BYU football: Three things to know for the Portland State Vikings

No. 2: Leading tacklers returning

Portland State returned the heart of its defense from a season ago. A trio of upperclassmen led the way last year and will likely make the same sort of impact this season.

Senior safeties Tyler Foreman and Beau Duronslet combined for 133 total tackles last season, playing in all 11 of the Vikings’ games. Foreman also intercepted two passes and forced a fumble.

Junior linebacker Sam Bodine is another player to watch. After spending his freshman season nursing injuries, he emerged as a sophomore last season, starting the final six games of the season. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker tallied 58 total tackles last season, including four for a loss.

There shouldn’t be much worry in terms of turnovers for BYU football. The Vikings didn’t do a great job of creating them last season, picking off just eight passes. They also aren’t overly adept at getting to the quarterback, collecting just 17 sacks. However, they’re sure tacklers.