Portland State was actually a slight favorite according to oddsmakers as it entered yesterday's game with North Texas of Conference USA. The Vikings lived up to that and so much more in a 66-7 drubbing of an FBS program on its home field. The 59-point margin of victory is the largest in NCAA history by an FCS program over an FBS program (the previous mark was 58 by Lehigh over then 1-A Pennsylvania in 1981).

According to the Big Sky Conference, the Vikings also have the distinction of being the first FCS team to beat two FBS teams in the same season since North Dakota State did it in 2007.

The victory improved Portland State to 4-1 on the season, which is already better than last year's 3-9 record, and the Vikings figure to rise again in the polls on Monday from their current spot at number 25 in the nation.

Here are a few more notables from the Viking win:
• PSU has beaten two FBS teams in the same year for the first time in its history (Washington State). The Viks are 4-32 all-time against the FBS, but 2-0 this year.
• Portland State dominated in all facets of the game, totaling 670 yards of offense (439 by halftime), and holding North Texas under 200 yards and out of the end zone until the game's final minute. A blocked punt by the Vikings' Zack Berg ignited the Viking offense leading to PSU's first score.
• PSU averaged an unheard-of 9.9 yards per play while holding the Mean Green to 2.8 yards per play.
• PSU had season-highs in rushing (368) and passing (302) and held an opponent to its fewest yards (198). The Vikings scored on seven straight first-half possessions in building a 45-0 halftime lead. In all, North Texas punted 11 times, fumbled once and twice lost the ball on downs. PSU forced seven three-and-outs in the game.
• Kicker Jonathan Gonzales continued his perfect season with a 46-yard field goal. Gonzales is 6-6 on field goals this year and 22-22 on extra points. He has also established a new PSU record for consecutive extra points made (55 and counting).
• PSU, which led 45-0 at halftime, scored the most points (66) in more than two years, and easily the most points ever against an FBS team. North Texas 7 points were the second-fewest ever by an FBS team against the Vikings. PSU beat New Mexico 17-6 in 2006.
• The Vikings have won three straight road games for the first time since 2000.

VIKING LEADERS
• Portland State leads the Big Sky Conference in scoring defense (11.4) and total defense (294.2), pass efficiency defense (94.0), third-down conversion defense (24.4%), fewest opponent first downs (15.8). The Vikings rank in the top 10 in the nation in five defensive categories and have committed the fifth fewest penalties in the nation. 
• JR K Jonathan Gonzales leads the Big Sky in kick scoring (8.0 ppg), while SO KR Kahlil Dawson leads in kick returns (32.4). JR CB Xavier Coleman and SR SS Patrick Onwuasor are tied for the lead in the Big Sky in interceptions (3 each).
• The Vikings average 387.2 yards and 34.4 points per game but are devoid of stars. PSU's "by committee" approach means no players rank in the top 10 in the Big Sky in rushing or receiving. JR QB Alex Kuresa ranks ninth in the Big Sky in passing yards.

Portland State returns to Big Sky Conference play this Saturday. The Vikings host a top-20 team in Montana State at Providence Park. PSU has not beaten the Bobcats since 2005.

Kickoff is schedule for 12:35 p.m. and the game will be televised on Root Sports. It is also available on Rip City Radio 620 AM and www.ripcityradio.com.