Toreros avoid upset, pull away from Valpo

Complacency and Valparaiso seemed to be the University of San Diego football team’s opponents Saturday for its 2,111-mile road assignment. Valpo, winners of just one game, occupied the Pioneer Football League cellar.

And by halftime, USD found itself trailing.

But the Toreros cranked their offense into high gear in the second half and flew home from Valparaiso, Ind., with a 43-27 victory.

USD scored 30 second-half points to erase a 14-13 halftime deficit.

USD improved to 6-4, 4-2 in the PFL. Valpo dropped to 1-9 and 0-6. The 43 points were a season high for the Toreros.

USD’s offense was the picture of balance. Dom Nankil completed 21 of 29 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown without an interception. Matt Colombo rushed for 121 yards on 15 carries while Adam Criter gained 117 yards on 26 carries. Both backs scored two rushing touchdowns.

USD took the second-half kickoff and traversed 75 yards on nine plays, Criter scoring from 9 yards out to give the visitors a 20-14 lead. It was short-lived as Valpo returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a TD and 21-20 lead.

But the Toreros took command, scoring 16 straight points for a 36-21 advantage. The two touchdowns came on Colombo runs of 3 and 36 yards.

Ruben Lopez, Jack Munro and Jake Higgins intercepted passes for USD.

The Toreros will try to clinch a winning season next week when they host Butler.