Postseason dreams stay alive

The Portland State football team put itself in position to make the postseason Saturday after defeating defending national champion Eastern Washington Eagles 43-26 on the road. The win places Portland State (5-3 overall, 3-2 conference) in third place in the Big Sky standings, increasing the chances the Vikings grab a spot in the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs.

A sold out crowd at Roos Field in Cheney witnessed Eastern Washington’s (4-5 overall, 4-3 conference) postseason hopes likely slip away, as the Eagles now fall to fifth place in the Big Sky. An all-around offensive attack from the Vikings resulted in 499 yards of total offense, proving too much for an Eagles team that had been riding a four-game winning streak.

Portland State quarterback Connor Kavanaugh masterfully directed the offense, eclipsing the all-time Big Sky quarterback rushing record for a single season by reaching 807 total yards on the year on Saturday. The previous record for a Big Sky quarterback was 686 yards for a single season. Kavanaugh ran for a team-leading 154 yards on 24 carries.

“It means a lot to go on the road and beat a team by 17 that we lost by, I don’t even know how much the score was last year,” Vikings head coach Nigel Burton said. “But we are playing good football when it matters the most.”

Saturday’s game went back and forth as both teams put up points, exchanging the lead four times in the opening half of play. The Vikings put up 291 yards of total offense in the first half, finding success on the ground and through the air. Big plays were abundant, as the Vikings defense unloaded with four sacks during the Eagles first two drives of the game. The Vikings defense plugged Eastern Washington’s run attack, as the Eagles had negative 12 yards on the ground going into the break.

Eagles quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell kept his offense moving the sticks with his arm, throwing for 292 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. Mitchell connected on two touchdown passes for the Eagles to give them an early 14-3 lead.

A trick play and a bit of luck got the Vikings their first touchdown of the game. Vikings junior wide receiver Nevin Lewis threw a pass into the end zone, which was deflected into the air. Three different players got a hand on the ball before Portland State wideout Justin Monahan came up with the catch and the touchdown. The Vikings soon took hold of the momentum, storming their way to a 22-20 advantage at the half.

In the second half, an opening Portland State touchdown drive and a pick-six by junior linebacker Joel Sisler on the Eagles first play of their drive, quickly forced the Eagles into catch-up mode. A poor third quarter for Eastern Washington left them staring at a 16-point deficit. The Eagles got another touchdown to bring the score to 36-26, but it was too little-too late as Vikings scored once more in the fourth to seal the victory at 43-26.

“Guys did a good just finishing and overcoming adversity,” Kavanaugh said. “We were down 14-3 and guys fought back and always believed in each other and I think that was key in the win.”

Despite the loss of McCaffrey to a season-ending injury, the Vikings have remained a run-first offense. Along with Kavanaugh’s team-leading 154 yards, running backs Shaquille Richard, Justin Lilley and Willie Griffin split the rest of the 28 carries, adding a combined 179 yards and two touchdowns to the Vikings’ 338 total rushing yards.

Kavanaugh had an efficient game through the air, throwing for 147 yards on 16 of 23 passing. Kavanaugh’s lone touchdown came just before halftime on a strike to senior wideout Justin Monahan, giving Portland State the lead and all the momentum going into the break. Monahan caught eight passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Lewis continued his recent strong play, completing the trick-play touchdown pass and also catching five balls for 38 yards.

For the Eagles, Mitchell netted 440 yards passing on 20 of 42 completions with four touchdowns and one interception. Both Greg Herd and Nicholas Edwards put up big numbers being Mitchell’s intended targets, as Edwards caught nine passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns and Herd caught five balls for 196 yards and one touchdown.

The Portland State defense and special teams was strong, making multiple game changing plays. The defense sacked Mitchell five times, including two sacks from junior linebacker Ian Sluss. Portland State special teams earned a blocked punt and the defense held the Eagles to negative one yard rushing for the game. Still, mental lapses by the secondary cost the Vikings 14 quick points.

“Defensively, the best part was that the defense realizes they could have played a lot better,” Burton said. “Once again, they did a great job showing their resilience.”

The defense made up for their early mistakes, stopping a two-point conversion attempt and holding the Eagles to only six points in the second half. Sisler not only had the interception and touchdown, but also had five tackles and a sack. Senior safety Deshawn Shead led the defense with a team-high six tackles including one for a loss.

The Vikings next game is scheduled for Saturday against Sacramento State at Jeld-Wen Field. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m.