Week 0 of the college football season is upon us and fans are eagerly anticipating the start of another exciting year on the gridiron. This year’s opening weekend features a matchup between two FCS powerhouses, Portland State and Tarleton State. The clash between these two teams is not just any ordinary game, as it marks the first time the Big Sky Conference meets the United Athletic Conference on the football field.
The Portland State Vikings, representing the Big Sky Conference, are coming off a strong season where they finished with a 9-3 record and made it to the second round of the FCS playoffs. Led by head coach Bruce Barnum, the Vikings are looking to continue their success and make a statement in their season opener against Tarleton State.
On the other side of the field, the Tarleton State Texans are representing the United Athletic Conference, formerly known as the Lone Star Conference. The Texans are making the jump to the FCS level this year and are eager to prove themselves against tough competition. Head coach Todd Whitten has built a strong program at Tarleton State and is ready to take on the challenge of playing in the FCS.
The matchup between these two teams is not just significant because it marks the first time the Big Sky and United Athletic Conference meet on the football field, but also because it showcases the strength and depth of these two conferences. Both the Big Sky and the United Athletic Conference are known for producing top-notch football talent and this game will be a true test for both teams.
The Portland State Vikings are led by a talented group of players, including quarterback Davis Alexander, who threw for over 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. The Vikings also have a strong running game, led by running back Sirgeo Hoffman, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings have a formidable unit led by linebacker Tre Walker, who recorded 100 tackles and 6 sacks last season.
The Tarleton State Texans also have a talented roster, led by quarterback Ben Holmes, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. The Texans also have a strong running game, led by running back Daniel McCants, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. On defense, the Texans have a standout player in defensive end Tyrell Thompson, who recorded 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season.
The clash between these two teams is sure to be a thrilling one, with both teams having high-powered offenses and strong defenses. It will be a battle of two evenly matched teams, with each side looking to come out on top and start their season off with a win.
But this game is not just about the two teams on the field, it’s also about the conferences they represent. The Big Sky Conference, which includes powerhouse teams like Montana, Montana State, and Eastern Washington, has a long history of producing top-level football talent. The United Athletic Conference, on the other hand, has been dominating the Division II level for years and is now ready to make its mark in the FCS.
The matchup between Portland State and Tarleton State is a perfect example of the growth and expansion of college football. It’s a chance for two conferences to come together and showcase their talent and strength on a national stage. It’s also a chance for fans to witness a historic moment in college football, as the Big Sky and United Athletic Conference meet for the first time.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting Week 0 matchup between Portland State and Tarleton State. It’s a game that has been years in the making and one that is sure to live up to the hype. The Big Sky meets the United Athletic Conference in what promises to be a thrilling clash of two talented teams. Let the countdown begin!
