It's early in the 2011 season, but the Pistol offense is making its mark at Portland State. After two games - and two wins - the Vikings are leading the nation in rushing (348.0 ypg) at the NCAA I FCS level. Senior running back Cory McCaffrey ranks fourth in the nation with 145.5 yards per game and leads the nation in scoring with 21.0 points per game (7 touchdowns).

The Vikings come off a thrilling 31-29 win over Northern Arizona in the Big Sky Conference opener on Saturday at JELD-WEN Field. In the game, the Vikings rushed for 361 yards on 53 carries for 6.8 average per carry. McCaffrey rushed 30 times for 222 yards and four touchdowns - just four yards short of his career high. Quarterback Connor Kavanaugh rushed 16 times for a career-high 134 yards. It marked the fourth time in two seasons the combo has each had 100-yard performances in the same game.

McCaffrey, from Sisters, OR, and Kavanaugh, from Portland, are currently ranked 1-2 in the Big Sky in rushing.  

PSU's win has it at 2-0 for the first time since 2006, 1-0 in the Big Sky. The Vikings travel to Rose Bowl Champion TCU this Saturday for a non-conference game.

Portland State's hot start has it at the top of a lot of charts in the Big Sky. PSU leads the league in rushing, total offense (512.0), scoring (41.5), rushing defense (70.5), pass efficiency defense (90.3), total defense (254.5), scoring defense (14.5), net punting (39.3), kickoff returns (30.0), tackles for loss (9.0) and fewest sacks allowed (0).

PSU ranks in the top 10 in the nation in 10 categories, including third in total offense, seventh in scoring, eighth in rushing defense, total defense and scoring defense.

Kavanaugh ranks 19th in the nation in rushing through two games (106.0). Kick returner Nevin Lewis, of Culver, OR, leads the Big Sky and ranks fourth in the nation in kick returns (34.3 pr).