PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS (0-1) at WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS (0-1)

Saturday, September 11, 2021, 3 p.m., Martin Stadium (32,952), Pullman, WA
TELEVISION: Pac-12 Network • Play-by-play: Greg Heister • Analyst: Lincoln Kennedy
LIVE STREAMING VIDEO: pac-12.com/football/event/2021/09/11/portland-state-washington-state
LIVE AUDIO: wsucougars.com/sports/2016/8/16/live-audio.aspx
LIVE STATS: www.ViksLive.com

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All-Time Series: Washington State leads 2-1 (all games in Pullman)
2008, Washington State 48, Portland State 9
2014, Washington State 59, Portland State 21
2015, Portland State, 24, Washington State 17

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STORYLINES

UPSET-REMINDED: The last time the teams met, in 2015 at Martin Stadium, the Vikings pulled a huge upset, 24-17. It was a first-ever PSU win over a Pac-12 program.
VIKINGS vs. THE FBS: The Vikings are 4-41 all-time against FBS-level competition with additional wins over Hawai'i, New Mexico, Washington State and North Texas. Head Coach Bruce Barnum is 2-9 all-time against the FBS, including the win over Washington State.
SEE YOU IN THREE YEARS: The Vikings and the Cougars will meet again on Aug. 31, 2024 in Pullman.

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VIKINGS, BARNUM RETURN TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

BarnyBall was discovered on a September afternoon in Pullman, WA six years ago. The Portland State Vikings return to the scene this week to face an equally difficult challenge against the Washington State Cougars.
     
PSU and WSU will meet at Martin Stadium in Pullman in a 3 p.m. contest this Saturday. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network. The last time the teams met, in 2015, PSU pulled off a shocking 24-17 upset of the Cougars (SEE LAST MEETING below). It was the first game in Bruce Barnum's head coaching career with the Vikings.
     
Portland State won't be taking anyone by surprise this week. The Cougars are well aware of the potential of FCS programs, especially if they look across the state at last week's upset of Montana over the University of Washington.
     
The Vikings are 4-41 all-time in games against FBS programs, including 1-2 against the Cougars.
     
Portland State comes off a 49-35 season-opening loss at Hawai'i last Saturday. The Vikings spotted the Rainbow Warriors 28 points in the first quarter, but looked impressive in the last three quarters, outscoring UH 35-21. PSU had a dynamic passing game, throwing for 400 yards, even without a few of the key targets available to play.
     
Washington State took a season-opening loss at home to Utah State, 26-23. The Aggies scored a touchdown with 11 seconds left to take the win.

LAST MEETING, Sept. 5, 2015: Portland State 24, Washington State 17

Pullman, WA - As the raindrops fell on an ecstatic Viking football team, celebrating an unprecedented win over a Pac-12 opponent, the question was asked, "Has there been a better coaching debut?"
     
The college football answer would create a myriad of possibilities, but in Portland State history, it would be an emphatic, "No!" Because BarnyBall sure played well in the Palouse.
     
The Portland State Vikings rode a 24-7 second-half advantage to come from behind and knock off the Pac-12 Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. It marked the first time a Portland State team has ever beaten a Pac-12 opponent, and only the third time in program history that PSU has beaten an FBS-level opponent (now four).
     
"What a great deal for these guys. They have been working at this since last November. Everything that has been put together at this school with (then-AD) Mark (Rountree), the administration, and everyone on down. It paid off. These guys' hard work just paid off. I am happy for these kids and these coaches," said an elated Bruce Barnum at midfield immediately following his first game as a head coach.
     
The victory came only by living up to the BarnyBall mantra; hard-nosed, tough, fundamental football that won the second half and ultimately, the game.
     
PSU was dominated in the first half by a Washington State team that possessed the ball for more than 20 minutes. But the Cougars could manage only a 10-0 halftime lead. The Viking defense battled through those tough opening quarters, kept the team in the game, and even took advantage of a blocked field goal by Aaron Sibley.
     
"Our defense - that was the definition of bend and don't break. We gave them a lot of yards, then force them into a field goal," said Barnum.
     
Washington State out-gained the Vikings 274-66 in the half, with the majority coming on the first three drives. The Cougars ran 43 plays to only 19 for PSU and held the ball for 20:27 of the opening 30 minutes.
     
But PSU's first drive of the third quarter was an indicator of things to come. The Vikings ran off 10 plays for 75 yards as utility quarterback Paris Penn finished the drive with a four-yard touchdown scramble. That made it 10-7 at the 10:54 mark of the third quarter.
     
PSU's defense got a quick three-and-out, allowing the offense to take the ball back. After nine plays and 54 yards, kicker Jonathan Gonzales split the up-rights with a tying 42-yard field goal.
     
