunn, 1997; Ryan Fuqua, 2001).
     
Onwuasor, a native of Inglewood, CA was the only Viking named first team All-Big Sky, and he earned it as well. Onwuasor leads the nation in interceptions this season with nine. He also has 75 tackles and two tackles for loss. Onwuasor tied a school record with three interceptions in one game and earned Big Sky Conference Player of the Week on Oct. 31.
     
Named second team All-Big Sky Conference for the Vikings were: running back David Jones, offensive tackle Kyle Smith, defensive tackle Sadat Sulleyman, defensive end Davond Dade and cornerback Xavier Coleman.
     
Jones, a converted wide receiver from Kent, WA, led the Vikings in rushing this season with 169 carries for 1,080 yards and eight touchdowns. The senior ranks fourth in the Big Sky in rushing yards and averages 6.4 yards per carry. Jones was the Big Sky Player of the Week on Oct. 17 after a 285-yard rushing game against Montana State. He has recorded the 19th 1,000-yard season in PSU history.
     
Smith, a junior from Elmira, OR, has started all 35 games of his career at left tackle. His efforts have led the Viking offense to 35.8 points and 431.8 yards of offense per game.
     
Sulleyman, a senior from Spanaway, WA, is a talent at both tackle and defensive end. He led the Vikings with 12.5 tackles for loss this season, making 38 total tackles and five sacks. Sulleyman ranks among the top 10 all-time sack leaders in Portland State history.
     
Dade, a sophomore from Los Angeles, has come on in the latter half of the season to be a starter. He leads the Vikings in sacks with six. Dade also has three pass breakups, a forced fumble and 25 tackles.
     
Coleman, a junior from Portland's Jesuit High School, leads the Big Sky Conference and the nation in passes defended this season with 18. Coleman has made five interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He has 50 total tackles on the season and was the Big Sky Player of the Week on Nov. 14.
     
The Vikings had five players named third team All-Big Sky Conference: offensive tackle Mike Davis, offensive guard Cam Keizur, kicker Jonathan Gonzales, defensive tackle Daniel Fusi and cornerback Aaron Sibley.
     
Davis, a senior from Chico, CA, and Keizur, a junior from West Linn, joined Kyle Smith in anchoring the Viking offensive line. Both have been full-time starters the past two seasons.
     
Gonzales, a junior from Apple Valley, CA, is an All-Conference performer for the second year in a row. He made 12-15 field goals and 48-49 extra points this season. Gonzales established a new record for consecutive extra points (77) and was also named Big Sky Player of the Week on Oct. 24 after kicking a game-winning field goal at Cal Poly.
     
Fusi, a senior from Santa Ana, CA, has been a key run stopper in the middle of the defensive line this season. Despite missing two games with injury, he made 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble.
     
Sibley, a senior from Decatur, GA, also battled injuries this season but performed well when available. In nine games, he had 32 tackles, seven pass breakups, a blocked field goal and an interception. His blocked field goal and an interception in the final minute led to Portland State's epic 24-17 win at Washington State to open the season.
     
Seven Vikings also earned Honorable Mention All-Big Sky: JR WR Darnell Adams (19-444-6), SO OG Randin Crecelius, JR QB Alex Kuresa, SO return specialist Kahlil Dawson (30-754-1), JR DE Michael Doman (39T, 8 TFL, 4.5 SK, 3 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF), SR LB Jeremy Lutali (86T, 3TFL, 1 SK, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 2 FF) and SR S Walter Santiago (33 T, 1 TFL, 8 PBU, 1 INT).
 
QUICK SNAPS (SUSTAINABLE AND RECYCLABLE)
 
WINS, LOSSES, AND THE BIG SKY
• Portland State is 9-2 on the season, 4-1 at home, 5-1 on the road.
• The Vikings have won six of their last seven games.
• Portland State's two losses have come by a total of five points.
• Portland State is in its 20th season at the NCAA I FCS level (1996-2015). PSU is 104-119 in all games at the FCS level. PSU is 67-40 in home games since moving to the NCAA I level, 37-79 on the road.
• The Vikings are in their 20th season as a member of the Big Sky Conference. PSU is 68-87 all-time in Big Sky games. The Vikings are 41-37 at home, 27-50 on the road in BSC games.
• With a winning season in 2015, the Vikings have nine winning records in 20 years as a member of the Big Sky Conference.
• Bruce Barnum is the Vikings fourth Head Coach in the Big Sky Conference era. Previous coaches were: Tim Walsh (1993-2006, 42-41, 90-68 all-time); Jerry Glanville (2007-09, 7-17, 9-24); and Nigel Burton (2010-15, 13-27, 21-36).
• The Vikings have never won a Big Sky title, but have now tied for second five times (four under Walsh and this year under Barnum). PSU is making its second NCAA FCS playoff appearance (also 2000).
 
STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS
• Portland State ranks second in the nation in turnover ratio (1.45) and 13th in third-down defense (.312 conversion rate)
• The Vikings are 10th in the nation in rushing offense (257.0) and fourth in yards per completion (15.97).
• SR S Patrick Onwuasor leads the nation with nine interceptions. That ranks as second-most in school history.
• JR CB Xavier Coleman leads the Big Sky Conference in passes defended (18, 13 PBUs, 5 INTs) and ranks second in the nation. He ranks second in the Big Sky and 10th in the nation in interceptions.
• JR QB Alex Kuresa ranks first in the Big Sky and fourth in the nation in yards per pass completion (16.20).
• SR RB David Jones ranks fourth in the Big Sky Conference in rushing (98.2 ypg).
• SR WR Thomas Carter III is now 10th all-time in receptions at Portland State (125).
                             
THE COMMITTEE IS BACK IN SESSION: Portland State has eight 200-yard rushing games this season. Here is a look at the Vikings' rushing "committee."
• SR RB David Jones has six 100-yard games this year. He had a career-high 285 yards on 23 carries with three TDs against Montana State (10/17). Jones leads the Vikings in rushing this season with 169 carries for 1,080 yards and eight touchdowns. His 98.2 yards per game ranks fourth in the Big Sky.
• JR QB Alex Kuresa is second on the team in rushing with 144 carries for 707 yards and seven scores. Kuresa went for a career-high 119 yards on 11 carries against Montana. That came after 101 yards against Cal Poly.
• JR RB Nate Tago has 93 carried for 362 yards and six touchdowns.
• SO RB Steven Long has 67 carries for 296 yards and five scores.
• JR UQ Paris Penn has rushed 41 times for 190 yards and four touchdowns.
• Seven different Vikings have combined for 32 rushing touchdowns.
• For the season, PSU averages 257.0 rushing yards per game to rank 10th in the nation.
 
VIKINGS ON THE RUN: PSU has passed 2,000 rushing yards as a team (2,827) for the sixth straight year under Bruce Barnum... the Vikings rushed for exactly 2,500 yards in 2014... PSU has rushed for more than 200 yards per game in each season... The top five rushing seasons in school history have come in the last five seasons (3,330 in 2013; 2,827 in 2015; 2,726 in 2011, 2,500 in 2014; 2,382 in 2012).
 
AERIAL ASSUALT: As good as PSU's running game has been, the passing attack has been dangerous as well.
• JR QB Alex Kuresa has thrown 14 touchdowns in the past seven games. For the year, Kuresa has 16 touchdown passes against just five interceptions. Kuresa ranks fourth in the nation with a 16.26 yards per completion rate.
• SR QB Kieran McDonagh threw a touchdown pass against Southern Utah, the 42nd of his career, passing June Jones (41) on PSU's all-time list.
• SR WR Thomas Carter III has a team-leading 21 receptions for 350 yards and four touchdowns. Carter has 125 receptions in his career to rank 10th all-time at Portland State. He also threw a TD pass in the win at Eastern Washington.
• JR WR Darnell Adams has 19 catches for 444 yards and six scores. His 23.4 yards per catch leads the team.
• SO WR Josh Kraght has 14 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown.
• 14 different players have caught passes this year and eight have touchdowns.
• PSU has 18 touchdown passes against only five interceptions. 
 
PROTECTING THE QUARTERBACK: The Viking offensive line has allowed 18 sacks in 11 games this season. Last year, they protected the quarterback as well as ever. PSU led the Big Sky Conference with the fewest sacks allowed on the season (10) despite throwing 423 passes. PSU has allowed only 53 sacks over 57 games the last five seasons while throwing 1,626 passes.
 
