Full Breakdown
Eastern Washington Eagles Reclaim Dam Cup with 35-27 Victory Over Portland State
10/5/2025, 4:19:06 PM
Game Overview
On October 4, 2025, the Eastern Washington Eagles secured a 35-27 victory against the Portland State Vikings at Roos Field in Cheney, Washington, reclaiming the Dam Cup trophy. This win marked Eastern Washington's first Big Sky Conference victory of the season, improving their record to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while Portland State fell to 0-6 and 0-2 in the Big Sky.
Scoring Summary
The Eagles opened the scoring with a 45-yard touchdown run by quarterback Nate Bell. Portland State quickly responded with a 75-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown by Delon Thompson. Eastern regained the lead with an 8-yard touchdown run from Kevin Allen III and extended it further with a 37-yard touchdown run from Marceese Yetts, leading 21-14 at halftime. Despite a fumble by Eastern that allowed Portland State to score a field goal, the Eagles maintained a narrow 21-17 lead at the break.
In the second half, Portland State narrowed the gap to 21-20 with a field goal. However, Eastern responded with a touchdown pass from Bell to Landon Cooper and a 50-yard touchdown run by Allen, pushing their lead to 35-20. The Vikings managed a late touchdown pass from John-Keawe Sagapolutele to Terence Loville, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Key Performers
Nate Bell was instrumental for the Eagles, rushing for a career-high 175 yards and passing for 95 yards with one touchdown. Kevin Allen III contributed significantly with 79 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Marceese Yetts added 79 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Eagles' ground game was dominant, accumulating 333 rushing yards on 41 carries.
For Portland State, Sagapolutele threw for 302 yards and one touchdown, with Loville catching seven passes for 114 yards. Despite the loss, the Vikings showcased a strong passing game, achieving a season-high 339 passing yards.
Defensive Highlights
Eastern Washington's defense played a crucial role in the victory, particularly in key moments. Jaylon Jenkins' interception late in the game sealed the win for the Eagles. The defense also limited Portland State's rushing attack to just 130 yards, a significant improvement compared to previous matchups.
Official Statements & Responses
Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best acknowledged the team's need for improvement, particularly in pass protection, stating, “We’ve got to grow immensely in the pass protection phase.” He also praised the team's resilience in clutch moments, emphasizing the importance of the victory.
Criticism & Opposition
Portland State head coach Bruce Barnum expressed disappointment in missed opportunities, noting, “There were a few critical plays on offense that we didn't execute. On those plays we end up punting instead of scoring.” This sentiment reflects the Vikings' struggle to capitalize on their offensive drives throughout the game.
What's Next
Following this victory, Eastern Washington will have a bye week before hosting the Idaho Vandals on October 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Portland State will look to regroup as they continue their search for their first win of the season.
This matchup not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the significance of the Dam Cup rivalry, with Eastern Washington now leading the all-time series against Portland State 23-22-1.
