Lesson learned

Going into Portland State football’s season opener in Corvallis, it was apparent the Vikings faced a tough, uphill battle against the USA Today poll’s No. 24-ranked Oregon State. In order to walk off the field with a win, the Vikings would need to play a physical, smash-mouth game.

And that is just what they did, despite what the final score of 34-7, in favor of the Beavers, might imply.
Portland State went toe-to-toe with their opponents. The offense had time, got the ball in the air, made receptions and linemen on both sides of the ball showed strength and agility.

But unfortunately, the Vikings’ defense was not prepared for the pair of dynamite-in-a-can brothers with the last name Rodgers.

Oregon State’s Jacquizz and James Rodgers combined to handle the ball 24 times on rushing and receiving, totaling 253 yards and accounting for all four OSU touchdowns.

“They not only have good players, they do a great job of coaching—and we paid the price,” said Vikings head coach Jerry Glanville.

Nonetheless, the Portland State offense was effective at moving the ball, totaling 351 yards in the game compared to Oregon State’s 433. But they did have trouble finishing drives.

All three of the Vikings’ first-quarter drives ended poorly—a penalty on a fourth-and-one attempt, a fumble and a missed field goal. Each time, the Beavers capitalized by bringing the ball downfield to put points on the board.
Senior fullback and preseason All-American Bobby McClintock suffered a mild concussion in the second quarter and, though a quick recovery is expected, his removal from the game furthered the loss of momentum for the Vikings.

A late first-half drive by Portland State ended on a failed fourth-and-nine play from the Oregon State 20-yard line that sent the Vikings into the locker room with 200 yards gained and no points to show for it.

The second half looked much like the first. The Beavers first play from scrimmage found the end zone and the Vikings struggled to score.

Portland State finally put points on the board in the fourth quarter with a six-play, 51-yard drive led by second-string quarterback Connor Kavanaugh. The sophomore also led the team in rushing with 35 yards on five carries.

The game did show positives for the Vikings. Junior wide receiver Ray Fry made 10 receptions for 146 yards and the offensive line held strong, not allowing a sack the entire game.

“I saw so many things that change who we are,” Glanville said. “I saw an O-line that might have been going up against the best pass rushes … play good football.”

One thing is for sure: When the offense is on the field, the ball will move and you can count on starting quarterback Drew Hubel to make plays. The junior had a good day, completing 20 of 37 passes for 252 yards with no interceptions, but never found the end zone.

“Not finishing drives, that can’t happen,” Hubel said. “In a Big Sky game, in any game for that matter.”

The defense held for extended periods of play and, minus the big yardage plays courtesy of the brothers Rodgers, looked strong. Senior linebacker Erik Pedersen led the Vikings with nine tackles, while sophomore safety Cody Worthen had seven.

While OSU may have left the field with a win and the confidence that they are a better team, Portland State proved they are not far behind.

“You look for positives,” Glanville said. “I loved that at one time we had nine freshmen playing on defense. We’ll be better.”