Sept 28, 2003

Box Score

The University of San Diego Toreros (3-1) won their third straight game in thrilling fashion as they defeated Holy Cross (1-3) 46-45 in double overtime before 4,449 fans at Torero Stadium. It was USD's first ever overtime contest and the Toreros stunned the Crusaders by going for the two-point conversion in the second OT and the gamble paid off as QB Eric Rasmussen connected with WR Nick Garton for the game-winner.

Sophomore running back Evan Harney, last week's PFL Offensive Player of the Week, turned in another stellar performance as he rushed for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns on a new USD record 43 carries. Harney had both overtime touchdowns for USD on runs of 1-yard in the first OT and 3 yards in the second.

USD found themselves down 31-17 with 10:06 to play before rallying for two touchdowns to knot the score. Senior QB Eric Rasmussen connected with WR Adam Hannula for a 21-yard TD with 7:41 to go, but Adam Williams' PAT kick failed and the Toreros were still down 8 points at 31-23. Rasmussen then hooked up with Nick Garton for a 7-yard TD reception with :26 seconds left in regulation to pull to within 31-29. Needing the two-point conversion Rasmussen hit Evan Harney with a quick pass that knotted the score at 31-all.

After USD's kickoff, Holy Cross started from their own 26 yard line with :23 seconds. John O'Neill's first pass was picked off by Bryan Newbrough who returned it 28 yards and was downed with just :03 ticks on the clock. Adam Williams came in for a potential game-winning 42-yard field goal - the kick had the distance but just missed left.

In the first OT USD got the ball first and Harney completed the 6-play, 25-yard drive with a 1-yard TD rush. Williams' PAT kick gave the Toreros a 38-31 lead. Holy Cross answered in just 4 plays as Steve Silva rushed in from 5 yards.

In the second OT, Holy Cross got the ball first and Gideon Akande scored on a 4-yard run and the Crusaders PAT kick was good for a 45-38 lead. USD faced a critical 4th-and-3 from the 18-yard line and Rasmussen calmly hit Eric Harney for 4 yards and a 1st down at the 14 yard line. Three straight Evan Harney rushes was culminated by his 3-yard burst. The Torero coaching staff elected to go for the two-point conversion and the win. Rasmussen delivered by hitting WR Nick Garton on a quick slant in the endzone and the 46-45 victory.

Defensively the Toreros were paced by linebacker Jeff Langdon (13 tackles; 1 forced fumble). Bryan Newbrough (9 tackles, 1 interception), Gavin Ng (8 tackles), Adam Combs (8 tackles) and Andy Guzenski (8 tackles) also contributed. Offensively Rasmussen completed 21-of-33 passes for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns. Garton hauled in 7 balls for 74 yards and Adam Hannula caught 5 for 52 yards and 1 TD.

The Toreros play the third of four straight home games this Saturday, October 4th, when they take on Southern Oregon (0-2) at 7:00 pm.