USD Goes for Third Shutout

By recording back-to-back 28-0 shutouts of Redlands and La Verne, the University of San Diego football team accomplished something it hadn’t done since 1982.

And if it can hold visiting Whittier College scoreless in tonight’s 7:30 game, USD would accomplish something it has never done.

The Toreros (2-0-1) are off to their best start since 1982, when they opened the season by beating Redlands (32-0) and Claremont (40-0).

Whittier (2-1) hasn’t been shut out this season and has scored 36 points. The Poets gave up 316 yards in total offense last week, but they intercepted six passes in a 14-7 victory over UC Santa Barbara.

USD’s defense has six interceptions, four in last week’s victory over La Verne. The leader of the defense has been Brian Day, a junior free safety who had five tackles and two interceptions against La Verne.

The Toreros’ offense is led by Brendan Murphy, a freshman quarterback who has completed 54% of his passes, three for touchdowns. Sophomore running back Todd Jackson and backup quarterback Braulio Castillo have scored two touchdowns each.