Cal Poly Mustang Football Dominates Season Opener

San Diego, CA – Cal Poly Exceeds Expectations with a Convincing Season Opener

Cal Poly Mustang football kicked off their season in spectacular fashion, defeating the University of San Diego with a final score of 41-17 at Torero Stadium. This victory not only marked an impressive start to the 2023 season but also continued Cal Poly’s dominance over San Diego, having won five of the last six matchups.

The Mustangs, featuring a revamped offensive strategy, showcased their improved execution during the game. This performance was a significant uptick from their historically inconsistent offensive outputs in previous seasons. The San Diego Toreros had managed to win the prior year’s encounter, but they were unable to replicate that success this time around against a more prepared Cal Poly squad.

Key Player Performances

Making his debut after transferring from the University of Pittsburgh, starting quarterback Ty Dieffenbach played a pivotal role in the victory, completing 18 of 27 passes for 263 yards and throwing three touchdown passes without any turnovers. His early-game efficiency was evident as he quickly connected with wide receiver Michael Briscoe for two touchdowns, one from 12 yards and the other from 14 yards, granting Cal Poly an early advantage at 14-0.

Moreover, Dieffenbach demonstrated his dual-threat capability with a spectacular 43-yard touchdown run, pushing the Mustangs’ lead to 24-0 by the end of the first half.

San Diego’s Response and Missteps

As the contest progressed, San Diego struggled to maintain defensive consistency. The Toreros’ issues were compounded by missed tackles and ill-timed penalties, which allowed Cal Poly favorable field position and scoring opportunities. San Diego’s first score came just before halftime, with a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dom Nankil to Bradley Schlom, narrowing Cal Poly’s substantial lead to 24-7.

The third quarter saw San Diego capitalize on an opportunity with a 35-yard field goal, further closing the gap to a 24-10 deficit.

Fourth Quarter Action

Despite San Diego’s efforts, Cal Poly maintained their composure and offensive balance. Tyrei Washington added critical rushing yards and capped off a lengthy touchdown drive with a decisive 1-yard run that put the score at 34-17. San Diego then attempted a comeback with a 79-yard touchdown run by Adam Criter, narrowing the score to 27-17 at the early stages of the fourth quarter.

However, Cal Poly answered back strongly, as reserve quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr. connected with Alek Marshall for a 14-yard touchdown pass, finalizing the scoring for the Mustangs at 41-17. Throughout the match, Cal Poly successfully scored on all but four of their offensive drives, marking one of their most complete offensive performances in recent history.

Upcoming Challenges

Looking ahead, Cal Poly will face a significant challenge as they prepare to go head-to-head with Utah, a Big 12 contender, on September 6. The game is set to kick off at 3 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

This season opener not only sets a positive tone for Cal Poly but also showcases their potential to compete at a higher level, building excitement among fans and players alike.