Boxscore – HTM | PDF
 
Boise, ID – Boise State asserted itself in the second quarter and took control of the game against a feisty Portland State team Saturday at Albertsons Stadium. That led the 22^nd-ranked (FBS) Broncos to a 45-10 victory over the Vikings.
 
PSU dropped to 1-2 on the season with the loss. Both losses have come to FBS programs. Boise State improved to 3-0 and likely will move up in the rankings next week.
 
Boise State out-gained the Vikings 491 to 244 in the game. The Bronco defense, which has been excellent so far this season, was able to get to Viking quarterbacks for six sacks and make 10 tackles for loss. PSU was also hindered by 12 penalties in the game.
 
"I liked how my team hung in early. But, there was some frustration that set in on our side and we got sloppy with penalties. We know playing a team of that caliber we can't make those mistakes," said Viking Coach Bruce Barnum. "There are positives. The turnover battle we won, there are other positives as well. I know one thing; there are over 250 Division I football teams in this country and Boise State is ranked number 22 for a reason."
 
Just like at Arkansas, the Vikings' other FBS opponent this season, Portland State started fast. The Vikings took their opening offensive drive for a score. Sophomore kicker Cody Williams hit on a 26-yard field goal for an early lead. The kick was set up by a 52-yard option run by Beau Kelly.
 
Boise State had an immediate answer. Bronco wide receiver John Hightower took the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. Just like that the Broncos were ahead 7-3.
 
Boise State was up 14-3 when the Vikings hit on another big 52-yard play. Quarterback Davis Alexander found a streaking Mataio Talalemotu down the middle of the field and the sophomore wide receiver took it in for the score. That made it 14-10 by the end of the first quarter.
 
After the opening fireworks, there were four straight empty possessions by the teams into the middle of the second quarter. Boise State finally got control of the game with a five-play, 77-yard scoring drive. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier tossed a 23-yard TD pass to Hightower and the Broncos were ahead 21-10. The Broncos added another touchdown just before half on a Bachmeier pass and it was 28-10.
 
After a good first quarter for PSU, the Broncos ended up out-gaining the Vikings 294-180 in the half.
 
Boise State added another touchdown midway through the third quarter, and at 35-10 the Vikings were out of it.
 
The Broncos stifling defense that gave Florida State and Marshall fits in the second halves of their first two games, was just as challenging for the Vikings. PSU managed only 64 yards after halftime.
 
Bachmeier completed 16 of 25 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos totaled 341 yards passing and four passing touchdowns overall. Hightower caught four balls for 79 yards and a score.
 
Alexander completed 11-23 passes for 133 yards and one score. His main target was Talalemotu who had five receptions for 78 yards. Kelly's 52 yards led the run game.
 
Safety Ryan Lesch had eight tackles to lead the Vikings, and intercepted a pass in the second quarter. It was the second pick of his career. Defensive end Shawn Richard was in on two sacks.
 
GAME NOTES: Portland State and Boise State were meeting for the first time since 2005… SR TE Charlie Taumoepeau did not play in the game due to hamstring tightness… the Vikings return home to host Eastern Oregon next Saturday. Game time is 2:05 p.m. at Hillsboro Stadium.