The USD football team celebrates their win against Valpariso on Nov. 15, to win the Pioneer Football League Championship. Photo credit: Brock Scott.
The USD football team celebrates their win against Valpariso on Nov. 15, to win the Pioneer Football League Championship. Photo credit: Brock Scott.

No. 24 USD Football were victors in the first round of the FCS playoff Saturday, defeating host No. 21 Cal Poly SLO 35-21 in an upset.

The Toreros scored a touchdown on their opening drive and never looked back. The 7-0 lead quickly turned into 14-0 with 6:42 left in the first quarter.

The Mustangs would answer back at the end of the second quarter, but the end of the half still saw USD leading 14-7. Cal Poly SLO would keep pace as the score increased to 28-21 in favor of the Toreros but USD put the game out of reach soon after.

USD is set to take on No. 1 North Dakota State in the second round Saturday, Dec. 3rd.