DEFENSIVE LEADERS: Portland State ranks second in the Big Sky Conference in scoring defense (21.7) behind Southern Utah. The Vikings also rank first in the Big Sky and 13th in the nation in third-down conversion defense (31.2%).
• SR SS Patrick Onwuasor leads the Big Sky Conference and the nation with nine interceptions. His three picks against Montana tied a school record for a single game. Onwuasor's nine interceptions is tied for second all-time at PSU. He had a 10th interception against Southern Utah wiped away due to penalty. The PSU school record is 10.
• SR LB Jeremy Lutali leads the team with 86 tackles this season. He is also the current career leader with 202.
• SR DE Sadat Sulleyman leads the Vikings with 12.5 tackles for loss this season. His 12 sacks for his career is tied for ninth best all-time at PSU.
• SO DE Davond Dade leads the Vikings with six sacks.
• JR CB Xavier Coleman leads the team and the Big Sky Conference with 13 pass breakups. He is also the team's career leader with 27 PBUs. Coleman ranks fifth all-time in PBUs at Portland State. SR CB Aaron Sibley ranks ninth all-time with 18 PBUs.
 
THE TAKEAWAY: Portland State has forced 28 turnovers in 11 games while committing 12 for a +16 turnover ratio. That is a far cry from last year's -12 ratio (26 turnovers/14 takeaways).
• PSU's 28 forced turnovers is the most since forcing 29 in 2008.
• Portland State's defense has made 18 interceptions after making only six picks all of last season.
• The Vikings have won the turnover battle in nine of 11  games and tied it with Montana State (one each).
 
FANCY FOOTWORK: JR K Jonathan Gonzales is having another good season after being named second team All-Big Sky Conference a year ago. So far, Gonzales has made 12-15 field goals and is 48-49 on PATs.
• Gonzales hit a 27-yard field goal with 33 seconds to play at Cal Poly (10/24), leading the Vikings to a 38-35 win. He was named Big Sky Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.
• Gonzales made 77 consecutive extra points to set a school record before missing one at Eastern Washington. That shattered the PSU record for consecutive extra points made. The previous mark was 44, set twice previously by Pat Moore (1972-75) and Zach Brown (2009-11).
• Gonzales is 12-15 on field goals this season, ranging from 19 to 51 yards. He had a streak of nine straight made before having one blocked at Cal Poly. Last year, he had a streak of eight straight field goals made.
• Gonzales leads the Big Sky in kick scoring (7.7 ppg).
• Gonzales is fifth all-time in field goals made at Portland State (29) in two seasons.
• Gonzales has two 50+ field goals in his career, ranking in the Top 10 in PSU history.
 
THESE TEAMS ARE SPECIAL: Top special teams plays this season:
• JR P Marcus Kinsella averaged 46 yards per boot against Washington State.
• JR K Jonathan Gonzales is 10-13 on field goals, including a 51-yarder.
• SR LS Kameron Canaday recovered a WSU muffed punt return at the Cougars' 11-yard line, setting up a go-ahead touchdown.
• SR CB Aaron Sibley blocked a 22-yard field goal at Washington State after the Cougars had driven 93 yards.
• SO CB Kahlil Dawson returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the win at Idaho State.
• JR K Marcus Kinsella was 7-7 with kickoffs for touchbacks against Idaho State.
• PSU snuffed out a fake punt play at Idaho State, taking over on downs.
• JR P Marcus Kinsella had five of eight punts downed inside the 20 against Western Oregon. He also had a 62-yard boot.
• SO WR Josh Kraght took a fake field goal 25 yards for a touchdown against Western Oregon.
• SO KR Kahlil Dawson averages 25.1 yards per kick return to rank fifth in the Big Sky Conference.
• SR LB Zack Berg blocked a punt against North Texas leading to a touchdown on the Vikings ensuing possession.
• JR K Jonathan Gonzales kicked a 27-yard field goal with 33 seconds remaining to beat Cal Poly, 38-35.
• JR P Marcus Kinsella averaged 48 yards per punt in a driving rainstorm in the win over Montana.
 
QUARTERBACKS APLENTY: Portland State had all four quarterbacks on the field for several plays during the Western Oregon game. The Vikings pulled the feat again for two plays against North Dakota. All four saw playing time again at North Texas, but never more than three were on the field at once. JR Alex Kuresa spends the majority of the time behind center, while SO Josh Kraght, the converted wide receiver, JR Paris Penn and SR Kieran McDonagh are frequently split wide. Penn and Kraght also took snaps against Western Oregon, while Penn and McDonagh took snaps against North Dakota and Penn, Kraght and McDonagh took snaps at North Texas... Kuresa and Penn each took snaps against Montana State, Cal Poly, Montana and Southern Utah, while Kraght passed for a two-point conversion (to Kuresa) against the Mustangs... SR QB Kieran McDonagh passed for a touchdown against Southern Utah while coming out of a fullback position... SR WR Thomas Carter, a converted high school quarterback, threw a touchdown pass against Eastern Washington... SR RB David Jones is also a converted quarterback.
 
