Portland State still abuzz over big win vs. Washington State

(AP) — Portland State coach Bruce Barnum was temporarily distracted by the fact that a Gatorade shower had clogged up his ears and he couldn't hear a thing.

[...] no words were necessary when he finally made his way to the locker room following the Vikings' upset win over Washington State.

The Vikings were still abuzz this week after the 24-17 season-opening win over the Cougars in Pullman, Washington, on Saturday.

[...] Barnum, who is a first-time head coach after assistant stints with the Vikings, Cornell and Idaho State, won over fans from the start.

The Vikings fully bought into Barny Ball, an original offense that Barnum describes as blue collar, tough, fundamental football.

Kuresa threw for just 61 yards, but led all players with 92 rushing yards in the pouring rain.

Fellow quarterback Paris Penn was second with 57 yards rushing.

For the privilege of traveling — by bus — to Pullman and beating the Cougars, the Vikings were paid $525,000.

Portland State was picked to finish ninth in the preseason Big Sky coaches poll.