PORTLAND, Ore. – Welcome to Portland, and the banks of the Columbia River. Normally, Portland State plays football games just across the way in downtown. But not now. With the stadium under renovation the Vikings actually play it about 40 miles to the southwest in Hillsboro.
It wasn’t pretty last season for Portland State. The Bobcats crushed them in their Bozeman meeting in the midst of an 0-11 season for the Vikings. PSU has yet to play an FCS team this season, but the Vikings do showcase a terrific tight end and a quirky defense.
The question for Montana State is, how will Jeff Choate play the quarterback position? Troy Andersen was the season-opening starter, but Tucker Rovig was outstanding last week in a win over Wagner. Rovig will likely get the start on Saturday.
“I think the flow of the offense is so much better when you have one guy running the show, and I think that’s something you have to pay attention to,” said Choate. “That doesn’t mean you can’t be successful utilizing multiple quarterbacks in different situations, but I think what we need to have is one guy that’s consistent.”
Choate also realizes it’s critical to get off to a hot start in the Big Sky Conference opener. The Bobcats would love to do it on the road here Oregon.
Saturday’s kickoff is set for 3:05 (MT) in Hillsboro.
