By: Tarleton State Athletic Communications

HILLSBORO, Ore. (www.tarletonsports.com)— Tarleton State took the national stage to kick off the 2025 college football slate for the second straight year, and for the second straight year, the Texans won on Week 0 on ESPN2.
 
This year, however, was much more impressive, as No. 10 Tarleton State (1-0) shut out Portland State (0-1) 42-0 on the road at Hillsboro Stadium in Hillsboro, Oregon. Head coach Todd Whitten postgame addressed his team and called it "possibly the best opener he's seen" out of Tarleton State. This was Tarleton State's largest season-opening win since 2002 (62-0).
 
It was the hottest game temperature wise in Portland State Football history, reaching triple figures in the normally mild climate. On the field, Tarleton State began hot and then scorched the turf in the second half to run away with it and win its fifth season opener over the past seven years. The Texan defense didn't budge all game, stifling the Vikings and forcing Portland State's first FCS shutout loss in nearly 20 years (2006) and first shutout loss at their home field since 2003.
 
The Texans forced four turnovers, with three interceptions, including an interception return for a touchdown, and a fumble recovery. Ty Rawls came down with two picks on the day, both on tipped balls. Omar Emmons had the interception return for a touchdown (37 yards) and a forced fumble. Jadan Aubert had the fumble recovery for Tarleton State.
 
Texan redshirt freshman running back Tre Page III stole the show in the first half, racing for a 28-yard touchdown in the first quarter, then an 89-yard scamper for a score in the second quarter. Page had 160 rushing yards in the first half alone, finishing with 170 for the game and his two scores on 15 carries (11.3 yards per rush). Page has the most rushing yards in a season opener in Tarleton State Football NCAA Division I history, and the most since Daniel McCants had 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 2019.
 
Quarterback Victor Gabalis only had to play the first three quarters with the game in hand, finishing 14-of-24 for 152 yards and two touchdowns, both scores to tight ends. Dawson Hearne caught a 14-yard score in the third quarter, followed by Danny Joiner's 4-yard touchdown reception two minutes later.
 
The Texans won every quarter, taking the first 7-0, the second 7-0, the third 14-0 and the fourth 14-0. Tarleton State outgained Portland State 453-277, averaging 7.2 yards per play compared to PSU's 4.3. The Texans were 6-of-12 on third down and 1-of-1 on fourth, while Portland State was just 4-of-14 on third and 0-of-1 on fourth. The Texans had a 301-to-108 rushing yard advantage in the game.
 
Receiving wise, Cody Jackson led the Texans with 96 yards on four receptions. Peyton Kramer had a strong season opener with four catches for 69 yards.
 
Portland State rolled out three QB's and none of them reached the century mark in passing yards.
 
To start the game, Tarleton State marched down the field near the Viking redzone before the Texans coughed up a fumble, their lone turnover of the contest. Tarleton State quickly forced a punt and scored on the Page 28-yard rush halfway through the first. Portland State then reached the red zone before Rawls earned his first of two interceptions.
 
In the second quarter on Tarleton State's first play of its first drive, Page broke free on his 89-yard score to make it 14-0. Midway through the quarter, Rawls again intercepted the Vikings.
 
In the third quarter, Tarleton State scored on its first drive, a 14-yard connection between Gabalis and Hearne. The Texans got the turnover via fumble on the ensuing kickoff, and Joiner scored shortly after to bust the game open.
 
In the fourth quarter, Emmons had a 37-yard pick-six, Lewis punched in an 8-yard touchdown to make it 42-0.

Bam Smith led Tarleton State with seven tackles, including one for a loss. Blake Smith had two pass breakups and three tackles. Josh Griffis and Kyle Jackson had six tackles apiece.
 
This was Tarleton State's first shutout since also winning 42-0 during its Homecoming game against Utah Tech last season on Oct. 12. It marked the first shutout on Week 0 by any team since Week 0 became an annual start to the FCS season in 2014.