KURESA MAKES IT SIX: JR QB Alex Kuresa became the sixth Viking on the roster to have at least one 100-yard rushing game in his career. Kuresa rushed 18 times for 101 yards and two scores at Cal Poly... SR RB David Jones had become the fifth Viking with at least one 100-yard rushing game. Jones carried 18 times for 113 yards against Idaho State. Since then, he has added four other 100+ performances... PSU has rushed for 200+ yards in seven of nine games this season... Below is a list of the top rushing games for each Viking with at least 100 yards in a game.
Alex Kuresa: 119 vs. Montana, 2015
David Jones: 285 vs. Montana State, 2015
Steven Long: 253 vs. Northern Arizona, 2014
Kieran McDonagh: 108 vs. North Dakota, 2013
Paris Penn: 112 at Oregon State, 2014
Nate Tago: 106 vs. UC Davis, 2014
 
2015 SEASON HIGHLIGHT REEL
 
A SEASON OPENER BECOMES A BARNYBALL EYE OPENER: When Portland State knocked off Washington State, 24-7, on Sept. 5 in Pullman, WA it opened the eyes of football fans not just locally, but nationally. It marked the first time that PSU had ever beaten a Pac-12 program (in 15 tries) and just the third win over an FBS opponent (in 35 tries). The win came in Head Coach Bruce Barnum's first-ever game in charge and introduced the world to #BarnyBall. PSU trailed 10-0 at halftime, but shut down the Cougars' "Air Raid" offense in the second half. The Viking offense rode a 228-137 total offense advantage in the second half to a 24-7 comeback while PSU's defense forced two turnovers. The Vikings had 233 rushing yards in all, and took the lead for good on a one-yard TD run by Steven Long with 2:19 to play. Cornerback Aaron Sibley intercepted a WSU pass with 42 seconds to play to seal the win. Sibley also blocked a field goal, broke up a pass and made four tackles. He was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
 
VIKINGS MAUL THE BENGALS: Portland State beat Idaho State in every facet of the game in a 34-14 victory at Pocatello on Sept. 12. The Vikings held the Bengals to 242 yards of offense while forcing four turnovers. PSU special teams had a kickoff return for touchdown and stopped a fourth-down fake punt play. On offense, the Vikings rushed for 236 yards. It was the first win over a nationally-ranked team since 2008, ending a string of 21 straight loss to ranked teams.
 
DAWSON'S STREAK: SO KR Kahlil Dawson streaked 94 yards on a kick return for touchdown in the Vikings 34-14 win over Idaho State (9/12). It was the first time a Viking had returned a kickoff for touchdown in five years. Dawson returned two kicks for 127 yards and was named Big Sky Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.
 
WHITEWASHING THE WOLVES: Portland State recorded its first shutout in 49 games with a 31-0 victory over Western Oregon (9/26). PSU held the Wolves to 224 yards of total offense, forced 12 punts and intercepted three passes. JR CB Xavier Coleman had two interceptions to lead the Vikings, who got off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2000.
 
TEXAS HOLD 'EM: Portland State put on one of its most impressive performances in school history in a 66-7 thrashing of North Texas (10/10). The Vikings went to the home of the Conference USA program and held it under 200 yards and out of the end zone until the final minute. PSU forced 11 punts and seven three-and-outs. The Vikings had 670 offensive yards, with 368 on the ground and 302 through the air. SR RB David Jones scored three touchdowns, rushing for 134 yards. He had a 70-yard TD run and also caught a 60-yard TD pass. JR QB Alex Kuresa completed 11-19 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns, rushed seven times for 21 yards and caught a 25-yard pass. The win marked the first time PSU has beaten two FBS teams in the same year. The 59-point winning margin was the biggest in NCAA history by an FCS school over an FBS school. It was also first time PSU had won three straight road games since 2000.
 
A RECORD RUN: Portland State rushed to a school-record 465 yards on 65 carries, defeating 16th-ranked Montana State, 59-42 (10-17). SR RB David Jones went for a career-high 285 yards on 23 carries, scoring three touchdowns. He was named Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Week as well as receiving a variety of other accolades. The Vikings scored touchdowns on their first eight possessions of the game and had a season-high 682 yards of total offense.
 