The Vikings had 150 yards in the third quarter while WSU had only 44, but more importantly PSU took momentum of the game. Behind a powerful running game led by Penn and starting quarterback Alex Kuresa, the Vikings scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
     
PSU got its first lead at the 13:06 mark of the fourth. Running back Nate Tago scored on an eight-yard run after a big Viking special teams play. When Marcus Kinsella punted down near the WSU 10-yard line, return man Kyron Priester fumbled the ball. PSU long snapper Kameron Canaday recovered the miscue, setting up the offense at the 11-yard line.
     
WSU came back to tie four minutes later. Quarterback Luke Falk completed his second touchdown pass of the game - a five-yarder to Gabe Marks. That tied the score 17-17 with 9:11 to play.
     
That's when PSU's grind-it-out style finished the job. The Vikings put together a 14-play, 69-yard drive with Penn and Kuresa alternating plays at quarterback. Steven Long finished the series with a one-yard TD run at the 2:19 mark.
     
With the Vikings up 24-17 and time running down it was up to the defense to hold. The Malik Roberson-led unit was up to the task. WSU was driving inside the final minute when Sibley picked off a Peyton Bender pass at the PSU 27-yard line. From there, PSU knelt on the ball and ran out the clock on one of the biggest wins in program history.
     
"I think our guys got their feet wet a little bit," said Barnum about his team's persevering through a tough first half. "We saw what they were doing to us. The staff made some adjustments and the kids came out hungry and ready to play (after halftime)."
     
In the end, Portland State gained 294 yards, with nearly 230 coming in the second half. PSU rushed 48 times for 233 yards. Kuresa had 16 carries for 92 yards, while Penn added 13 carries for 57 yards and a score. David Jones, Tago and Long combined for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
     
Washington State finished with 411 yards of offense, but only a third of that came after halftime. The Vikings also forced two turnovers, blocked a punt and knocked down six passes. Falk was 27-41 passing for 289 yards and two touchdowns but left the game with an injury during the final drive.
     
Linebacker Jeremy Lutali led the Vikings with nine tackles and Patrick Onwuasor made eight stops.

SCOUTING THE COUGARS

Washington State, led by second-year Head Coach Nick Rolovich, will be looking to bounce back from last week's home loss.
     
Max Borghi led the running game with 86 yards and a touchdown for WSU against Utah State. Included was a 64-yard TD run.
     
Quarterbacks Jayden de Laura and Jarrett Guarantano combined to complete 20-35 passes for 211 yards and one touchdown.
     
Washington State totaled 355 yards of offense and allowed 439 yards to Utah State.
     
The Cougars come off a 2020 season in which they were limited to only four games (1-3) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HAWAI'I/WASHINGTON STATE CONNECTION BRINGS HAPPY MEMORIES

Portland State opened its season at the University of Hawai'i on Sept. 4. It was the first meeting between the schools in 21 years. It was also a return to the scene of one of the greatest wins in PSU history.
     
The Vikings beat the Warriors, 45-20, on Sept. 9, 2000, marking a first-ever win over a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program in school history. It was no small feat as Hawai'i was coming off a Mountain West Football Conference Championship and Oahu Bowl title in 1999. PSU's 2000 team went on to go 8-3 and reach the FCS playoffs.
     
The Warriors Head Coach in 2000 was June Jones, a Portland State Athletics Hall of Famer from his days in the 1970s leading the Run-and-Shoot offense of Mouse Davis. Jones' quarterback in that game? Nick Rolovich, one of Hawai'i's all-time greats… which leads us to the Vikings' second game this season, a Sept. 11 contest at Washington State. The Head Coach for WSU? Nick Rolovich.
     
PSU's last meeting with the Cougars came in 2015 – Bruce Barnum's first game as Head Coach of the Vikings. You might remember that one, a 24-17 Viking win, marking a first-ever victory over a Pac-12 school (and then-Coach Mike Leach). That WSU team went on to go 9-4 and win a Sun Bowl title at the end of the season. PSU went 9-3, reaching the FCS playoffs.
     
That means two of PSU's four all-time wins over FBS teams came against this year's first two non-conference opponents. 

IT TAKES A THIEF

All-American JR CB Anthony Adams got his season off to a familiar start at Hawai'i. Adams had a fumble recovery in the second quarter and an interception in the third quarter. His interception led to an eventual SR RB Malik Walker touchdown. That gives Adams nine career takeaways (2 FR, 7 INT). Adams led the nation in passes defensed at the FCS level in 2019 (5 INT, 19 PBU). Robert Wagner would be proud (old-time TV fan reference). 

WIDEOUT PRODUCTION

Portland State figures to have a very strong wide receiver group in 2021. That was apparent at Hawai'i, even with a few of the key members unavailable.

