After getting blown out in its first two games, the University of San Diego football team was hoping to build some momentum before heading into Pioneer Football League play. The Toreros accomplished that and more.
Junior Emiliano Salazer kicked a 38-yard field goal with two seconds to play to give non-scholarship USD a 38-35 win over FCS full-scholarship Cal Poly on Saturday night at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo.
The Toreros (1-2) had opened the season with a 49-17 loss to sixth-ranked UC Davis, then got walloped 59-17 by Idaho State. Cal Poly (2-2) represented USD’s third straight Big Sky opponent.
But USD’s offense proved too much for the Mustangs to control.
USD scored touchdowns on five of its first six possessions, built a 35-21 third-quarter lead, watched the lead disappear in the fourth quarter, then rallied to win.
With the game tied 35-35 and 1 minute, 5 seconds to play, USD took over on its 22. Three first downs advanced the ball to the Cal Poly 24. The big play was a 28-yard pass from Dom Nankil to Christopher. Hall
Salazar’s field goal was hit right down the middle and theToreros earned the biggest win in head coach Brandon Moore’s four seasons as head coach.
USD compiled 499 yards in total offense, rushing for 263 and passing for 236. Nankil was spot on during the night, completing 20 of 25 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 39 yards, including a 1-yard keeper for a touchdown around the right end with six seconds to play in the first half that gave USD a 28-21 lead.
Adam Criter gained 179 yards rushing on 28 carries and scored a touchdown.
After giving up an average of 587.5 yards the first two games, USD permitted just 384 against Cal Poly.
USD opens PFL play next week at St. Thomas