USD Run Defense Faces Challenge of Redlands Backs

When the University of San Diego plays host to the University of Redlands tonight at 8 in Torero Stadium, the statistics 6.5 and 278 will be the keys.

The first is the average number of rushing yards allowed in two games by USD’s defense. The second is the average number of rushing yards gained in two games by Redlands’ offense.

One has to give.

With a defensive front of David Gilmore (6-feet 3-inches, 240 pounds), John Gomez (6-1, 223) and Dave Dunn (6-0, 237), the Torero run defense has been one of the stingiest in the nation.

The Bulldogs will counter with running backs Ruffin Patterson (9 carries for 100 yards last week), Eric Carlson (12-144) and Shaun Trejo (22-97).

Last year, USD shut out Redlands, 28-0, but Torero coach Brian Fogarty said, “They are a much better team than last year.”

Both are 1-1, losing their openers and winning the following week. USD is coming off a 17-8 victory over Claremont-Mudd, and Redlands defeated Pomona-Pitzer last week, 47-0. Both teams run the wing-T offense, but, Fogarty said, “Right now their numbers are better than ours.”