Final Stats

The University of San Diego (0-1) scored 14 4th quarter points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the 24-0 deficit it faced against the visiting Azusa Pacific Cougars (1-0) in tonight's season opener at the University of San Diego Torero Stadium before 4,143 fans.

The Cougars, who have beaten the Toreros in five of the last seven season openers, were paced by running back Ben Buys who rushed for a game high 133 yards on 32 carries. Buys found the endzone twice on runs of 7 yards - once in the 1st quarter, and again with 6:20 left in the first half. APU's Jon Miller hauled in a 16-yard pass from QB Sean Davis with 3:21 to go that gave the Cougars a 21-0 halftime advantage.

Both teams went scoreless during the 3rd quarter, then with 8:54 to go in the final quarter APU's David Ignash nailed a 37-yarder to extend their lead to 24-0. The Toreros finally got ontrack late in the game and senior QB Eric Rasmussen connected with sophomore WR Adam Hannula for TD's of 5 and 10 yards.

With their potent running attack the Cougars dominated the time of possession, 35:09 to 24:51. Azusa finished with 319 yards on 70 plays while the Toreros finished with 261 yards on 68 plays. Rasmussen finished 18-for-40 for 192 yards and 2 scores. Hannula was his top target as he caught 8 balls for 64 yards and the two scores. Nick Garton caught 5 balls for 52 yards. Sophomore RB Evan Harney rushed 22 times for 90 yards in his first collegiate football game.

Defensively the Toreros were paced by senior FS Bryan Newbrough (11 tackles) and senior LB Andy Guzenski (11 tackles). Senior DB Allen Russell chipped in with 8 tackles, as did LB Jeff Langdon.

The Toreros head to Davidson, North Carolina next week to take on the Wildcats in a 7 pm contest.