A week earlier, head coach Jerry Glanville promised that the Vikings’ offense and defense would come together and play well on the same day. Glanville was correct, as Portland State held its own on both sides of the ball Saturday against No. 4 Montana, but the Vikings still lost 34-31.
In addition to being defeated by the Grizzlies, Portland State lost its starting running back in Olaniyi Sobomehin. The senior fullback underwent surgery on his banged-up wrist, which he injured near the end of Saturday’s game against Montana, on Monday afternoon, and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The score against Montana (9-0, 6-0) was closer than most expected after the Vikings’ (2-7, 2-4) 73-68 record-breaking loss to Weber State. The Grizzlies, who have had at least a share of the Big Sky title nine consecutive seasons, were supposed to crush Portland State in all facets of the game.
But the Vikings’ performance was surprising.
“We started well and scored fast,” said offensive coordinator Darrell “Mouse” Davis. “But in the second half we didn’t do anything quite as well.”
On offense, the Vikings compiled 429 yards, though only 25 yards came on the ground. Capturing 16 first downs on the day, Portland State moved the ball fluidly, as freshman quarterback Drew Hubel completed 29 passes for 404 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown strike to senior wide receiver Tremayne Kirkland.
“I think we’re on to a talented kid that has shows some promise,” Davis said about Hubel. “He has handled everything with poise and hasn’t said ‘Wow, look at me.'”
For a much-maligned defense that allowed 73 points to Weber State, which also scored 52 points on Idaho State Saturday, the Vikings responded quite well. Five Vikings had double digit tackles against the Grizzlies and the defensive unit intercepted three passes, including one that resulted in a 24-yard return for a touchdown by senior defensive back Condrew Allen.
“We had a legitimate chance to beat them,” Davis said. “We definitely have some newfound and earned confidence.”
With only two contests remaining this season, the improved play versus the Big Sky’s finest should instill some confidence in a Portland State team that has experienced its share of demoralizing losses and four consecutive conference defeats.
Next Saturday the Vikings host Montana State, a middle-of-the-pack Big Sky squad that is allowing only 18 points per game.
The matchup pits the Big Sky’s best passing offense in Portland State versus the conference’s top pass defense in Montana State. If Hubel, Kirkland and company can continue Portland State’s success through the air, it’s likely the Vikings could walk away victorious.
Portland State will be forced to lean on its passing game even more against the Bobcats, as Sobomehin, the leader of the Vikings’ rushing attack, will be unable to suit up.
Sobomehin, who is referred to as “Nee” by his teammates and coaches, replaced injured sophomore fullback Bobby McClintock following the Vikings week one loss to McNeese State. The senior power back rushed for 515 yards in nine games and added 40 receptions for 377 as a main cog in the passing game.
The Vikings also announced that senior quarterback Brian White will miss the final two games of the season. White sustained an injury to a tendon in his right wrist against Idaho State on Oct. 20.
Digits
25
Rushing yards compiled by Portland State against the Grizzlies Saturday. The Vikings only carried the ball 12 times, which is 39 less carries than Montana’s 51 rushing attempts.
23
More plays from scrimmage for Montana than the Vikings. Portland State snapped the ball 64 times while the Grizzlies took 87 snaps from under center.
31
Points the Vikings scored against a Montana defense that was allowing a national best 11.2 points per game coming into Saturday’s matchup. Portland State’s potent offense scored 19.8 more points than the number the Grizzlies usually allow.
1
Touchdown scored through the air for Portland State after tossing nine a week prior. Although the Vikings racked up 404 yards passing, they only connected on one touchdown pass, a 73-yard bomb to senior wide receiver Tremayne Kirkland.
18:14
Montana’s time of possession in the second half. The Grizzlies held the ball for over 60 percent of the final 30 minutes.
5
Portland State defensive players that accrued double digit tackles against the Grizzlies. Junior linebacker Andy Schantz led the team with 14 tackles.