Portland State downs Weber State, 45-24

PORTLAND — DJ Adams ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns to push Portland State to a 45-24 win over Weber State on Saturday.

The Vikings (5-4, 2-3 Big Sky Conference) got help on the ground from Nate Tago, who also punched in two TD runs, while Thomas Carter hauled in a 36-yard touchdown pass from Colin Ramirez. The defense added a TD as well when safety David Edgerson recovered a fumble by Weber State quarterback Austin Chipoletti and ran it 28 yards into the end zone. Marcus Kinsella kicked a 47 yard field goal.

Chipoletti threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Shaydon Kehano to close the gap for the Wildcats (1-8, 0-5) to close out the half trailing by just two touchdowns. He rushed for another TD in the third quarter from the 1-yard line, and connected on a 9-yard TD pass to Erik Walker.

The Viking ground game rushed 58 times for 350 yards.

The Vikings were without their number two back Shaquille Richard, but a few other players made big contributions. Freshman Nate Tago carried the ball six times for 64 yards and two touchdowns, and tight end Hayden Plinke ran the ball 10 times for 79 yards. Justin Lilley added 41 yards on three carries.

“We have many weapons, may guys that can run the ball,” Adams said. “Nate came in and did great today. He’s a young guy still learning, but he’s learning fast. It was good to get things going. Through our ups and downs, the offensive line has always stayed consistent and it was good for them to put the puzzle pieces together today.”

Collin Ramirez got the start at quarterback for the Vikings. He completed 10-22 passes for 130 yards, one touchdowns and one interception. Thomas Carter caught a 36-yard score from Ramirez and had 85 yards on five catches.