Up next: Montana State Bobcats

Records entering the game: Portland State has struggled mightily, going 2-7 overall and 1-5 in conference play. Montana State has had a solid season, garnering a total record of 5-3 and 3-2 in the conference.

Last year’s meeting: Montana State, 49-32. It’s surprising the score was even that close considering the Bobcats rushed for 396 yards. The Vikings were able to stay competitive in the first half with some help from special teams and a fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown. However, the Bobcat rushing attack proved to be too much and they flew by the Viks with four rushing touchdowns in the second half.

Celebrating the seniors: In the last home game of the season, 17 seniors on the roster will be honored for their time spent with the team. Among them will be receiver and kick returner Aaron Woods, who set Portland State records this year for both single-season and career kickoff return yards.

Scouting the Bobcats: Montana State has a tough defense. Overall in the Big Sky Conference, they have the No. 1 total defense, giving up 359.4 yards per game. The Bobcats also have the strongest run defense in the conference, allowing an incredibly low 77.4 yards per game.

The Bobcat offense is slightly unusual and unstable. They run a two-quarterback system, and without any of the conference’s top players on their side of the ball, they fail to have much offensive weaponry. Scoring can also be problematic for them—they have scored up to 41 points in one game and only three in another.

Scouting the Vikings: With the guarantee that they will not finish with a better record than last year, the Viks have to play this one as an honor game.

Junior quarterback Drew Hubel will start this week, and hopefully has recovered from his poor showing last week and his nagging knee injury. His passing game seemed better at practice, but he still appears to be struggling with the ball. The Bobcats have two of the top five players with interceptions, so it should be an interesting matchup.

The Portland State run defense is much improved from last year when they gave up 196.5 yards per game. This year they are allowing 131.7 yards per game, giving them a better chance to win this year’s contest.