SAN DIEGO - The Stetson Hatters fell 45-6 to the San Diego Toreros in Southern California on Saturday afternoon. The defeat drops the Hatters to 2-8 overall and 0-6 in conference play.
Graduate quarterback Matt O'Connor earned the start, but it was freshman Kael Alexander who saw the majority of the action under center. Alexander finished the game completing 19 of 33 passes for 148 yards.
Freshman running back Trey Clark provided the bright spot for Stetson's offense, rushing for a season-high 81 yards and one touchdown. Clark averaged 10.1 yards per carry, highlighted by a 52-yard scoring run with just 48 seconds left in the game. Clark also contributed four receptions out of the backfield. Fellow freshman Jaxson Dicus added 17 yards on the ground with a 16-yard reception.
Dalton Bailey was the most productive target for the Hatters, hauling in eight passes for 61 yards. This marked Bailey's fifth game with six or more receptions, including four consecutive games. Sophomore Ronnel Johnson also played a key role in the passing game, catching four passes for 57 yards.
Stetson struggled to sustain drives, converting just 3 of 14 third downs, while San Diego was successful on 7 of 11 third-down attempts. The Hatters were more effective on fourth down, converting 5 of 6 attempts for an 83.3 percent success rate.
Stetson will conclude the 2024 regular season at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 23, when they host the Butler Bulldogs at 1:00 PM.
