As I browsed the Portland State news release on the upcoming game with Idaho State, one aspect of the game kept rising to the surface: turnovers. Consider this:
--In last year's game, ISU only outgained Portland State 430-424 in the Bengals' 31-13 win. The key factor: turnovers. Portland State turned the ball over six times, including two interceptions in the end zone. The Bengals picked off five passes (four by QB Kieran McDonagh, who has been demoted to third string this year), and only turned the ball over once on a fumble.
--Last season, the Vikings had the worst turnover margin (-12) in the conference; by contrast, Idaho State had the second best TO margin (+10).
--In Portland State's upset win over Wazzu over the weekend, a game played in a driving rainstorm, the Vikings did not turn the ball over, while forcing two Wazzu TOs, including the game-saving interception by Aaron Sibley. In its opener, Idaho State forced one turnover and coughed up one (a fumble).
--A key this Saturday will be the ability of Idaho State to get off the field against the PSU Pistol offense, which has rushed for more than 2,000 yards five straight years under Bruce Barnum. The Vikings averaged 4.9 yards a carry in their win over Wazzu (233 yards rushing), while limiting the PAC 12 Cougars to just 3.5 yards a carry. The Bengals were able to survive with a mediocre defense last year largely because of big plays -- turnovers and sacks. The win at PSU was an outstanding example of that. Can ISU generate those same big plays Saturday, or will the Bengal defense be stout enough to do what the Wazzu defense could not -- stop the Portland State running game at the point of attack?
--Former BYU and Snow College QB Alex Kuresa is the trigger man for the Viking offense this year. Kuresa was very efficient against Wazzu, completing 7 of 12 passes for 61 yards, running for 92 yards on 16 carries (5.8 ypc) and, most importantly NOT turning the ball over. The Vikings were 6 of 12 in third down conversions, and they made their only attempt on fourth down. Last year, ISU's defense gave up third down conversions at a whopping 46 percent rate. (Opponents converted 38 percent of their fourth down tries). The Vikings will provide a very good early test for this year's Bengal defense, and its ability to get off the field.
--In last year's game, ISU only outgained Portland State 430-424 in the Bengals' 31-13 win. The key factor: turnovers. Portland State turned the ball over six times, including two interceptions in the end zone. The Bengals picked off five passes (four by QB Kieran McDonagh, who has been demoted to third string this year), and only turned the ball over once on a fumble.
--Last season, the Vikings had the worst turnover margin (-12) in the conference; by contrast, Idaho State had the second best TO margin (+10).
--In Portland State's upset win over Wazzu over the weekend, a game played in a driving rainstorm, the Vikings did not turn the ball over, while forcing two Wazzu TOs, including the game-saving interception by Aaron Sibley. In its opener, Idaho State forced one turnover and coughed up one (a fumble).
--A key this Saturday will be the ability of Idaho State to get off the field against the PSU Pistol offense, which has rushed for more than 2,000 yards five straight years under Bruce Barnum. The Vikings averaged 4.9 yards a carry in their win over Wazzu (233 yards rushing), while limiting the PAC 12 Cougars to just 3.5 yards a carry. The Bengals were able to survive with a mediocre defense last year largely because of big plays -- turnovers and sacks. The win at PSU was an outstanding example of that. Can ISU generate those same big plays Saturday, or will the Bengal defense be stout enough to do what the Wazzu defense could not -- stop the Portland State running game at the point of attack?
--Former BYU and Snow College QB Alex Kuresa is the trigger man for the Viking offense this year. Kuresa was very efficient against Wazzu, completing 7 of 12 passes for 61 yards, running for 92 yards on 16 carries (5.8 ypc) and, most importantly NOT turning the ball over. The Vikings were 6 of 12 in third down conversions, and they made their only attempt on fourth down. Last year, ISU's defense gave up third down conversions at a whopping 46 percent rate. (Opponents converted 38 percent of their fourth down tries). The Vikings will provide a very good early test for this year's Bengal defense, and its ability to get off the field.
