With only one victory standing between the Vikings football squad and a winning record, Portland State (5-3 overall, 3-2 Big Sky) certainly won’t be short on motivation when they host the Sacramento State Hornets (3-5 overall, 2-4 Big Sky) this Saturday. The Vikings are fresh off a 43-26 road win against the defending national champions Eastern Washington Eagles and are currently riding a two game win streak following back-to-back conference defeats earlier in the season.
History is on the Vikings side. Portland State has won 11 of the 15 games against the Hornets since joining the Big Sky conference in 1996, winning 21 of 30 in the overall series. Despite the dominance over Sacramento in past years, the Vikings have dropped three in a row against the Hornets after winning eight straight.
Last year Portland State fell 28-15 to the Hornets in a disappointing road performance. After falling behind early, the Vikings would mount a comeback behind running back Cory McCaffrey, who had 187 yards on the ground and a touchdown. However, the effort was not enough, as Sacramento State scored on a 57-yard touchdown strike late in the fourth to seal the win.
The tough loss was one of many for the Vikings in 2010, but a conclusive belief that this year’s team is different has helped change the direction of the program. After losing McCaffrey to injury against Montana, the Vikings have looked elsewhere for help running their pistol offense and have found a rhythm. Portland State ranks atop the Big Sky Conference in rushing, averaging 279 yards on the ground per game. Running backs Willie Griffin and Shaquille Richard have taken the bulk of the handoffs, while quarterback Connor Kavanaugh has proved to also be quite the running threat. Kavanaugh currently ranks third in the conference in rushing yards, averaging 100.9 yards on the ground per game.
The passing game has greatly improved for the Vikings recently, with six touchdown strikes completed in the last two games. Kavanaugh is coming off a 147-yard passing performance against Eastern Washington and has not thrown an interception since the loss at Montana nearly three weeks ago.
Special teams could be a huge factor this weekend. Both teams have excelled in special teams play this season, as the Hornets currently sit at the top of the conference in kickoff return yards as well as punt returns.
However, Portland State leads the nation in blocked kicks, and has blocked six punts and two field goals this season, including a game winning field goal block by defensive lineman Myles Wade. The Vikings went five seasons without a punt block, but have found success his year behind special teams coordinator Stacy Collins. Wideout Nevin Lewis leads the special teams with three blocked punts this season.
Kickoff against Sacramento State is set for 1:05 p.m this Saturday at Jeld-Wen Field. The game can be heard on Freedom 970 AM. Check for postgame video at psuvanguard.com.