Turnovers Help Set Up USD’s 21-7 Victory Over Santa Barbara

The University of San Diego opened a 21-0 halftime lead en route to a 21-7 win against club team UC Santa Barbara Saturday at Torero Stadium.

The win, in front of a sellout homecoming crowd of 4,100, improved the Toreros’ record to 5-4 and guarantees them at least a .500 season. USD will plays St. Mary’s Saturday in Moraga in its final game.

USD sophomore quarterback Pat Dixon, who completed 9 of 17 attempts for 104 yards, threw touchdown passes of 6 and 3 yards to senior wide receiver Mike Sears to give the Toreros a 14-0 lead. Sears finished the game with five receptions for 52 yards.

The first score capped a 53-yard drive, which was set up by an interception by defensive back Jeff Neuber. The second scoring drive began on the UCSB 30-yard line after a 38-yard punt return by John Gutsmiedl.

Fullback Tom Woodward gave USD a 21-0 lead on a one-yard touchdown run with 3:36 left in the half. Woodward capped a nine-play, 61-yard drive, which also was set up by a UCSB turnover. This time, Gaucho wide receiver Chris Hortlein fumbled after a 44-yard pass play from quarterback Paul Wright. Bryan Day recovered for USD.

UCSB (1-8) dominated the second half, but the Gauchos managed to score only on their first possession. Wright’s one-yard sneak for a touchdown capped a 10-play, 63-yard drive.

Wright completed 23 of 38 passes for 273 yards, but threw for two interceptions. UCSB’s Brad Haines led all rushers with 104 yards on 10 carries.