UNSTOPPABLE: Portland State had two of its best offensive performances in school history on Oct. 10 vs. North Texas and Oct 17 vs. Montana State. The Vikings totaled 1,352 yards and 125 points in the two games combined. It was the most total yards in consecutive games in school history. It was the most points in back-to-back games since PSU beat Delaware State (105-0) and South Dakota State (48-17) on Nov. 8-15, 1980.
• Against North Texas on Oct. 10 PSU had 670 yards of offense (368 rushing, 302 passing), scoring on seven straight first-half possessions in building a 45-0 lead.
• Against Montana State on Oct. 17, PSU had 682 yards of offense (school-record 465 rushing, 217 passing) and scored touchdowns on its first eight possessions of the game.
 
VIKINGS GET ON THE GOOD FOOT: Portland State pulled out a tough 38-35 victory at Cal Poly (10/24) behind a last-minute field goal by JR K Jonathan Gonzales. Gonzales had made two previous field goals in the game, but had one blocked earlier in the fourth quarter. However, Head Coach Bruce Barnum sent Gonzales out for the 27-yard game winner with 33 seconds to play. Gonzales was named Big Sky Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. JR QB Alex Kuresa had 333 yards of total offense and accounted for all four touchdowns. It was PSU's fourth straight road win, tying a school record.
 
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST: Portland State ended another losing streak to a Big Sky Conference opponent when it whipped Montana, 35-16, at Providence Park (10/31). The Vikings had lost eight in a row to the Griz, but stopped a losing streak for the third straight week (PSU had also wiped away and eight-game losing streak to Montana State and three-game losing streak to Cal Poly in previous weeks). SR S Patrick Onwuasor set the defensive tone, intercepting three Montana passes in the first quarter to tie a school record. Then SR RB David Jones and JR QB Alex Kuresa combined for 284 rushing yards and three touchdowns to lead the offense. PSU's five touchdowns came from 35 yards or longer. Onwuasor was named Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
 
TURNING THE TABLES ON TURNOVERS: Portland State beat Southern Utah at its own game in a key Big Sky Conference matchup on Nov. 14, winning 24-23. The Thunderbirds went into the contest leading the nation in turnovers forced (25), turnover ratio (+21) and fewest turnovers (4). But the Vikings made three key interceptions as the Thunderbirds were driving in PSU territory to lead to victory. Portland State did not commit a turnover in the game. Xavier Coleman had two of those interceptions, both coming at the PSU 2-yard line, to go with three tackles and three pass breakups. Coleman was named Big Sky Conference co-Defensive Player of the Week.
 
THE MAGIC NUMBER 9: Portland State set a school record for wins in a Division I season with nine after a 34-31 victory at 18th-ranked Eastern Washington (11/21). PSU ended a three-game losing streak to the Eagles, coming back from a 17-13 halftime deficit. At 9-2, PSU bettered three previous marks of 8-3 in the regular season. The win over Eastern also gave the Vikings the Dam Cup for the fourth time in five years of the Rivalry Series.
 
ROAD WARRIORS: The Vikings established a school record by winning five road games (5-1) during the regular season. The previous mark had been four, set several times. PSU also tied a school record with four straight road wins.
 
JONES JOINS THE LIST: A converted wide receiver, SR RB David Jones became a star in his first season in the backfield. Jones passed 1,000 rushing yards in the final regular season game, marking the 19th time in PSU history that has occured. With 1,080 rushing yards, Jones ranks 15th on the list. He has six 100-yard games.
 
ANOTHER FIRST FOR BARNYBALL: Portland State Head Coach Bruce Barnum was named the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year, becoming the first Vikings' coach to earn the honor in 20 seasons in the league.
 
NEW KID IN TOWN: JR QB Alex Kuresa was named the Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year after leading the Vikings to a 9-2 regular season - their best ever at the Divison I level. Kuresa conpleted 115-205 passes for 1,870 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed 144 times for 707 yards and seven scores. His leadership played a vital role in the Vikings' success... SR S Patrick Onwuasor was named first team Big Sky Conference. The Vikings had five second team choices (Kyle Smith, OT; David Jones, RB; Sadat Sulleyman, DT; Davond Dade, DE; Xavier Coleman, CB) and five on the Big Sky third team (Mike Davis, OT; Cam Keizur, OG; Jonathan Gonzales, K; Daniel Fusi, DT; Aaron Sibley, CB).