The Portland State Vikings’ road to a Big Sky football championship saw its first real speed bump after the squad suffered a 38-36 loss to the third-ranked Montana State Bobcats at Jeld-Wen Field this past Saturday. Portland State (3-2 overall, 2-1 Big Sky) must move forward quickly, as they prepare to take on the 14th ranked Montana Grizzlies (4-2 overall, 3-1 Big Sky) in Missoula, Mont., this weekend in a matchup of two of the Big Sky’s top teams in 2011.
Since Portland State joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996, the Vikings haven’t had much success against the Grizzlies, losing 13 of 15 matchups overall, including a six-year losing streak. The Vikings have never won a game at Montana’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Also, the Grizzlies have been ranked every season since Portland State joined the Big Sky Conference.
Last season the Vikings came up short against Montana at Hillsboro Stadium after taking a 21-20 lead with only 2:34 left in the game. Montana was able to move the ball 54 yards down the field, aided by three timeouts, and get off the game-winning field goal as time expired to defeating Portland State 23-21. Self-inflicted wounds cost the Vikings the game, as four fumbles in the second half led to 13 points for Montana.
Last season’s loss is long gone and there is a much greater sense of confidence among the Vikings team as a whole. The offense has had little trouble moving the ball and scoring touchdowns, averaging 439.4 yards of total offense this season. Portland State currently leads the conference in scoring offense, averaging 34.8 points per game, and also leads the conference in rushing offense with 292.8 yards per game on the ground.
Senior quarterback Connor Kavanaugh and All Big Sky running back Cory McCaffrey have been crucial parts of the Vikings’ success. McCaffrey leads the nation in rushing, averaging 157 yards per game and contributing 12 touchdowns this season. Kavanaugh has been a major running threat as well, averaging 103.8 yards on the ground and adding five rushing touchdowns. The passing has remained under the radar, but Kavanaugh has posted solid numbers, completing 43-75 passes for 446 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown.
The Grizzlies bring in a very similar offensive attack, as they try to have a balanced run and passing game. Montana is averaging 181.2 yards on the ground per game, with four running backs accruing more than 200 yards this season. The passing game is equally efficient, as the team averages 199.7 yards through the air with sophomore quarterback Jordan Johnson at the helm.
Defense will be another key focal point on the day, as both teams have shown great improvements this season. The Vikings and Grizzlies are among the top half of the conference in rushing defense as well as total defense, with Montana averaging 334.2 yards of total defense and Portland State with 358.6 yards allowed.
In order for the Vikings to prevail against the Griz this Saturday, there will be a dire need to cut down on penalties. Portland State is leading the Big Sky in penalties, accruing 61 flags for 599 yards over the course of five games. Montana currently is the least penalized team in the conference, managing only 31 penalties for 268 yards. Kickoff is set for 12:05 p.m. this Saturday in Missoula and will be aired on Comcast Sportsnet.