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Missoula, MT - Given one last chance to pull off a monumental upset, Portland State Head Coach Bruce Barnum left it all on the right foot of his kicker Cody Williams.

And Williams delivered.

The true freshman from Murrieta, CA split the uprights from 52 yards out with four seconds remaining giving the Vikings a 22-20 victory over 14th-ranked Montana on Homecoming at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

It was the longest kick of Williams career, high school or college, and it went through the left center of the sticks with plenty of room to spare. After that, the celebration was on for the Vikings.

"Everything about that was tough for Cody," said Barnum of his kicker's game-winner. "He was on the left hash which is not his favorite spot. And it was that far. Great job by that kid."

"I've been working so hard for so many years, I knew I had it in me. I'm just glad the team got me into that position," said Williams of his game-winning kick.

To say this was a big win for the Viking program would be a vast understatement. Consider:
• Portland State had never won a Big Sky Conference game in Missoula (0-9) before Saturday, and won for only the fourth time in 21 tries overall in Missoula.
• The Vikings wiped out a 10-game road losing streak and a 12-game Big Sky losing streak.
• It was the first win over a nationally-ranked opponent since the final regular season game of 2015.

"These kids work so hard. They keep fighting and believing," said Barnum. "This win is a good tattoo on them as we continue to build this back to where I want it."

The win improves PSU's record to 2-4 on the season, 1-2 in the Big Sky. Montana dropped to 4-2, 2-1.

While Williams made the big kick, it was the defense that set the stage with fine play all afternoon. The Vikings gave up only 289 yards of total offense to the Griz and, more importantly, recovered four fumbles. The biggest came in Montana's last drive when Sam Bodine recovered a Grizzlies fumble at the PSU 23 with 4:04 left in the game. The Vikings trailed 20-19 and desperately needed a winning score. 

From there, the Vikings moved 42 yards on 13 plays. On third-down-and-10 with nine seconds left, and following a Montana timeout, Williams split the uprights for the win.

The first half was all about the Viking defense. In nine first-half possession for Montana, the Grizzlies had seven punts and fumbled the ball away twice. One of the punt plays was blocked leading to a Viking field goal.

Portland State drew first blood in the game as Montana fumbled away its opening snap of the football. Defensive end Noah Yunker recovered the ball at the Montana 26. Six running plays later, Davis Alexander took it in from a yard out on a third-and-one play. The Vikings led 7-0 just three minutes into the game.

The Viking defense got a stop on the next series. When Montana tried to punt, it was blocked by Houston Barnes, who recovered the ball on the Grizzlies 14. Montana made a goal line stand and PSU settled for a 22-yard Cody Williams field goal.

In five first quarter series' Montana had a fumble and four three-and-outs. PSU harassed Dalton Sneed into 1-9 passing and the Grizzlies had -5 yards on 13 offensive plays.

In the second quarter, an exchange of fumbles eventually worked out in the Vikings favor. Williams was able to tack on another field at the 10:38 mark. The 43-yarder gave PSU a 14-3 lead.

At halftime, Montana had just 55 yards of offense, the Vikings had 181. Two Griz quarterbacks combined to complete only 2-15 passes for 19 yards.

A Viking fumble on the opening play from scrimmage in the second half set up the Grizzlies at the Viking 26. Five plays later Montana was finally on the board behind a 13-yard run from Adam Eastwood.

Later in the quarter Montana took its first lead on a six-play, 95-yard drive. Sneed completed three consecutive passes for 79 yards in the series. The final play was a 41-yard touchdown toss to Samori Toure. That had Montana up 14-13 at the 4:08 mark of the third quarter.

Dallas House then came up with an important play early in the fourth quarter, making his second fumble recovery of the afternoon. Alexander engineered a run-heavy nine-play drive to take the lead back. Sirgeo Hoffman carried five times in the drive and finished it with a one-yard touchdown run. PSU's two-point conversion attempt failed and the Vikings led 19-14 with 12:01 left in the game.

Montana put together another impressive drive to take the lead back. The Grizzlies marched 75 yards on 11 plays with Eastwood scoring on a two yard run. The Grizzlies then went for a two-point conversion in what proved to be a pivotal play. The Vikings snuffed out a sweep play that would have given Montana a three-point lead.

In the end, the Vikings won the turnover battle, four to three. The Vikings scored 19 points off those turnovers, while the Grizzlies scored only seven off turnovers.

Portland State had 390 yards of total offense and dominated time of possession 39:03 to 20:57.

Hoffman was a workhorse in the running game with 80 yards on 20 carries. He also had five receptions for 50 yards. 

Tight end AJ Ruffin caught five passes for 70 yards as he started in place of the injured Charlie Taumoepeau.

But the biggest stars were the defense and Williams. The Vikings had three sacks, five pass breakups and four fumble recoveries. And they held a Big Sky opponent under 300 yards for the second straight game. 

"No question," said Barnum when asked if his defense was the reason for the win."They put us in position to score. We won the turnover battle. The team is getting better every week and the learning curve on the defense you see more than anything. Coach (Payam) Saadat and the whole crew is doing a hell of a job."

Sneed entered the game leading the Big Sky in total offense, but managed only 122 yards passing on 10 of 28 attempts for Montana. He rushed for 37 yards on nine carries.

GAME NOTES: Williams made field goals of 22, 43 and 52 yards… Dallas House recovered two fumbles for the Vikings and Noah Yunker had a fumble recovery and a sack in the game… Kasun Jackett and Anthony Adams had eight tackles each… the Vikings were making their first appearance in Washington-Grizzly Stadium since 2013… PSU returns home to host Northern Colorado next Saturday. Game time is 2:05 p.m. at Providence Park.