Nov. 7, 2009
Box Score
San Diego, CA - The University of San Diego Toreros could not complete their comeback attempt on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Davidson Wildcats by a score of 34-27 at Torero Stadium. The Toreros had the opportunity to even the game with a drive in the final two minutes following the second of JT Rogan's two touchdowns, but the offense turned the ball over on downs after four straight incomplete pass attempts.
The loss is the fourth straight for the Toreros (3-6, 2-5), while Davidson (3-6, 2-5) snapped its own three-game losing streak with their first win on the road this season. The USD loss was also their first loss to Davidson since 2000, dropping the all-time record to 5-2 between the two teams in favor of the Toreros.
Davidson was the first to score in the game after Peter Kidwell returned an interception thrown by Bo Stompro with 10:04 in the first quarter. The Toreros quickly answered with a five-yard touchdown run by Rogan with 8:50 left in the first. The touchdown was set up by Matt Jelmini's 40 rushing yards during the drive, including a 36-yard scamper that brought the ball to the Davidson 5-yard line.
The Toreros placed themselves in the lead with a 34-yard field goal by Mike Levine at the 4 minute mark in the first quarter. The brief advantage was erased, however, by a 6 play, 62-yard Davidson scoring drive capped by a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Kenny Mantuo towards the end of the first quarter.
The 55 rushing yards for Davidson during the drive showcased the Wildcats ability to gain yards on the ground against the Torero defense, as they rushed for 282 yards in the game. The Toreros meanwhile finished the game with 115 rushing yards and 332 total yards on offense.
Entering halftime, the Wildcats held a 24-17 lead, an advantage in which they never surrendered to the Toreros. Kyle Warren scored the only touchdown for USD in the second quarter, a 42-yard connection between him and Stompro.
Following field goals from both teams in the second-half, Davidson scored a touchdown with 7:23 remaining in the fourth quarter as Kenny Mantuo recovered his own fumble in the endzone after receiving a 33-yard pass from Michael Blanchard.
The Toreros responded with a 6 play, 60-yard scoring drive highlighted by Rogan's second touchdown, a one-yard rush to bring the score to its final result of 34-27.
Rogan led all USD rushers with 46 yards on 13 attempts, adding to his 153 all-purpose yards in the game. Jelmini also chipped in with 45 rushing yards. Stompro finished the day going 10-for-28 in pass attempts with a touchdown and interception. Warren led all receivers with 92 yards over three receptions, including the 42-yard touchdown.
The Toreros will return to action next Saturday, November 14th, when they take on Morehead State in their final road game of the season. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. PT.
