Vikings Host Sacramento State in Big Sky Opener

Sacramento State is 0-1 on the season, with an opening 24-3 loss at Fresno State of the Western Athletic Conference.

Jordan Brown (31) and Jerry Glanville get ready for the Hornets this Saturday. Photo courtesy: Portland State Athletics

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland State Vikings open their Big Sky Conference season this Saturday at PGE Park.

PSU hosts the last Big Sky team they played in 2006, the Sacramento State Hornets, in a 6:05 p.m. game.

PSU won last year’s season-finale in a defensive struggle, 13-7.

The Vikings (0-2) will try to overcome a second-straight disappointing loss, as UC Davis spoiled PSU’s home-opener, 26-17, last Saturday.

The Vikings had led 17-3 in the second period, but the second half was all Aggies.

Portland State was 6-2 and tied for second place in the Big Sky Conference in 2006.

The Vikings, now in their 12th year as a member, still seek a first-ever Big Sky title.

In 11 previous seasons, the Vikings have four second-place finishes, two thirds and two fourths.

PSU has dominated Sacramento State, winning seven straight in the series, 12 of 13 and 17 of 19.

The teams have played every season since 1983, with the exception of 1993.

The Vikings have beaten the Hornets nine straight times at PGE Park.

Sacramento State is 0-1 on the season, with an opening 24-3 loss at Fresno State of the Western Athletic Conference.

The Hornets come off a 4-7 season, 4-4 in the Big Sky.

Sac State’s last winning season was a 7-4 campaign in 2000.

As the only Big Sky Conference game being played this week, the winner gets the early lead in the Big Sky title chase and bid to the NCAA I FCS playoffs.

BIG SKY STREAK

Portland State will go after a fifth straight win in league play.

The Vikings won their last four Big Sky games in 2006.

PSU has gone 42-41 in 11 seasons of Big Sky games, but never won more than four in a row.

The four-game Big Sky winning streak includes two home wins and two road wins (34-13 vs. ISU, 34-0 vs. EWU, 34-26 @ NAU, 13-7 @ SAC).

LAST YEAR

Portland State won a grind-it-out game in Sacramento, 13-7, in the season finale.

The Vikings got 140 rushing yards from Mu’Ammar Ali, but the defense was the difference once again.

PSU held the Hornets to five rushing yards and just 183 total yards of offense.

The Vikings forced three turnovers and had six sacks.

LB Adam Hayward had 10 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble and was named National Defensive Player of the Week.

GAME DAY ACTIVITIES

• The Ultimate Tailgate party, sponsored by Coors Light, will take place at every home game, beginning two-and-a-half hours prior to kickoff. It takes place on SW Morrison between 20th and 21st avenues. Food, beverages and live entertainment will be available.

• Game Day Sponsor Les Schwab will distribute 3,000 thunderstix to Viking fans.

• The Centennial High School Marching Band will perform at halftime.

TICKETS

Tickets for Saturday’s game can be purchased in prices ranging from $12 to $35. Groups of 15 or more get special admission prices.

To purchase tickets by phone, call 1-888-VIK-TIKS or 503-725-3307.

Tickets are on sale at the PSU ticket office, located in Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway.

You can also purchase tickets on-line at www.GoViks.com.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TELEVISION None

RADIO Saturday's game can be heard on AM 910 KTRO and on the internet at www.am910ktro.com. Tom Hewitt (play-by-play) and Mike Lund (analyst) call the action. The pregame show begins at 5:00 p.m.

INTERNET Live video stream (for a fee) and radio available at www.bigskytv.org.

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