This weekend, the Vikings face Sacramento State at home in their third of five consecutive games against Big Sky opponents. Both teams are winless against Big Sky competitors and could use a jump-start.
Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. at PGE Park.
Here’s what you need to know:
Records entering the game: Viks 1-3, Hornets 0-3. The Vikings are coming off two consecutive losses. The Hornets are on a four-game losing streak dating back to last year and have only played one home game so far this season.
Last year’s meeting: 41-31, Sacramento. The Hornets came from behind twice and running back Bryan Hilliard exploded in the second half with two touchdown runs. Going into that game, Portland State had won the previous eight meetings.
Two out of three: Portland State’s head coach Jerry Glanville and Sacramento State’s head coach Marshall Sperbeck are both entering their third year as head of their programs. They are 1-1 facing each other.
Scouting the Hornets: Their defense, void of its tough linebackers of last season, is giving up an average of 44 points per game. Quarterback Jason Smith is proving himself to be very accurate with a 124.5 rating, and his favorite target is receiver Brandyn Reed who is grabbing 18.7 yards per catch. The running game is almost nonexistent with Hilliard out for the season.
Scouting the Vikings: After a heart-wrenching loss in the last minute against Weber State last week, the Viks have to try to avoid a hangover this week. The team’s passing game is ranked second in the nation and quarterback Drew Hubel leads the conference in passing with 325 yards per game.
If the defensive line can get pressure, the Hornets are happy to give up the sack—last week they allowed three. Freshman fullback Ben Bowen will look to build on his 100 rushing yards from last week, the first time that milestone has been reached by a Viking in 19 games.