SAN DIEGO – Holding a 410-57 advantage in total yards, San Diego football (5-4, 5-1 PFL) won its fifth straight game over Valparaiso (2-6, 2-3 PFL) on Saturday, 21-14.
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After Valparaiso took an early 14-0 lead, the Toreros scored 21 unanswered points to earn the victory.
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Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle
Will Buck registered three sacks, six total tackles, and two quarterback hurries in the win.
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With 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, graduate quarterback
Mason Randall rushed for a 15-yard touchdown and found wide receiver
Christian Brown on a two-point conversion to give San Diego the 21-14 lead.
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USD improves to 5-4 (5-1 PFL) on the season, and will host Morehead State next Saturday. Â
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HOW IT HAPPENED
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- Valpo took an early 14-0 lead with a 28-yard rushing touchdown and an 83-yard interception return.
- USD cut the deficit in half with a 15-yard screen pass from Randall to Martinez. The running back evaded multiple defenders and powered through the goal line.
- A 17-yard pass to Brown and a 15-yard completion to Michael Carner got USD in the opponent's territory. Kicker Brandon Eickert later knocked in a 31-yard field goal to make it 14-10.
- As the second quarter was winding down, Eickert hit a 33-yard field goal. At halftime, USD trailed 14-13.
- Buck's third sack of the day forced another Valpo punt with 7:20 to play in the third quarter. Both teams were held off the scoreboard in the frame.
- With 3:42 left in the fourth quarter, San Diego began a drive at its own 26, down 14-13. Randall heaved a pass downfield to TE Derek Kline, who made an over-the-shoulder grab for 37 yards.
- After a pass interference penalty, Randall faked a handoff to a wide receiver, tucked the ball, and rushed for a 15-yard touchdown on the left side. Randall then found Christian Brown for the two-point conversion and 21-14 lead.
- A delay of game, three incompletions, and a pass for no gain sealed the win for the Toreros.
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TORERO TIDBITS
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- Lindsey is now 73-25 in his career, including 62-6 in conference play.
- The defense allowed the fewest yards in the PFL this season and third fewest in the FCS this season.
- San Diego notched 21 first downs compared to Valpo's four.
- The Toreros held the Beacons to just two passing yards.
- USD's defense held Valpo to 0 points and 14 total yards over the last three quarters.
- Martinez scored the 32nd touchdown of his career.
- Over the last four games, Randall has completed 91-of-126 passes (72.2%) for 944 yards, 11 total touchdowns, and one interception.
- Running back Terrence Smith rushed 18 times for 90 yards.
- Kline ended with five catches for 90 yards.
- Will Buck leads the team with 7.5 sacks this season.
- Freshman Vance Jefferson led the team with seven receptions.
- Redshirt freshman Jacob Saewitz registered a sack and three tackles for loss.
- David Ambagtsheer led the Toreros with eight total tackles.
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UP NEXT
San Diego will host Morehead State (5-3, 4-1 PFL) next Saturday at 1:00 PM. USD is 13-0 all-time against the Eagles.
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