Winless start in Big Sky

Four-game skid heading into homecoming this weekend

What started off as a 2-0 start has quickly plummeted to a four-game losing streak as CSUS was outgunned 58-31 Saturday night in Portland. The Hornets fell to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in the Big Sky Conference.

Hornet running back Charles Roberts continued his century mark streak by gaining 185 yards on 25 carries with three touchdowns. He also proved his versatility by completing a 33-yard pass to receiver Scott Towne to set up a score.

Portland State's own running back Charles Dunn won the battle of the backs in the game though, with a 247-yard performance on 31 carries and one touchdown.

The deciding factor in this game was the Hornets inability to stop Vikings quarterback Jimmy Blanchard. He completed 21 of 28 passes toe 323 yards and was a part of six touchdowns (four passing and two rushing). Viking receiver Art Williams was his favorite target on this night catching 10 passes for 208 yards and two of Blanchard's touchdowns.

Overall the Hornets defense gave up 324 yards rushing and 390 yards passing. The last time the Hornets gave up more than 58 points was a 1995 loss to Northern Arizona 62-7.

Coach Volek had this to say, "We didn't have the strength. Every time we drew close, they answered, and we had no pressure on their quarterback."

Hornet quarterback A.J. Bernhardt had a sufficient day in his return to the starting lineup completing 16 of 30 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. Bernhardt last started against U.C. Davis in the Causeway Classic.

"I thought A.J. did a great job. He make good plays and good reads," Volek said.

The Hornets got on the board first with a 27-yard field goal by kicker Scott Brown.

On the Vikings first possession they drove 74 yards down the field to score on a 3-yard touchdown run by Blanchard.

Portland State upped the lead to 13-3 after a 31-yard toss to Williams by Blanchard. Later in the second quarter Blanchard once again rushed into the end zone for the second time on a 5-yard scamper to increase the lead to 20-3.

Roberts scored his first touchdown for the Hornets on a 67-yard touchdown run off a draw play to cut the deficit to 20-10. Then to end the half on a positive note for Portland State Dunn scored on a 6-yard run to take the wind out of the Hornets sails.

At the start of the second half Blanchard led his team down the field and kept the pressure on with a 43-yard strike to Williams.

CSUS answered right back with a quick score by Roberts this time form two yards out to reduce the lead to 34-17. In the next seven minutes of the third quarter Blanchard and Bernhardt kept pace with each other.

Blanchard connected with receiver Brame on a 5-yard pass and "Bernhardt completed his strike to tight end Chris Kelly for three yards. Portland State would add a field goal to keep their lead at 44-24 going into the fourth quarter.

Roberts gave the Hornets their only points in the final quarter with a two-yard blast for his third and final score of the night.

The Vikings continued their dominance with another touchdown pass by Blanchard to Williams this time from 16 yards away. Even when Blanchard left the game his back up was just as effective. Parsons threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Williams. Next week will be the Hornets homecoming game versus Cal State Northridge.