Toreros Take on Whittier Tonight

The University of San Diego football team, which lost last week’s season opener on a touchdown with 13 seconds left, plays its first home game of the season, against Whittier College tonight at the USD football field. Game time is 7:30.

This will be the 12th meeting between Whittier and USD, which lost, 21-17, to Redlands last Saturday.

Two years ago, the Toreros beat Whittier, 23-19.

Senior quarterback Mike Owens is Whittier’s foremost offensive threat. Owens, a transfer from Oregon, completed 12 of 24 passes for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns last week, in Whittier’s season-opening 34-17 loss to Azusa Pacific.

“He’s real mobile and throws the ball well,” Brian Fogarty, the USD coach, said. “We couldn’t keep the quarterback out of the pocket against Redlands. If we have the same problem against Whittier, we’ll be in trouble.”

Owens’ favorite target is receiver Ramon Juarez. He caught six passes for 139 yards against Azusa Pacific.

USD’s offense may be without its top running back, Mark Couvarrubias. He has a sprained big toe and is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game. If Couvarrubias, who rushed for 138 yards against Redlands, can’t play, Virgil Enriquez will replace him.