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Corvallis, OR - Get the game to the fourth quarter… get it to the final play. Give yourselves a chance.
The Vikings did all of that on Saturday at Reser Stadium and nearly made history. But it was not be as Oregon State held off Portland State's drive in the final seconds, winning 35-32, on a hot, steamy day.
Portland State controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the game, totaling 515 yards, including 291 rushing yards. Oregon State gained 389 yards, and the Viking defense did a good job of corraling star running back Ryan Nall, who managed just 59 yards on 16 carries.
But three turnovers and an inability to convert an extra point on their first two touchdowns proved costly for the Vikings. The Beavers only scored seven points off PSU's three mistakes, but one came in the red-zone on a handoff. A second costly error was failing to score any points on a first-and-goal situation from the OSU one-yard line in the second quarter.
To the Beavers' credit, trailing 32-28 inside the final three minutes, they were able to mount a go-ahead touchdown drive. Quarterback Jake Luton hit receiver Isaiah Hodges on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 1:08 to play. It was the culmination of a seven-play, 77-yard drive. OSU led 35-32.
The Vikings tried to counter in the closing seconds. With senior Josh Kraght at quarterback due to an injury to starter Jalani Eason, they almost pulled it off. Kraght led the previous scoring drive that put the Vikings ahead 32-28. He rushed five times for 26 yards and completed two passes for 30 yards in that series.
But now it was crunch time. Again Kraght was effective, gaining 24 yards on three carries and completing two more passes for 29 yards. That left the Vikings at the OSU 29-yard line with three seconds remaining. Due to PSU's early kicking difficulties, Head Coach Bruce Barnum went with a backup on a 46-yard field goal attempt to tie the game. Redshirt freshman Graycen Kennedy had the distance, but was wide right by a mere two feet. Oregon State won the game.
Still there was nothing for the Portland State players to hang their heads about, playing up against an FBS opponent from the Pac-12. The Vikings were better offensively than week one, and the defense again kept them in the game early, forcing four three-and-outs in the first half.
"They were tough, mentally and physically," said Viking Coach Bruce Barnum. "There was a lot of adversity out there with momentum changes, a couple turnovers. But the defense responded to that. And then the offense responds with some big plays and touchdowns drives. We played some good football. I was proud of the way they responded."
Senior linebacker Beau Duronslet was a key player for the Vikings, allowing PSU to turn a 14-6 halftime deficit into a lead in the third quarter. He made an interception that led to a 10-play scoring drive, trimming the deficit to 14-12. On OSU's next series, Duronslet recovered a fumble and the Vikings scored on the very next play, a 12-yard run by Eason. That had the Vikings up 20-14 midway through the third quarter.
Oregon State came back with two quick scores and led again, 28-20. Then Eason found Kraght, who was playing slot receiver, on a 37-yard touchdown pass. It was Kraght's second long TD reception of the game. With 2:43 remaining, Kraght's one-yard run had PSU up 32-28 and set up the thrilling closing moments.
For the game, Kraght caught three passes for 82 yards and two scores. He rushed nine times for 54 yards and a touchdown, and completed 4-9 passes for 59 yards. Kraght's play under pressure in the late-going was most impressive, considering he had not been taking snaps in practice for the past three weeks.
"He's a stud," said Barnum. "He was calm, cool. If it was a little shorter field (in the end), he may have found a way to win that game. We went to Josh knowing he would give us a chance to win the game. And he gave us a chance."
Eason was 11-18 passing for 164 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions before coming out early in the fourth quarter with an injury. The freshman QB also had 11 carries for 95 yards and two scores.
Senior Za'Quan Summers led all players in rushing with 18 carries for 106 yards.
On defense, the Vikings were solid, holding a second straight FBS opponent under 400 yards. Safety Artuz Manning had a team-high 10 tackles and forced a fumble. Duronslet made eight stops and the two takeaways. Linebackers Sam Bodine and Kasun Jackett each made seven tackles.
GAME NOTES: Although just his sixth career game, Summers had his second 100-yard performance… tight end Charlie Taumoepeau had four receptions for 52 yards. He leads the team with 10 catches this season… the Vikings are now 0-5 all-time against the Beavers, 4-36 vs. FBS opponents… Portland State has a bye next week, then opens at home on Sept. 16. against UC Davis. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. at Providence Park. It will be televised on the Eleven Sports Network and air on Rip City Radio 620 AM.
