A pair of key interceptions by Xavier Coleman led Portland State to a 24-23 win over first-place Southern Utah on Saturday. It has also earned Coleman Big Sky Conference co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.    

Coleman, a junior cornerback from Portland's Jesuit High School, intercepted both passes at the PSU two-yard line - one in the second quarter and one in the third quarter - as Southern Utah was threatening to score. In addition, Coleman had three tackles and three pass breakups for the Vikings.     

With five interceptions this season, Coleman ranks second in the Big Sky Conference behind teammate Patrick Onwuasor (9). His 13 pass breakups and 18 passes defended lead the Big Sky Conference.    

Coleman shares Defensive Player of the Week honors with defensive end Tyrone Holmes of Montana.   

Coleman is the sixth Viking and third defensive player to earn Big Sky Player of the Week honors this season (David Jones, offense; Aaron Sibley, Patrick Onwuasor, defense; Kahlil Dawson, Jonathan Gonzales, special teams).

VIKINGS JUMP UP TO 11TH IN THIS WEEK'S POLLS
Portland State's big win over Big Sky Conference leader Southern Utah has vaulted the Vikings back up to 11th in the nation in both the Stats FCS Top 25 and the FCS Coaches Poll. PSU had previously been 15th/18th in the respective polls.

This week's opponent, Eastern Washington, has dropped to 18th in the Stats Poll and 19th in the Coaches Poll following a 57-16 loss at Montana. That makes the Vikings the highest-ranked Big Sky team in the polls for the first time this season.       

Other Big Sky Conference teams in the Top 25 are #17 Montana, #18/#20 Southern Utah and #24/#20 Northern Arizona.

The Vikings will play at Eastern Washington this Saturday in the regular season finale. Kickoff is 2:05 p.m. at Roos Field in Cheney, WA. The game airs on Rip City Radio 620 KPOJ and www.ripcityradio.com. A live video stream and live stats are available at www.GoViks.com.

THE COMPLETE STATS FCS POLL CAN BE FOUND HERE