Northern Arizona’s offense has no trouble with Portland State in 44-23 victory

Northern Arizona rolls past Portland State, 44-23

PORTLAND, Ore. — Michael Herrick passed for 254 yards and three touchdowns to lead Northern Arizona to a convincing 44-23 victory over Portland State in Big Sky Conference action on Saturday.

Northern Arizona (4-2, 3-1) led almost the entire way.

Herrick entered the contest as the Big Sky’s top-ranked passer and he was rarely pressured by a Portland State defense that has allowed more than 400 yards per game. Herrick completed 21 of 34 attempts and connected with Conrad Meadows for a pair of scores, including a 31-yarder that gave the Lumberjacks a 30-9 lead late in the third quarter.

Portland State (2-5, 1-4), which was playing without injured first-string quarterback Drew Hubel, didn’t score a touchdown until backup quarterback Connor Cavanaugh’s 7-yard run early in the fourth period cut Northern Arizona’s lead to 30-16.