Greeley, CO – The hope of a satisfying conclusion to the season for the Portland State Vikings faded with the late fall sunset on the chilly Colorado plateau. Northern Colorado had just enough to hold off Portland State, 24-13, at Nottingham Field.
 
The game mirrored the Vikings season; moving the ball between the 20s, but a costly turnover. Getting several good defensive stands with four three-and-outs, but giving up four chunk plays. And a handful untimely penalties.
 
Portland State out-gained Northern Colorado 326-309 in the game, but of the five drives that penetrated Northern Colorado territory the Vikings managed only 13 points. Meanwhile, the Bears punted seven times and were only 2-10 converting third downs, but still came up with 24 points.
 
"Between the 20s we were good but we didn't cash them out," said Vikings Coach Bruce Barnum "I liked the way were able to create yards on the ground with Delon (Thompson) and Tyrese (Smith) and the fly sweep stuff.
 
"To me it would have been a helluva game if both teams were penalty-free. For us they cropped up at times we can't have them – on a touchdown, on a big first down – some critical situations. We couldn't get out of our own way at times with penalties."
 
PSU ends the season at 1-11 overall, 1-7 in Big Sky Conference play. UNC finishes at 4-8, 2-6.
 
Portland State had a solid first quarter. The Vikings scored on their first possession with wide receiver Cru Newman taking a fly sweep in from three yards out. PSU's defense held the Bears to three-and-outs on their first two possessions and forced three punts in the period.
 
The Bears were able to tie the game early in the second quarter. Running back Justin Guin broke away from 44 yards out with 11:30 to go in the half.
 
PSU appeared to have a solid answer. With 8:07 remaining in the half, the Vikings took possession of the ball at its own 20-yard line following a punt. Masterfully, they marched downfield, converting a pair of third downs and a fourth-down play. A 30-yard touchdown pass was called back by a penalty. Then, after running 15 plays and 6:16 off the clock, they were undone by an interception. The Bears' Zach Nowatzke returned the ball to near midfield.
 
It took UNC only five plays to find the endzone, and with it a 14-7 halftime lead. Northern Colorado had 135 total yards at the break, with 77 coming on two plays. PSU's defense had forced three three-and-outs and four punts. The Vikings had 128 total yards and one costly turnover.
 
Portland State opened the second half by driving for a field goal. Mathias Uribe kicked a 44-yarder to narrow the margin to 14-10.
 
Northern Colorado came right back with a seven-play, 75-yard drive. Kieryus Boone had a big 35-yard carry, then Mathias Price scored a moment later from three yards out.
 
PSU drove 49 yards on its next series but was stopped on the Northern Colorado 26. Another field goal attempt, to pull within one, was blocked. The Bears were unable to score off the block, but another lengthy PSU drive came away with no points.
 
The Vikings' defense got two more stops in the fourth quarter. Finally, the Vikings got more points with a 37-yard field goal from Uribe. There was just 3:43 to go and with the score 21-13, PSU needed another immediate stop.
 
They didn't get it. UNC managed a first down, then got a 59-yard breakaway run that sealed it for the Bears. They tacked on a field goal in the closing seconds.
 
Thompson led the Vikings with 60 rushing yards on 14 carries. Smith had 56 yards on 19 carries.
 
Terence Loville caught five passes for 48 yards and Newman had six catches for 46 yards.
 
The Vikings had 163 yards rushing and 163 yards passing.
 
Safety Isaiah Green had a team-high seven tackles on defense. Linebacker Jaxton Helmstetler made five tackles with one tackle for loss.
 

GAME NOTES

• Mathias Uribe made his 13^th consecutive field goal in the third quarter. But a later field goal was blocked. The 13 in a row is a PSU school record. He  went 2-3 overall and finished the season 14-18 on field goals.
• PSU's defense gave up the fewest yards of the season (309) and second-fewest points (24).
• Northern Colorado's win ended a five-game losing streak to the Vikings.