USD Wins, Improves to 4-0

REDLANDS —  The University of San Diego improved to its best start since 1981 Saturday with a 23-17 victory at the University of Redlands.

USD is now 4-0; the 1981 team began the season with nine consecutive victories. Redlands is 1-3.

“We knew Redlands was a good team,” USD Coach Brian Fogerty said. “It was a real intense game, and I probably got too conservative in the second half, but to their credit, they came back strong.”

Dave Bergmann kicked all three of his field goals in the first half as USD took a 16-3 lead.

After Bergmann’s third field goal, USD’s Jeff Blazevich recovered a squib kickoff at the USD 48 with 2:07 remaining in the first half. Three consecutive Todd Jackson runs moved the ball to the Redland 40, and USD quarterback Brendan Murphy then found Ken Jones down the right sideline for a touchdown to make it 16-3.

USD’s Greg Frinell returned the second-half kickoff 76 yards to Redland 15. One play later, Jackson (24 carries for 89 yards) broke off right tackle for a touchdown. Bergmann’s kick made it 23-3.