The season lasted 11 games, began in the scorching September heat nearly three months ago and ended in a bleak November drizzle. It was an emotional up-and-down ride and is officially over, after the Vikings wrapped up with a 31-21 victory over Northern Colorado Saturday.
No one from the Vikings’ coaching staff, nor any of the players or members of the Portland State Athletic Department, can admit that head coach Jerry Glanville’s first season in the South Park Blocks went smoothly or was a breeze.
The truth of the matter is that the Vikings went 3-8, endured a five-game losing streak and allowed a Big Sky-high 38 points per game to opponents this season. But, fortunately for Portland State and the Viking faithful, the most publicized and hyped year in recent memory ended on a high note.
“To get the student body behind us, we have to win more games,” Glanville said. “I’m just happy for the seniors to get a win in their last game.”
Much-maligned and criticized all season for its inability to stifle opposing offenses, the Portland State defense stepped up and proved it was prepared for the challenge against the Bears. The unit held Northern Colorado to a season-low 181 yards of offense, including a meager 18 rushing yards and 12 first downs.
In his final game donning a Vikings uniform, senior linebacker Jordan Senn elevated his play to the next level. The Portland State standout compiled a team-high 11 tackles and intercepted a pass from Bears junior quarterback Dominic Breazeale in the third quarter to seal the Vikings’ victory.
Fellow senior Michael Dorsey enjoyed an excellent game wearing the black and white for the last time. The speedy safety had seven tackles and one sack on Breazeale for an 11-yard loss to close out his Portland State career. The Vikings had six sacks and two takeaways on the day.
“On defense, we played as well as we’ve played. We played so well as far as technique,” Glanville said. “They kept wanting to win the football game. That tells you what’s inside.”
While the Vikings’ defense excelled, the offense, which has neared the top of the Big Sky in scoring and yards all season, sputtered after scoring two touchdowns in the first 18 minutes.
Freshman quarterback Drew Hubel, who tossed two touchdowns and compiled 248 yards through the air, threw three of his four total interceptions in the second and third quarters, and was pulled in favor of junior Jimmy Collins.
Collins entered the game in the third quarter and quickly hooked up with senior wide receiver Tremayne Kirkland for a 17-yard score.
Kirkland finished up his Viking career as a helping hand, snagging nine balls for 86 yards and two touchdowns, and also totting the pigskin four times for 30 yards. The man known as “TK” caught 84 passes this season, the second-most in Portland State history, and was named the team’s most valuable player.
“He has that great speed,” Glanville said of Kirkland. “He gets a step on you and he can beat you.”
Glanville said the team needs a complete makeover after losing over 25 seniors to graduation, meaning he and his coaching staff will be forced to hit the recruiting trail early and often.
“We’ve got to rebuild the whole thing. It’s your bloodline, it’s your life,” Glanville said of recruiting. “You either win there, or you don’t win on Saturday.”
But Glanville insists to Viking fans that he will rebuild the product.
“I promise everyone that supports, follows and loves this team that help is on the way,” Glanville said.