USD’s Challenge Is to Stop Redlands’ Offense

The University of San Diego defense has played a big part in the Toreros’ three victories this season--allowing only 6.3 points and 201 yards a game. But tonight at Torero Stadium (7:30), it will have to be huge to shut down the University of Redlands offense, which has averaged 31 points and 344 yards a game.

“We have not faced a team as physical up front as Redlands,” USD Coach Brian Fogarty said. “Their offense is very powerful.”

Most of the power comes from the ground game, which averages 247 yards a game. Junior fullback Curt Landreth, the fifth-leading rusher in Division III last year, has run for 271 yards and three touchdowns out of the Bulldogs’ wing-T offense. Junior tailback James Bradley has carried only 24 times but has 206 yards and three touchdowns.

“I’m not sure we have a running back who could start for them,” Fogarty said.

Fogarty barely has a running back who can start for USD. Four-year starter Ty Barksdale sprained his ankle in last week’s 13-0 victory against LaVerne and will probably not play. Fullback Charlie Taumoepeau (5-foot-11, 235 pounds) has played sparingly since running for 146 yards in 25 carries in the Toreros’ opener against Occidental. He has been nursing a sore foot but is expected to play today.

USD will need Taumoepeau if it is going to control the ball and keep the Redlands offense off the field.

“We have a fullback-based offense and we’re going to make you stop our fullback before you do anything else,” Fogarty said.

In his Taumoepeau’s absence last week, sophomore Scott Sporrer filled in nicely--gaining a career-high 123 yards in 19 carries.

Last year’s game was decided by the special teams--USD kicker Dave Bergmann kicked three field goals in the Toreros’ 23-17 victory--and Fogarty sees tonight’s contest going the same way.

“With two pretty even teams, special teams could be the difference,” he said.