MOSCOW, Idaho — Zach Borisch threw for a touchdown on his only pass and ran for a touchdown, and Idaho built a big lead before holding on to defeat Portland State 42-35 on Saturday.
Aundre Carter rushed for two touchdowns for the Vandals (2-3, 1-1 Big Sky Conference) and Mike Beaudry threw a touchdown pass to Terez Traynor for 42 yards.
The Vikings (2-4, 1-2) gave up five first-half touchdowns, forcing the Vandals to punt just one time. Idaho’s largest lead was 35-7.
Portland State’s offense moved the ball all day, but four possessions into Vandal territory resulted in two missed field goals and two failed fourth-down attempts. Two came in the second quarter and two in the third quarter. Otherwise, PSU out-gained Idaho 544-435.
Quarterback Davis Alexander passed for a career-high 414 yards on 32 of 48 passing and four touchdowns.
Wide receiver Mataio Talalemotu caught 12 passes for 196 yards and two scores.
The defense held the Vandals without a yard of offense over three possessions in the second half, aiding the comeback.
And, when Idaho inexplicably continued to run the ball inside the final minute when a couple of kneel downs would have ended the game, the Vikings almost performed a miracle.
PSU forced and recovered a Vandal fumble with 26 seconds left at the PSU 3.
Alexander was able to complete five quick sideline routes all the way out to the 47-yard line. His final play Hail Mary pass was swatted away in the endzone.
“We started slow again,” Vikings coach Bruce Barnum said. “We all have to find a way to get off the bus, hit the stadium and go. We have to find a way to start like we end, offense, defense and special teams.
“We have to be able to bring four quarters together, from an energy standpoint and the speed of the game. We’re a good team when we play four quarters. When we slog through the early parts, it hurts us. We know the problem. We can fix it. We can score. We can stop people.”
NEXT UP
Portland State hosts Idaho State on Saturday at Hillsboro Stadium.
