Early in the University of San Diego’s visit to Princeton on Saturday afternoon, you had to wonder if Toreros forgot to set their alarm clocks for the noon East Coast start in New Jersey.
Eight minutes, 45 seconds into the game, USD trailed by 21 points.
“We came out so flat. We came out so slow,” said USD coach Brandon Moore. “We didn’t have a lot of energy. It was brutal for the kids, for everyone.”
Hours later, Moore and the Toreros celebrated one of the greatest comebacks in program history.
USD rallied to beat Princeton 42-35 at Powers Field.
The Toreros’ comeback was marked by a stunning second-half, about-face by the defense, excellent play by their two quarterbacks and a fumble that was forced by a defensive lineman on the 16-year anniversary of his father’s death.
USD trailed 21-0, 28-7 and 35-14 in the first half. The Toreros’ defense allowed touchdowns on five of Princeton’s first six possessions. The Tigers gained 335 yards in the first half alone.
The second half was a different story. USD (2-2) held Princeton, which was playing its season opener, scoreless for the final 30 minutes. After permitting a whopping 335 yards in the first half, USD held the Tigers to 64 yards in the second half.
“The guys made huge plays in huge moments,” Moore said by phone.
The comeback was sparked by junior quarterback Tyler Voss, a San Jose State transfer who saw his first significant playing time of his career.
Voss relieved starter Dom Nankil with 6:15 to play in the first quarter. He proceeded to lead three touchdown drives in the second quarter, enabling the Toreros to pull to within 35-21 at halftime.
Voss finished 25 of 34 for 237 yards and three TD passes.
USD went back to Nankil with 5:37 to play in the third quarter.
Nankil directed USD on a 14-play, 67-yard scoring drive, capped by Adam Criter’s 4-yard run to make it 35-28.
“Dom thrives in those moments, when the chips are down and something’s got to happen,” Moore said.
On Princeton’s next play from scrimmage, USD’s Jae’Von Reels forced a fumble that was recovered by Jaden Williams. Reels’ big play came on the 16-year anniversary of his father’s death.
USD converted the turnover into a 24-yard Criter touchdown run to tie the game.
After forcing a three-and-out, USD drove 81 yards in 11 plays for the winning TD. Criter’s 18-yard run with 1:04 left to play secured the win.
Criter, who converted from wide receiver to running back this season, rushed 25 times for 105 yards and the three TDs and caught 10 passes for 68 yards.
Of his team’s comeback, Moore, in his third season as head coach, said, “I think a few years ago would have been a little different. This year, the kids understand our culture, what we’re trying to do. They believe in each other. They believe in the mission.”