The New Viking Toughness: It Started with "The Bull in the Ring"

Beating UC Davis 41-33 at Aggie Stadium last week was a big step forward for the Portland State football team. The Jerry Glanville era had been a disaster, 9-24 over three seasons, 2-9 last year, PSU's worst finish in 29 years. They ended 2009 with five straight losses, and the mood and outlook were as black as one of Glanville's trademark Elvis outfits. The Vikings lost their season opener this year, 54-9 to ASU. Their second opponent loomed as another tough road game. UC Davis was the defending Great West Conference champion, and were picked to win it again.

But the Vikings rose up, and they did it in style, forcing four turnovers, holding the home team to 70 yards rushing in 31 attempts, and allowing 331 total yards. The defense hung tough in the fourth quarter to protect the lead, paced by free safety Manoa Latu, who had 13 tackles.

The win was a satisfying culmination to a lot of work, because the first thing new head coach Nigel Burton did after being hired at Portland State was give the Vikings a huge upgrade in toughness.. They spiced winter workouts with a drill called "Bull in the Ring," designed to instill perseverance and determination.

Even in February, the Vikings were preparing for the Ducks. In that ring, their shirts damp with sweat and the dew heavy on the turf, they found their motivation and built their character. The Ducks would be foolish to discount it.

Oregonian photo by Thomas Boyd As Rob Finch reported, "Portland State's Ben Bowen, left, hugs opponent and teammate Ryan Rau after they battled in the ring, Sat. Jan. 30, 2010."