What Is 2011 Portland State Vikings football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Portland State Vikings football team represented Portland State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 4–7 record under head coach Nigel Burton. They competed in the Big Sky Conference and played home games at Hillsboro Stadium. Quarterback Bryan Bennett led the team with 1,059 rushing yards.

Key Facts

The 2011 Portland State Vikings finished with a 4–7 overall record
They played in the Big Sky Conference and went 3–5 in conference play
Head coach Nigel Burton was in his third season leading the team
Bryan Bennett rushed for 1,059 yards, the most by a PSU quarterback that year
The team played home games at Hillsboro Stadium in Hillsboro, Oregon

Overview

The 2011 Portland State Vikings football team represented Portland State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Nigel Burton, who was in his third year at the helm. The Vikings played their home games at Hillsboro Stadium, marking a shift from previous years when they played on campus.

This season was marked by a mix of promising offensive performances and defensive struggles. Despite showing flashes of potential, the team failed to secure a winning record, finishing with a 4–7 overall mark and 3–5 in conference play. The season included notable games against rivals and FCS opponents, highlighting both growth and areas needing improvement.

Overall record: The Vikings finished the 2011 season with a 4–7 win-loss tally, reflecting a below-average performance in the FCS.
Conference record: They went 3–5 in Big Sky Conference play, placing them in the lower half of the league standings.
Head coach: Nigel Burton, in his third season, led the team with a focus on rebuilding and player development.
Home stadium: Hillsboro Stadium hosted all home games, providing a modern venue with a capacity of over 7,000.
Key player: Quarterback Bryan Bennett rushed for 1,059 yards, becoming one of the most dynamic dual-threat players in school history.

How It Works

The structure of college football at the FCS level determines scheduling, player eligibility, and postseason opportunities. Teams like the 2011 Portland State Vikings operate within conference frameworks that dictate league standings, rivalry games, and access to the national playoff bracket.

Season structure: The FCS season includes a 12-game regular season schedule, followed by potential playoff qualification based on conference performance and national rankings.
Conference alignment: As a member of the Big Sky Conference, Portland State played eight conference games and four non-conference matchups.
Player eligibility: NCAA rules allowed student-athletes five years of eligibility across four seasons, with redshirt options available for injury or development.
Recruiting: The program relied on regional talent, particularly from the Pacific Northwest, to fill roster needs and maintain competitive depth.
Game preparation: Teams followed a weekly cycle of film study, practice sessions, and travel logistics, culminating in Saturday matchups.
Coaching staff: Nigel Burton led a staff of assistants responsible for offense, defense, and special teams, each managing specific units.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2011 Vikings compared to other Big Sky teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Head Coach
Montana	11–3	7–1	35.2	Jay Norvell
Eastern Washington	10–4	6–2	40.1	Beau Baldwin
Portland State	4–7	3–5	22.8	Nigel Burton
Sacramento State	3–8	2–6	19.7	Marshall Sperbeck
Northern Arizona	4–7	3–5	23.5	Jerome Souers

The table shows Portland State ranked near the bottom of the conference in both wins and scoring. While they matched Northern Arizona in record, their offensive output was slightly lower. Montana and Eastern Washington dominated the league, with the latter winning the FCS National Championship that year. This contrast highlights the competitive gap between top-tier and mid-level Big Sky programs in 2011.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a transitional year for Portland State football, offering lessons that shaped future program development. Though not a standout year, it provided valuable experience for young players and coaching staff navigating a competitive conference.

Player development: Quarterback Bryan Bennett’s performance signaled the potential of dual-threat QBs in PSU’s offensive scheme.
Recruiting momentum: Exposure from FCS games helped attract future talent despite the losing record.
Stadium impact: Playing at Hillsboro Stadium improved visibility and fan access compared to on-campus facilities.
Conference parity: The Big Sky’s competitive nature pushed PSU to improve coaching and training resources.
Program identity: The season reinforced the need for a balanced offense and stronger defensive discipline.
Historical context: The 2011 campaign is part of PSU’s broader FCS journey since moving up from Division II in 1996.

While not a championship season, the 2011 Portland State Vikings laid groundwork for incremental progress in the years that followed, serving as a reference point for growth and strategic planning.