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USD Triumphs Over SDSU in San Diego Showdown

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 9:06 GMT by KELO
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USD vs. SDSU Showdown: A Battle for San Diego Supremacy

The long‑standing rivalry between the University of San Diego (USD) Toreros and San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztecs reached fever pitch last week as the two teams faced off in a highly anticipated showdown. The game, played at SDCCU Stadium on November 6, drew a record crowd of 18,500 fans and promised drama, intensity, and a showcase of talent from both programs.

A Storied History

The USD–SDSU rivalry dates back to 1994, when the Toreros first entered Division I competition. Since then, the two schools have battled on the gridiron at least once a season, with the Aztecs holding a slight edge in the overall series (10–7). The rivalry has always been more than just a game; it’s a clash of cultures—USD’s commitment to academic excellence and service‑learning against SDSU’s reputation for producing NFL talent and a dominant football tradition in the Mountain West Conference.

As the game approached, the Aztecs entered the field with a 6‑2 record and a strong offense led by quarterback J.T. O’Malley, who had posted a 58‑percent completion rate and 1,700 passing yards this season. The Toreros, meanwhile, boasted a balanced attack anchored by senior running back Keegan Kinsella, who had rushed for 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns, and a stout defense that had forced six turnovers in the last three games.

Pre‑Game Anticipation

On the morning of the game, the USD team’s practice was interrupted by a sudden rainstorm that left the field slick and pushed the coaches to emphasize ball control. Head coach Mark Murdock addressed the team, “This is a chance to prove we’re more than a good offense. We need to stay disciplined, protect the ball, and let the defense do its job.” In contrast, SDSU’s defensive coordinator, Brian McKay, highlighted the importance of exploiting the Toreros’ secondary: “The Toreros have a weak pass defense. We’re going to keep the ball in our hands and force them to run the ball.”

In the weeks leading up to the game, a series of press conferences saw both teams’ coaches weigh in on the stakes. “Every time we play SDSU, it’s about more than just the win. It’s about showing our community that we can compete with the best,” Murdock said. “We’re going to bring our best game.” SDSU’s coach, Tom Herman, responded with a confident tone: “USD is a solid program, but we’ve been in the spotlight. It’s our job to dominate and send a message to the conference.”

Key Moments of the Game

The game began with an early defensive stop for USD, who forced a 15‑yard loss on SDSU’s opening drive. The Aztecs responded with a 48‑yard touchdown run by star RB Jordan Smith, giving them a 7‑0 lead. However, the Toreros answered with a spectacular 55‑yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Alex Lopez to wide receiver Mark Sanchez, tying the game at 7–7.

In the second quarter, SDSU’s defense tightened, forcing a turnover on a tipped pass from Lopez. O’Malley capitalized on the turnover, throwing a 30‑yard touchdown to wide receiver Tyler Williams, pulling the Aztecs ahead 14–7. Just before halftime, USD’s defense forced a fumble that allowed the Toreros to tie the score again, 14–14.

The third quarter saw a shift in momentum. USD’s defensive line forced a critical third‑down sack on O’Malley, forcing a turnover that set up a field goal by Toreros kicker Zach Martin, giving USD a 17–14 lead. SDSU’s offense responded with a balanced attack, including a 15‑yard rushing touchdown by running back Brandon Johnson, tying the game again at 21–21.

In the final quarter, the Aztecs’ offense struggled with the Toreros’ aggressive pass rush. After a failed fourth‑down conversion, the game was decided by a 35‑yard field goal by USD’s Zach Martin, sealing a 20‑14 victory for the Toreros.

Post‑Game Reactions

After the final whistle, Coach Murdock praised his team’s resilience: “We fought hard from start to finish. Our defense made key plays, and we never gave up.” Coach Herman acknowledged the loss but emphasized the competitiveness of the game: “We’re disappointed, but we’re proud of how we performed. We’ll go back and learn from this.”

For the players, the victory is a validation of their hard work. Senior running back Keegan Kinsella highlighted the teamwork: “We played as one unit. Every player contributed on offense and defense, and that’s how we won.” SDSU’s J.T. O’Malley said: “It was a tough game. We had good moments, but we didn’t finish the way we wanted. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”

Looking Ahead

The win boosts USD’s record to 7–4, keeping them in position for a bowl‑game berth. SDSU, now 6–5, faces a crucial week against Nevada in Week 12, where they’ll need a strong performance to remain in the Mountain West title race.

The rivalry game has reaffirmed the intensity and tradition that defines USD–SDSU matchups. The battle showcased standout performances from both sides, underscored the importance of defense, and left fans excited for the next chapter in this storied rivalry. As the teams prepare for the remainder of the season, the showdown remains a testament to the competitive spirit and pride of San Diego’s college football community.