Portland State upsets Washington State 24-17

  • Associated Press
  • Saturday, September 5, 2015 5:24pm
  • SportsSports

PULLMAN — The Portland State football players call their style of play “Barney Ball,” in honor of new head coach Bruce Barnum.

“Barney” Ball made a shocking debut on Saturday, as Portland State of the FCS upset Washington State 24-17 in a driving rainstorm that hampered WSU’s high-flying offense.

“It’s blue collar, tough, fundamental football,” Barnum said of his style.

It certainly was.

Portland State scored all 24 of its points in the second half, and won despite being outgained 411 yards to 294 yards.

“Our defense was the definition of bend, don’t break,” said Barnum, who was making his debut as a college head coach and is working under a one-year contract. “They came together when they needed to.”

Portland State’s players celebrated in the locker room, chanting “we’re undefeated!”

It was the first time Portland State beat a Pacific-12 team in 15 tries, and lifted their record to 3-32 against FBS teams. It was Washington State’s first loss to an FCS team in 20 outings.

“We never got in a rhythm on offense,” Washington State coach Mike Leach said.

“They were a real mature team,” Leach said of Portland State. “They hung together, and we got impatient.”

“We didn’t come out with the same focus,” said WSU linebacker Jeremiah Allison.

He said the rain was a problem for both teams, and declined to blame that for the loss.

Steven Long scored on a 1-yard run with just over 2 minutes left in the game to lift Portland State to the upset.

The rain and unseasonably chilly temperatures stymied Washington State’s passing game under quarterback Luke Falk, who this year replaced national passing leader Connor Halliday. But Portland State had the stronger ground attack, out-rushing Washington State 233 yards to 104 yards.

Portland State quarterback Alex Kuresa completed just 7 of 12 passes for 61 yards, but led all rushers with 92 yards on 16 carries in the opener for both teams.

“He has the ability to make plays with his feet,” Barnum said.

Falk completed 27 of 41 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns for WSU. He left the game in the closing minutes with an undisclosed injury.

Washington State’s opening drive stalled on Portland State’s 4-yard line, and the Cougars settled for Erik Powell’s 21-yard field goal and a 3-0 lead.

The Cougars had a bizarre drive on their second possession, moving forward and back over 90 yards because of penalties, and converting three fourth-down plays, before Powell’s 22-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Aaron Sibley.

Washington State’s first touchdown came on a screen pass from Falk to Keith Harrington, which the freshman running back turned into a 24-yard gain that gave the Cougars a 10-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

That lead stood at halftime, as the Cougars outgained Portland State 274 yards to 66 yards in the first half.

Portland State came out strong in the third quarter, driving 75 yards with Paris Penn scoring on a 4-yard rush to cut Washington State’s lead to 10-7.

On Portland State’s next possession, Jonathan Gonzales kicked a 42-yard field goal to tie the score at 10 with 4:37 left in the third.

Washington State turned the ball over on downs on its next possession, with Portland State taking over on its own 28. The Vikings were forced to punt, but WSU’s Kyrin Priester fumbled the catch and Portland State recovered on WSU’s 11. Nate Tago pounded over from the 8 to give Portland State a 17-10 lead with 13:06 left.

“We caught a break on that muffed punt,” Barnum said of the WSU fumble.

Tavares Martin returned the ensuing kickoff to Portland State’s 46, aided by a face-mask penalty against the Vikings. Gabe Marks caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Falk to tie the score at 17 with 9:11 left.

Kuresa led Portland State on a 14-play, 69-yard drive that consumed nearly 7 minutes, with Long rushing from the 1-yard line to lift Portland State to a 24-17 lead with 2:19 left.

Sibley intercepted a pass from WSU’s Peyton Bender with 42 seconds left to seal the win.

The WSU offense on Saturday looked much different from last year’s team, which threw for a school-record 5,732 yards and led the nation with 477.7 yards per game.

Portland State picked up a $525,000 check for coming to Pullman.

Kuresa is a junior college transfer who threw for 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns last season at Snow College. Kuresa beat out senior Kieran McDonagh, who has started 29 games for the Vikings.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.