San Diego Toreros
Pioneer
San Diego was helped by Jacksonville’s ineligibility for the postseason, but the team still tied atop the Pioneer standings with a 7-1 record. That loss came against Jacksonville way back on September 13th. Their only other loss on the year came against Cal Poly in the season finale. But those are the types of teams that the Toreros need to beat if they want to win a playoff game.
2014 Record: 9-2, 7-1
Coach: Dale Lindsey
Big Wins: 9/20 Princeton (39-29), 10/25 Dayton (40-29)
Bad Losses: 9/23 at Jacksonville (18-35), 11/22 Cal Poly (3-34)
Strengths:
This is not a dominant San Diego squad even by Pioneer standards, but the Toreros do have a pretty potent offense. Quarterback Keith Williams threw for over 2,000 yards and has been relatively efficient with his passing attack. With receivers Brandon White and Reggie Bell, Williams certainly has a couple of very, very dangerous, big play receivers at his disposal. Running back Jonah Hodges gained over 1,000 yards on the year as well. While this is a passing team, Hodges is a dangerous player and now Coach Dale Lindsey can chip away at the opposing defense on the ground.
Weaknesses:
However, San Diego has had some trouble punching the ball into the end zone on the ground. Hodges is just 5-9 and 185 pounds and Dallas Kessman will get some important carries in the red zone. Turnovers are another thing to watch out for. For the most part Williams has been solid in that regard, but he did throw three interceptions in the loss to Jacksonville and San Diego cannot afford to give away possessions. The defense is capable of winning the turnover battle, especially in the secondary where Troy McClelland, Toney Sawyer and Jamal Agnew have made some big plays this season.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Jonah Hodges, RB, 1,194 yards
Passing: Keith Williams, QB, 2,093 yards
Receiving: Brandon White, WR, 819 yards
Tackles: Una Hamala, LB, 88
Sacks: Jon Petersen, DL, 5.0
Interceptions: Jamal Agnew, CB, 4
2014 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 172.5 (55th in nation, 5th in conference)
Passing Offense: 211.0 (64, 6)
Total Offense: 383.5 (57, 4)
Scoring Offense: 29.6 (46, 4)
Rushing Defense: 150.3 (37, 5)
Pass Defense: 196.8 (38, 2)
Total Defense: 347.1 (29, 4)
Scoring Defense: 23.9 (40, 5)
Turnover Margin: 0.20 (47, 4)
Sacks: 1.60 (94, 9)
Sacks Allowed: 1.80 (46, 6)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
No Postseason History
*all team stats through 11/15
