Portland State Football

Saturday's game between South Dakota and Portland State has been canceled due to an illness in the Vikings program.

Portland State announced the cancelation a few hours prior to the scheduled 4 p.m. ET kickoff due to "many team members" being exposed to whooping cough in the last few days:

"Today's Portland State Football game vs. South Dakota has been canceled due to illness within the PSU program.

"A case of pertussis (whooping cough) got into the Viking team two days ago. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that affects the lungs. As a result, many team members have been exposed to the disease. The two programs and their team doctors have been in discussions regarding the situation. It was determined by Portland State that the game would not be played in the interest of the health of the student-athletes."

The school did note that no players are seriously ill at this time.

South Dakota athletic director Jon Schemmel issued a statement to Jay Elsen of Midco Sports about the decision to cancel the game:

Per the Centers for Disease Control website, whooping cough is marked by a severe hacking cough that is usually followed by a high-pitched intake of break that can sound like "whoop."

Initial symptoms can resemble those associated with a common cold before gradually worsening to include coughing fits that can cause breathing issues and fatigue.

The CDC noted coughing fits can last for up to 10 weeks and a full recovery could take 12 weeks, depending on the severity. The disease is most serious for babies and children. Teens and adults will usually experience fewer complications, particularly if they have been vaccinated.

Portland State (0-2) was set to host its first game of the season after playing on the road the past two weeks. South Dakota (1-1) is ranked No. 6 in the FCS top 25 poll and was coming off a 27-13 loss at Wisconsin last week.

The Vikings are set to play Boise State at Albertsons Stadium on Sept. 21. South Dakota will host Drake at DakotaDome next Saturday.

Former Portland State football player Keenan Harpole was charged with second-degree murder in the killing of fellow student Amara Marluke, according to KGW 8's Alma McCarty.

Harpole pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and is being held without bail at Multnomah County jail. He was arrested after turning himself in to police on Monday afternoon. He is also charged with unlawful use of a weapon.

Portland State President Stephen Percy announced that Marluke was killed early Monday morning near the university campus. 

"I am profoundly affected by the sheer tragedy of this loss," Percy said. "My heart breaks for Amara’s family and for everyone who knew her. I offer my deepest sympathies. We will work together as a campus community to heal."

According to Lisa Balick and Elise Haas of KOIN 6 News, students reported hearing multiple gunshots Monday morning outside their dorm. Officers responded to the scene and found Marluke dead.

Harpole was a member of the Portland State football team in 2021 but redshirted. He's no longer listed as part of the Vikings' 2022 roster.

Portland State head coach Bruce Barnum is a man of his word.

Barnum told The Oregonian's John Canzano he'd take care of the beer tab for anybody who attended the Vikings' 21-7 victory over Western Oregon. On Wednesday, he shared a $14,448 receipt he paid from Barney Beer Garden:

Barnum's pledge doesn't appear to have drawn more fans to Hillsboro Stadium. An FCS program, Portland State averaged 3,999 fans during the 2019 season and had 3,124 fans on hand for its home opener.

Those who benefited from his generosity are probably thankful nonetheless. And luckily Barnum's pledge didn't result in a 10-Cent Beer Night-like calamity.