Thompson 3 TDs as PSU Snaps 8-Game Skid

**Portland State Snaps Eight-Game Losing Streak with Dominant Win Over Cal Poly**

**HILLSBORO, Ore. – October 14, 2023** – The Portland State Vikings finally broke through, securing their first victory of the 2023 season and snapping an eight-game losing streak that dated back to last year, with a commanding 40-28 win over Big Sky Conference rival Cal Poly at Hillsboro Stadium on Saturday. The breakthrough performance was spearheaded by an electrifying day from sophomore running back Delon Thompson, who gashed the Mustangs’ defense for 169 rushing yards and three crucial touchdowns.

The Vikings (1-6, 1-3 Big Sky) seized control early, establishing a significant 27-7 lead heading into halftime. Thompson was instrumental in building that advantage, showcasing his speed and power from the opening whistle.

However, Cal Poly (2-6, 1-4 Big Sky) refused to fold. The Mustangs mounted a furious comeback in the third quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to cut Portland State’s lead to a precarious 27-21. That’s when Thompson once again stepped into the spotlight, finding the end zone for his third touchdown early in the fourth quarter, extending the Vikings’ cushion to 34-21 and injecting new life into the home team.

Cal Poly’s offense, led by quarterback Zevi Eckhaus, fought valiantly throughout the game. Eckhaus finished with 269 passing yards and two touchdowns on 28-for-46 passing, though he was intercepted twice by the Vikings’ defense. He also added a one-yard rushing touchdown. Earlier in the contest, Logan Spradling hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Eckhaus. The Mustangs kept the pressure on later in the fourth quarter when Paul Tshibamba added a one-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 34-28 and making for a tense final stretch.

But Portland State had an answer. Senior running back Andrew Van Buren plunged in for a one-yard touchdown run of his own late in the game, sealing the victory and pushing the score to its final 40-28 margin. Jobi Malary also contributed a touchdown run for the Vikings earlier in the contest.

Portland State’s offensive strategy leaned heavily on its ground game, with quarterback Dante Chachere effectively managing the game. Chachere completed 85 passing yards without committing any turnovers, allowing Thompson and the running backs to dominate the pace and flow of the game.

“This win means everything for our guys,” said Portland State head coach Bruce Barnum after the game, visibly relieved. “They’ve worked incredibly hard, week in and week out, and to finally get that result, especially against a conference opponent, is huge for our confidence. Delon Thompson was special today, no doubt, but it was a total team effort.”

For Cal Poly, head coach Paul Wulff acknowledged the fight in his team but lamented key mistakes. “We showed a lot of grit to get back into that game, but turnovers hurt us at critical moments,” Wulff stated. “Portland State played a strong game, especially on offense, and they earned that victory.”

Defensively for the Vikings, the two interceptions of Eckhaus proved critical in stemming Cal Poly’s momentum. Safety Alex Jones and cornerback Marcus White were credited with the takeaways, disrupting key Mustang drives.

The victory marks a significant turning point for Portland State, offering a much-needed morale boost as they navigate the tough Big Sky Conference schedule.

**Up Next:**
Portland State will look to build on this momentum as they return home next Saturday, October 21, to face Eastern Washington for another Big Sky Conference showdown. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. PDT at Hillsboro Stadium.
Cal Poly will also return home on October 21 to host UC Davis.