College Football: Flyers set to host Toreros in annual PFL showdown

When you think of a rivalry in college football you think of two teams in close proximity, but that’s never been the way it’s worked in the Pioneer Football League.

The University of Dayton and the University of San Diego are 2,172 miles apart. Despite the distance the Flyers and the Toreros both circle their calendars for the annual showdown that usually goes a long way in deciding the PFL title.

It is the Toreros turn to make the long flight this year for Saturday’s noon start at Welcome Stadium.

»RELATED: Dayton falls on road at Stetson

“It’s the chance to go out and compete against a quality program,” Flyers head coach Rick Chamberlin said. “They know the type of people they want in their program to help win games and they go out and get them.”

Dayton dominated the series in the early years, but San Diego has won three in a row and seven of the last 10 games in the series. Dayton still owns the all-time series edge 16-10.

“We know how important this week is for our season and for this program,” Flyers senior tight end Adam Trautman said. “Everyone has a little more pep in their step this week and we’re ready to go.”

Dayton (4-2, 2-1) didn't take that kind of energy to Florida last week. The Flyers fell behind early at Stetson and turnovers kept fueling the Hatters confidence.

“Against San Diego you just can’t make mistakes like we saw against Stetson,” Chamberlin said. “When you turn the ball over, when you have bad special teams, and when you give up long runs you’re not going to win games.”

San Diego (4-2, 3-0) will be a serious test for a Dayton defense that hasn’t allowed less than 28 points in any game this season.

“We’ve got to be ready for their best shot because they know that Dayton is a competitor for the league title and they will be ready,” Chamberlin said.

Reaching a milestone

Saturday's game will be the 500th of Rick Chamberlin's career as a player and coach at the University of Dayton.

The Springfield native came to the Flyers in 1975 and was an All-American linebacker. Chamberlin was an assistant coach under Rick Carter and Mike Kelly. Saturday's game will be his 130th as the Flyers head coach.

“I can’t believe that I’ve achieved 500 games,” Chamberlin said. “I don’t think I’m old enough to have 500 games. … It’s gone by fast, but they always say when you’re having fun it goes by fast. I’m a blessed coach because I’ve gotten to stay at Dayton all these years.”


SATURDAY’S GAME

San Diego at Dayton, Noon, 1290, 95.7 WHIO Radio

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