Portland State Seeking First Win in Pocatello Since 1999

Portland State forced four turnovers in a 34-13 win over Idaho State as the Vikings began a four-game winning streak to conclude the 2006 season.

KJ McCrae (52) makes one of his 41 tackles this year. Photo courtesy: Portland State Athletics

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland State Vikings come off a heart-breaking 44-43 loss to Northern Arizona and a week to think about it as they prepare for their next Big Sky Conference game at Idaho State.

The Vikings, 2-1 in Big Sky play, go to Pocatello this Saturday seeking their first win in the Idaho town since 1999. Kickoff is 2:05 p.m. PT at Holt Arena.

PSU is 2-4 on the season, but won its last Big Sky Conference road game, 28-21 at Eastern Washington, on Sept 29. Following the NAU loss, the Vikings had a bye week.

The Bengals are also 2-4 on the season, 1-3 in Big Sky play after losing at Northern Arizona, 45-24, last Saturday.

The Vikings have suffered heartbreak the last three times they have gone to Pocatello, losing 23-17 in 2001, 30-20 in 2003 and 36-34 in 2005. The loss two years ago came on a 54-yard field goal by Jaret Johnson with one second left, and essentially knocked the Vikings out of post-season contention.

Last year, PSU avenged that loss with a convincing 34-13 victory at PGE Park. That marked the seventh straight season the home team has won in the series.

STANDINGS

Portland State fell out of first place two weeks ago after its loss to Northern Arizona, but the Vikings have a chance to jump back into the title chase with a win this week.

PSU (2-1) stands in a tie for third, but is just one game behind first-place and number-one ranked Montana (3-0). NAU is now 3-1 and in second place.

The conference race tightened up last Saturday when Eastern Washington (2-2) knocked off 11th-ranked Montana State (2-1), dropping the Bobcats into a tie with the Vikings.

Idaho State is tied for seventh place at 1-3 in conference play, but with another win can eclipse its’ entire win total of last year (2-9, 1-7).

Portland State was a consensus number two pick in the Big Sky Conference preseason polls. Idaho State was a consensus number eight pick.

SCOUTING THE BENGALS

Idaho State is 2-4 on the season, 1-3 in the Big Sky Conference under first-year head coach John Zamberlin.

The Bengals are 2-1 at home, with wins over Southern Oregon (37-11) and Northern Colorado (26-14), and a loss to Eastern Washington (34-7).

The Bengals have moved the ball effectively this season, averaging 403.5 yards of offense, but have thrown 13 interceptions and commited a total of 16 turnovers in six games. As a result, their scoring average is just 20.7 which ranks sixth in the Big Sky.

The quarterbacking duties have been split between freshman Russel Hill and sophomore Luke Butler. The pair have combined to complete 58% of their passes but have 13 interceptions against seven touchdowns. ISU averages 246.8 yards passing per game.

Tailback Josh Barnett currently leads the Big Sky Conference with 548 rushing yards, averaging 91.3 yards per game.

Wide Receiver Eddie Thompson is the league leader in receptions with 50 through six games. That also ranks third in the nation. He has 541 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Clyde Logan and brother Edsel Logan, also wide receivers, have combined for 32 catches and 418 yards.

Defensively, the Bengals are allowing 417.3 yards and 34.2 points per game. ISU gives up 163.2 yards rushing and 254.2 yards passing. Idaho State’s rushing defense and scoring defense each rank eighth in the nine-team Big Sky Conference.

Linebacker Ryan Phipps has a team-high 50 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. Defensive lineman Geo Simmons leads the team with three sacks, while defensive backs DJ Clark and Terrance Calloway have two interceptions each.

Head Coach John Zamberlin, formerly of Central Washington, is one of four new head coaches in the Big Sky this season.

On The Radio

You can hear the game live in Salem and Portland on 910 KTRO AM.

Source: Portland State Athletics

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