San Diego State Explodes on Portland State, 52-17

SDSU QB Kevin O’Connell rolled up 275 yards and four touchdown passes in the first half alone.

Portland State senior QB Brian White threw for a career-high 408 yards Saturday at San Diego State. Photo courtesy: Portland State Athletics

SAN DIEGO - Two fireworks shows took place at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday night, one during the football game, and one afterward.

San Diego State quarterback Kevin O’Connell ignited the first fireworks show, tossing five touchdown passes and throwing for 443 yards to lead the Aztecs to a 52-17 win.

The Aztecs got off to a good start, scoring on their first two series’ of the game. O’Connell threw a pair of touchdown strikes to give San Diego State a 14-0 lead.

Viking quarterback Brian White responded by leading the Vikings on an 11-play, 85-yard drive.

Fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin converted a big fourth-down play halfway through the series, then he scored from one yard out to pull PSU within 14-7.

The teams traded touchdowns again early in the second period.

PSU’s drive went 76 yards. The big play was a 30-yard toss from White to Kenneth Mackins, giving PSU a first and goal. Sobomehin scored again from a yard out.

The Aztecs answered on O’Connell’s third TD pass to Swain - a 75-yarder - on the first play from scrimmage.

That made it 28-14 and the Aztecs never looked back.

O’Connell rolled up 275 yards and four touchdown passes in the first half alone.

White threw for 283 yards in the first half, but the Vikings managed only two scoring drives.

PSU held the Aztecs to just three points in the third period but could gain no ground.

The Aztecs scored two late touchdowns, while the Vikings got a 47-yard field goal from Danny Urrego in the fourth period.

White had a big night for the Vikings, completing 36 of 53 for 408 yards, but was intercepted three times.

Kenneth Mackins caught six passes for 137 yards. Reggie Joseph and Tremayne Kirkland each had seven receptions.

On defense, Jordan Senn made a career-high 17 tackles. However, the Vikings lost linebacker Andy Schantz to a knee injury late in the first period.

His status is unknown.

PSU had 458 yards of total offense, but gave up 596 to the Aztecs.

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