Collapse in Fourth Quarter Plagues USD Again; Redlands Wins, 17-10

In the first two games this season, the fourth quarter was a problem for the University of San Diego football team. Saturday night against the University of Redlands was no different.

In front of 3,600 at Torero Stadium, Redlands scored 14 consecutive points in the fourth period, including the game-winning touchdown with 36 seconds remaining, to defeat USD, 17-10.

After three games, the Toreros are 1-2 and have allowed 43 points--34 in the final period.

“It’s not like we’re tired,” said Brian Fogarty, USD’s coach. “They’re just getting the big play when they need it. It’s the same thing as the first two weeks.”

The big play this week was actually a busted play. With less than 2 minutes left, Redlands quarterback Robert Lough, who had only completed 3 passes for 40 yards, dropped back.

As he was about to be sacked at about midfield by three USD defenders, he somehow managed to flip the ball forward about 10 yards to uncovered tight end Mark Kane. Kane turned and ran 34 yards for a first down to the Torero 11.

A 10-yard holding penalty on Redlands put the ball at the 21, and Eric Carlson and Fernando Gauna ran 8 and 9 yards to the USD 4. On the next play, Carlson plunged in to give the Bulldogs their second victory in three games.

After finishing 1-8 in 1987, Redlands is much-improved and has one of the most formidable backfields in Division III.

Going into the game, Redlands was averaging 278 rushing yards. The USD defense, on the other hand, was allowing just 6.5.

With Carlson gaining 112 yards on 23 carries and Ruffin Patterson gaining 79 yards on 19 carries, the Bulldogs finished with 191 yards on the ground.

“They’re both good size and have good speed,” Fogarty said off the two backs. “They’re probably the best tandem we’ll face all year.”

The Toreros scored early, covering 44 yards in 5 plays on their first possession while using just 2 minutes 14 seconds.

Quarterback Doug Piper connected with receiver Mike Hintze for 17 yards on the first play, then two plays later hit Tom McGee for 23 yards to set up a first and goal from the 2.

Todd Jackson went in on a dive, the first touchdown scored on the Bulldogs’ defense this season, and USD led, 7-0.

In their season opener, Redlands had allowed only a field goal and a touchdown on a fumble recovery. They shut out Pomona-Pitzer (USD’s next opponent) last week, 47-0.

USD was the benefactor of two fumbles by Redlands’ Ruffin Patterson and an interception by defensive back Chris King in the first half.

Patterson’s second fumble was recovered by Bryan Day on the USD 3, stopping Redland’s only extended drive of the half, which ended with the score still 7-0.