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TACOMA, Wash. — The Occidental football team struggled to get anything going on offense and its defense fatigued in a 61-6 loss at Puget Sound in its season opener on Saturday.
Oxy's defense played outstanding football in the first half, holding Puget Sound to just 13 points, with three interceptions and several key third and fourth down stops to get off the field. But with its offense not giving it much of a break, the Tigers collapsed in the third quarter as the game was put out of reach.
First years Connor Saludares, Travis Thein and Raffi Titizian had the three first half interceptions.
Ian Bonde was one of a few bright spots on offense, catching six passes for 79 yards.
The Tigers' loan score came on a pass from Josh Greaves to Carlton O'Neal, who finished with five catches and 34 yards, along with 200 yards punting and 28 kick return yards.
Greaves was the best of Oxy's three quarterbacks that saw the field, going 9 for 17 for 93 yards and a score. First years Jake Willemsen and Cameron Yowell also played.
Chris Garcia led Oxy's defense with 11 tackles, Christian Clark had seven and Joey Garza had six. Both Garza and Garcia made a pair of tackles for losses.
Tanner Diebold threw for 313 yards, four touchdown passes and three interceptions for UPS. Paul Thomas led the Loggers ground game with 50 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns. Nathanial Abernathy caught four passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.
The Tigers play their season opener on Sept. 16 against Pacific (Ore) at 7 p.m. in Jack Kemp Stadium.
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