SAN DIEGO – A 56-yard field goal with time expiring propelled Butler (7-2, 5-1 PFL) over the University of San Diego football team (3-5, 2-3 PFL), 26-23.
 
Graduate quarterback Judd Erickson was sharp for the third consecutive game, completing 24-of-34 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
 
Wide receivers Ja'seem Reed, Michael Carner, and Vance Jefferson each grabbed a touchdown in the loss.
 
Junior linebacker Garrett Carney registered a career-high 13 tackles, including eight solo stops. Sophomore cornerback Nick Murray added 12, while junior cornerback Eric Haney totaled 11.
 
USD drops to 3-5 (2-3 PFL) on the season, and will remain home to face Davidson next Saturday.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• San Diego put together an 11-play, 76-yard drive to open the game. Erickson found Reed on the right side for a 13-yard touchdown and the early lead.
• Butler answered with a 33-yard field goal midway through the first quarter to make it 7-3.
• With time running down in the first quarter, Erickson found Carner on a slant for a 5-yard touchdown. After one, USD led 14-3.
• Chase Lyons made a touchdown-saving tackle at the two-yard line, and Butler eventually made a 21-yard field goal to cut the deficit.
• The San Diego offense stayed red shot in the first half, rattling off an eight-play, 65-yard drive for another touchdown. Erickson split the defense and found Jefferson for a 14-yard score and a 20-6 lead.
• Butler was forced into a second-and-24 after a fumble, but converted and later scored on a five-yard rush. USD maintained a 20-13 lead at halftime.
• After a scoreless third quarter, Aidan Lehman buried a 23-yard field goal to extend San Diego's lead.
• With 7:35 left in the fourth quarter, Butler snuck in a 44-yard field goal to make it 23-16.
• The Bulldogs tied the game with 2:13 left, connecting on a 13-yard touchdown pass to lock it at 23-23.
• Butler forced a punt and got the ball at its own 40 with 1:16 remaining. After a few short gains, kicker Luka Zurak made a 56-yard field goal with time expiring for the win.

 
TORERO TIDBITS

• Over the last three games, Erickson is 83-123 (67.5%) for 898 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and no interceptions.
• Re-al Mitchell ended with seven catches for 60 yards and seven rushed for 38 yards.  
• Jefferson notched his eighth total touchdown of the season. As a receiver, he has 86 catches for 990 yards and nine touchdowns in 19 career games. He has also added two passing touchdowns this year.
• San Diego had its nine-game win streak against Butler snapped.
• Wide receiver Zion Lucia registered 88 kickoff return yards.
• Butler held a 427-296 advantage in total yards.
• Carner is second on the team with 32 receptions, 470 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
• Reed grabbed his fourth touchdown of the season, including back-to-back games.

 
UP NEXT
San Diego will host Davidson next Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 PM. The Toreros hold a 13-4 advantage in the all-time series, but Davidson has won the last two.