BYU football: Scouting the Portland State Vikings
By Adam Gibby
Portland State Defense
Playing Style: 4-3 zone with blitzes
Returning Starters: 7
Key returning players: DE Dallas House, DT Anthony Del Toro, LB Sam Bodine, S Beau Duronslet
Key losses: DE Michael Doman, DT Savali Talalemotu, MLB Mosa Likio
What to expect: The Portland State defense has experience. Last year, six true freshman played on defense because of injuries, and many of those are now projected as starters. The Vikings are not normally aggressive on defense. They do not try to intercept balls or strip the ball from runners at the potential cost of a big play. In total, the Vikings only forced 14 turnovers all season last year. Expect a lot of zone coverage with a focus on limiting big plays.
How BYU can be successful: BYU should be able to run very well against the Vikings. With a depleted defensive line and no returning starting linebackers, the Cougars should be able to convert a lot of “3rd and short” plays. BYU football should also be able to pick apart the secondary with a lot of drop-off passes. The deep play and the trick-play options will not be as effective as the Cougars may like, so holding off until other opponents may be in their best interest.
Projection: KJ Hall and Squally Canada will both have great days running the ball. Tanner Mangum will complete most of his passes around the first down marker. The offense will only struggle when inside the redzone.