San Diego Defeated Cal Poly in Thriller
The University of San Diego topped Cal Poly 38-35 following a late game-winning field goal at Spanos Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
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The University of San Diego narrowly secured a 38-35 victory over Cal Poly on September 19, 2026. A 38-yard field goal in the final minutes decided the contest after the teams remained tied at 21 during the second quarter.
Why it matters
The loss impacts Cal Poly as the team now holds a 2-2 record for the season. San Diego successfully controlled the game clock by relying on a dominant rushing attack throughout the match.
Running back Adam Criter accounted for 179 of San Diego's 263 total rushing yards. Cal Poly quarterback Anthony Grigsby completed 14 of 23 passes for 211 yards while the team combined for 173 total rushing yards.
The players
Adam Criter
He is a running back for the University of San Diego who anchored his team's ground attack with 179 rushing yards.
Anthony Grigsby
He serves as the quarterback for Cal Poly and finished the contest having completed 14 of 23 pass attempts.
The details
San Diego offensive linemen utilized effective cut blocks against the Cal Poly defensive front to open running lanes. Cal Poly struggled to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter after a series of errors including a fumble, false start, and sack hindered their final scoring opportunity.
Timeline
The game took place on September 19, 2026, at Spanos Stadium.
The next game for Cal Poly is scheduled for September 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This loss drops Cal Poly to a 2-2 record, complicating their position within the highly competitive conference standings. The outcome forces the program to adjust its approach as they prepare to face Eastern Washington to avoid a mid-season slide.
Cal Poly now holds a 2-2 overall season record following this non-conference defeat. The missed scoring opportunity in the fourth quarter proved decisive in determining the final three-point margin.
The takeaway
Managing the game clock through a consistent rushing attack remains a vital strategy for securing wins in tight collegiate matchups. Execution in the final minutes is often the deciding factor between a victory and a loss in games defined by high-scoring offenses.
What happens next
Cal Poly is scheduled to play against Eastern Washington next Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local collegiate athletics, visit the Football section.
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