Wednesday's short controlled scrimmage at Portland State Football practice was designed to be run-heavy so the defense had an idea of what was coming. That said, the response was still impressive, particularly from the middle linebacker spot.
 
Returning starter Parker McKenna, a sophomore from Beaverton, came in as a known quantity having led the team with 88 tackles as a freshman in 2021. On play one of the scrimmage, he reminded everyone who he was with a lightning quick tackle for loss on a Viking tailback. That set the tone for the defense for the remainder of the 30-play foray.
 
The defense made nine tackles for loss, including two sacks and a safety during that short span of a scrimmage that included open field series, coming out series (1^st and 10 from the offense two-yard line), and going in (1^st and goal from the five-yard line).
 
McKenna made five tackles in his three series, two were tackles for loss and two were for no gain. Right behind him, JR LB Isaiah Henry was just as effective with the second unit, making two tackles for loss in his first series on the field.
 
"Those two kids can run and they certainly showed it today," said Viking Defensive Coordinator Payam Saadat.
 
The effectiveness of those two in the middle not only spoke to their talent, but to the work up front by the defensive line, occupying blockers and creating lanes for them to pursue ball carriers. And also the work of the edges (corners and safeties) holding their positions to box in the running back.
 
"It's a combination of all that," said Saadat. "The way we play with speed, the scheme isn't built for vertical downhill filling of linebackers. If the d-line can't make the play, then we want to bounce it outside. Then, if the back end is fitting correctly, we can force plays and minimize the space the running back can run."
 
Saadat noted that the emphasis has been for better run defense this fall camp.
 
The Viking offense had three effective runs in the live action. Those included a 35-yard breakaway run by RS FR Treyvon Easterling, a 15-yard read-option scramble by SO QB Dante Chachere, and a physical six-yard burst into the end zone by SR RB Andrew Van Buren as he broke two tackles.
 
PSU had 20 other rushing plays that netted only 11 yards. Included in that were a pair of sacks by SR DT Moses Finau, and a safety on a coming out play by JR DT Dino Kahaulelio.
 
The Vikings will have more live plays in Thursday's practice and it is expected to be pass-focused. On Saturday, the Vikings will have a full scrimmage between 10:30-Noon.
 
SEE THE VIDEO: VIKING FOOTBALL WITH BRUCE BARNUM
OREGONIAN PREVIEW: Experienced Portland State football prepares for 2022 season: 'They love you, love 'em back a little bit' 
 
UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Thurs, Aug. 18 10:15-12:15
Fri, Aug. 19      10:15-12:00
Sat, Aug. 20     10:15-12:30, full scrimmage
Sun, Aug. 21    Off Day
Mon, Aug. 22   Off Day
Tues, Aug. 23  10:15-12:45
Wed, Aug. 24   10:15-12:45
Thurs, Aug. 25 10:15-12:45
Fri, Aug. 26      10:15-12:45
Sat, Aug. 27     10:15-12:45
Sun, Aug. 28    10:15-12:45
Mon, Aug. 29   10:15-12:45
Tues, Aug. 30  Travel to San Jose
Wed, Aug. 31   Practice in San Jose
Thurs, Sept. 1  vs. San Jose State, 7:30 p.m.
 
All Practices at Stott Community Field on the PSU Campus