• FR WR Darien Chase made his presence felt with a pair of nifty sideline grabs and a total of six catches for 105 yards.
• JR WR Beau Kelly had a career-high 132 yards and a touchdown on six catches.
• FR WR Nate Bennett added five receptions for 95 yards and a score in his first career start.
• JR WR Mataio Talalemotu caught two passes for 59 yards and a 38-yard TD. He passed 1,000 career receiving yards in the game. Talalemotu now has 60 receptions for 1,012 yards and eight TDs. 

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

SR QB Davis Alexander is climbing the charts among Portland State's all-time passing leaders. And that is no small feat when you consider some of the great signal-callers that have gone through the Park Blocks. Here is an example of what Alexander achieved in the opener at Hawai'i - the 27th start of his career (see page 16 of these notes for career lists).

• Alexander passed Chris Crawford (1985-87, 7,258 yards) for third place all-time in total offense behind only Neil Lomax (1977-2000, 13,345) and Jimmy Blanchard (1997-2000, 8,509) in Portland State history. Alexander now has 7,635 yards.
• Alexander threw for 400 yards, passing Terry Summerfield (1981-85, 6,501) to move into fifth all-time in Portland State history behind Neil Lomax (1977-1980, 13,220), Jimmy Blanchard (1997-2000, 8,455), Chris Crawford (1985-87, 7,543) and Drew Hubel (2007-11, 6,678). Alexander has 6,540 passing yards.
• With three passing touchdowns, Alexander is now sixth all-time with 45 in his career at PSU. He passed Drew Hubel (2007-11, 44).
• Alexander passed Kieran McDonough (2012-15, 446-837) for seventh in completions in Portland State history. He is now 465-837 in his career.
• Alexander had the seventh 300-yard game of his career. That total is tied for sixth all-time at PSU with June Jones (1975-76) and Jimmy Blanchard (1997-2000). He had his second career 400-yard game. 

DIAMONDS ON DEFENSE

Some top performances from Hawai'i by the Viking defense:

• JR CB Anthony Adams recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.
• JR DE VJ Malo had five tackles, three for losses and two sacks.
• FR LB Justice Pagan had 10 tackles and was in on two sacks to lead the Vikings. SR S Ryan Lesch added nine tackles.
• The Viking defense forced four turnovers and made four sacks in the game. 

EXTRA SPECIAL TEAMS

Vikings special teams had big performances at Hawai'i:

• FR CB Tyreese Shakir recovered a pair of fumbles. The first came in the third quarter when Shakir recovered a muffed kickoff return by the Rainbow Warriors in the endzone. Later in the fourth, when the Vikings were attempting a desperate comeback, Shakir recovered a fumbled onside kick.
• SR P Seth Vernon continues to impress. He punted five times for a 46.2 yard average. Vernon had a long of 59 yards and put three inside the 20-yard line.
• JR K Cody Williams made 5-5 extra points, extending his school-record streak to 88 in a row.

NEW VIKINGS ALL OVER THE FIELD

At Hawai'i, Portland State had six players competing in their first game as a Viking. JR OL Brandon Mello, JR CB Xavier Bell, FR CB Tyreese Shakir, JR DB Shea Carstens, SR LB Alex Lozano,  and FR CB Michael Jackson all played in their first games as Vikings. Bell and Mello each got the start.
     
Eleven Vikings had played one counting game previously last spring at Montana and thus were playing in their second career game. They include FR WR Darien Chase, FR RB Jalynnee McGee, JR TE Anthony Rodriguez, FR WR Nate Bennett, FR CB Day Day Bright, JR CB Evan Camarena, JR DE VJ Malo, JR LB Tevita Tuitavake, FR LB Parker McKenna, SO LB Levi O'Connell and JR DT Holden Williams. Among that group, Bennett, Camarena and McKenna all got the start. 

VETERANS

• CAREER GAMES PLAYED: Semise Kofe, DT, 34; Daniel Giannosa, OL/TE, 32; Nicolas Ah Sam, LB, 31; Davis Alexander, QB, 30; Noah Yunker, DE, 26; Jake Porter, DE, 25; Anthony Adams, S, 25; Brady Brick, OL, 25; Cody Williams, K, 25; Emmanuel Daigbe, OL, 23
• CAREER STARTS: Davis Alexander, QB, 27; Anthony Adams, S, 25; Cody Williams, K, 25; Beau Kelly, WR, 21; Mataio Talalemotu, 19; Nicolas Ah Sam, 18; Emmanuel Daigbe, WR, 18; Noah Yunker, DE, 17
• CONSECUTIVE STARTS: Anthony Adams, S, 25; Cody Williams, K, 25; Davis Alexander, 23; Jake Porter, DE, 16; Seth Vernon, P, 14; Beau Kelly, WR, 14