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Home > Blogs > Flyer Connection: University of Dayton sports > Archives > 2008 > November > 01 > Entry
Flyers grab key PFL win
The University of Dayton had to overcome a huge hole but ripped off 24 unanswered points for a 30-22 victory Saturday night at San Diego to take sole possession of first place in the Pioneer Football League.
The Flyers (8-1, 5-0 PFL) were facing a 22-6 deficit after quarterback Rob Florian threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, but the fifth-year senior more than made up for his gaffe.
He led the Flyers on a two-minute drill to finish the first half with a touchdown, cutting the margin to 22-13, and he caught fire in the second half. He finished 34-of-43 passing for 353 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions as UD snapped San Diego’s 28-game home winning streak.
Florian tied the school record for completions set last year by Kevin Hoyng against Albany.
“He’s a leader,” UD coach Rick Chamberlin said. “He gets the job done. He’s not flashy — I can’t believe he had 34 completions — but he does the job and the kids believe in him.”
Florian was kicking himself for that pick-six late in the first half.
“I just forced it,” Florian said. “I’ve got to give the guy credit. He really made a great break on it, and he did a great job scoring. But I just said, ‘All right, don’t force things.’ And I think we really grew as an offense.”
Florian was 19-of-23 passing for 209 yards in the second half, including 8-for-8 on the scoring drive that gave UD the lead for good with 4:04 left in the third quarter.
Justin Millio finished with 12 catches for 101 yards. The school record for receptions is 14.
Steve McDonald led the defense with nine tackles, including three for loss.
“It’s just unreal,” defensive lineman Sean Heenan said of the win. “We weren’t treating this game with any extra emphasis. But, obviously, in the back of our minds, there was the 28-game winning streak, and they’re probably our biggest rivals. It feels great to come out with a win.”
The Flyers are the only unbeaten team in the PFL with three games to go. Jacksonville (6-3, 4-1) handed Butler (6-2, 3-1) its first loss Saturday.
San Diego (6-2, 4-2 PFL), the preseason conference favorite, likely fell out of the league race with the defeat.
UD plays Butler in Indianapolis on Saturday.
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Comments
By Tim Hawley
November 2, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this
I am born and raised in Ohio, even all-ohio in football in 1962. I have always enjoyed following the flyers in all sports. Truly people who enjoy playing sports merely for the love of the sport.By William Peterson UD 1992
November 2, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Coach Chamberlin, GREAT JOB FLYERS!!! I wish I coulda been out there to see that great win. It’s good to see our resillency. It transfers over into life after footballBy Todd Shaman
November 2, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
This is sport, for the true love of competition. No money changes hand. No corruption exists. These kids are students first and athletes first and still they compete with great intensity. Their winning is the icing on the cake, but the way they go about the game is the truly valuable zenith of college football. What a team!By Virgil Gunch
November 2, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Is Tim Hawley still going on about his glory days in 1962? That was nearly 40 years ago. Give it a rest.By Ice Bandit
November 2, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Great win in perhaps the toughest venue in Division 1-AAA. Those were Steve Beurlein recruits you bested, Flyers, so here’s hoping for another Bowl and National Championship. And Tim, you keep reliving those glory days, and don’t be discouraged by those who never had a glory day in their life……By Duke
November 3, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Congrats Flyers! Now get out there and take Butler down! Time to keep marching forward a game at a time! Go Flyers!By Kevin
November 4, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Congratulation Flyers you are playing like champions and keep up the great work against Butler.Go Flyers!!!