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http://www.oregonlive.com/vikings/index.ssf/2010/08/portland_state_defense_shines.html
The Portland State offense gained 291 yards and scored four times in nine possessions during Saturday's scrimmage in what could be described as a productive day for both sides of the ball.
The Vikings' offense finished the 61-play scrimmage with junior quarterback Connor Kavanaugh leading the first-team offense to a touchdown on the final drive.
On a third down from their own 43, Kavanaugh found senior wide receiver Nick Hutter for seven yards and a first down. Three plays later on third-and-1, Kavanaugh scrambled for 12 yards and another first down. Back-to-back 14-yard runs by junior running back Cory McCaffrey took the ball to the one-yard line. McCaffrey would end the scrimmage with a one-yard TD as he dove into the end zone over a pile of offensive and defensive linemen.
The offense's other touchdown came on an eight-play, 70-yard drive led by senior signal caller Drew Hubel. The drive was helped out by two defensive pass interference penalties, including one on third down. Midway through the series on third down and nine, Hubel found Julius Thomas over the middle for 18 yards and then turned around the very next play and hit the senior tight end for a 19-yard gain. Hubel and Thomas later hooked up for a two-yard touchdown pass.
Senior quarterback Tygue Howland led the second-string offense on an eight-play drive that culminated in a 37-yard field goal by junior Robert Truax.
Two series later, junior quarterback Justin Engstrom put together perhaps the scrimmage's most efficient drive in his only appearance. Engstrom went 5 of 6 passes for 56 yards, but the 14-play possession stalled at the 10-yard line and the offense had to settle for a 27-yard field goal by Truax.
The four quarterbacks combined to go 17 of 34 for 201 yards. Cavanaugh was 5 of 10 for 48 yards, Howland went 3 of 6 for 47 yards and Hubel was 5 of 12 for 50 yards and one score.
Junior wide receiver Ricky Cookman had four receptions for 26 yards. Thomas had three for 37. Sophomore wide receiver Kalua Noa caught three passes for 52 yards.
Portland State's rushing attack was held in check until the end. The offense finished with 90 yards on 27 carries, but 41 of those yards came on the final four rushes of the scrimmage. McCaffrey led the way, gaining 45 yards on seven carries.
Defensively, junior middle linebacker Ryan Rau had five tackles and one sack, while junior linebackers Nick Kalpin and Shane Melbo both had four tackles. Freshman defensive end Major Harris knocked down two passes at the line of scrimmage within five plays of each other.
A new player on the defensive side was around the ball often, too. Sophomore Nick Green switched from quarterback to safety this week and produced five tackles.
Notes: All nine drives started on the offense's 30-yard line ... there were seven penalties on Saturday, including four by the defense ... Kavanaugh rushed six times for 20 yards ... the offensive line allowed just one sack all day ... PSU didn't give away the ball on a fumble or interception, but did turn the ball over on downs on the third possession.
PSU opens its season Sept. 4 at Arizona State. The home opener is 5 p.m., Oct. 2 against Idaho State at Hillsboro Stadium.
STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 61-plays, 291 yards
Team passing: 17 of 34, 201 yards, 1 TD
Team rushing: 27 carries for 90 yards, 1 TD
Individual passing: Kavanaugh 5 of 10, 48 yards; Howland 3 of 6, 47 yards; Hubel 5 of 12, 50 yards, 1 TD; Engstrom 5 of 6, 56 yards.
Individual rushing: McCaffrey 7-45; Kavanaugh 6-20; Watts 6-8; Sanford 3-10; Engstrom 3-7; Howland 2-0.
Individual receiving: Cookman 4-26; Noa 3-52; Thomas 3-39, 1 TD; Hutter 3-33; Anderson 2-25; McMillin 1-12, Powell 1-9; Sanford 1-5
SCORING SUMMARY
- Robert Truax 37 field goal
- Robert Truax 27 field goal
- Julius Thomas 2 pass from Drew Hubel
- Cory McCaffrey 1 run
