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(San Diego, Calif.) -- The USD Toreros (0-1) dropped a hard fought 37-3 contest to the San Diego State Aztecs (1-0) before an announced crowd of 48,785 at Qualcomm Stadium this evening. It marks the first time USD has faced an FBS program, and also marks the largest crowd the Toreros have played in front of. USD came ready to battle, and the defense stood out with some impressive play, but turnovers along with the offensive struggles were too much to overcome.

"I thought our defense played quite well under the circumstances," said USD head coach Dale Lindsey. "All in all, they're responsible for 16 of the 37 points. The offense gave up two interceptions (returned for touchdowns) and the special teams gave up the kickoff return (for a touchdown). You've got two of the three phases of our game that didn't come up to level. You're not going to win like that against a bad team. And this (SDSU) is a very good team. We have got to go back to work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, reexamine just how good we are and what it is we can do."

SDSU didn't waste any time getting on the scoreboard as Calvin Munson intercepted USD starting quarterback Trey Wheeler on the second play of the game and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown forty seconds into the contest. Aztec running back Donnel Pumphrey closed out the 1st quarter with a 5-yard TD run that completed a 12-play, 98-yard drive. In the second quarter the Torero defense limited the Aztecs to two field goals by Donny Hageman (33, 36 yards) and led 20-0 at the intermission break.

The second half began without the services of Torero running backs Jonah Hodges and Dallas Kessman who were both knocked out with injuries. On the opening kickoff, Rashaad Penny returned the kickoff 97 yards to extend SDSU's lead to 27-0. The Toreros closed out the third period with an impressive 15-play, 77-yard drive as Jack Flatau converted a 23-yard field goal to get the Toreros on the scoreboard. Torero quarterbacks Anthony Lawrence (passing) and Chris Willson (running) directed the drive that resulted in USD's only points of the contest.

SDSU's Hageman added his third and final field goal from 37 yards out with 9:57 left in the game. The Aztecs put their final mark on the contest when Munson returned his second interception for a touchdown, this time from 67 yards out with 3:35 to go. For the game USD turned the ball over six times, something they haven't done since the 2012 campaign against Drake.

Torero highlights included the play of cornerback Jamal Agnew (5 tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups in the endzone), safety Colton Giorgi (11 tackles), LB Max Michaels (7 stops) and safety Ray Clark (6 tackles). Offensively, redshirt freshman Anthony Lawrence came in and completed 9-14 passes for 71 yards, while graduate QB Chris Willson led the ground attack with 30 yards on 9 carries. Redshirt sophomore TE Ross Dwelley led the receivers with 5 catches for 50 yards.

SDSU was paced by the running attack of Pumphrey (65 yards, 1 TD) and Chase Price (63 yards). First year QB Maxwell Smith completed 9-21 for 100 yards.

Next week the Toreros play their home opener against Western New Mexico on Saturday, September 12th, at 6:00 p.m. at Torero Stadium.