What Is 2007 San Diego Toreros football team

Overview

The 2007 San Diego Toreros football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as members of the Pioneer Football League (PFL). Led by first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history, posting a 10-1 overall record and a perfect 6-0 in conference play.

The Toreros' dominant performance earned them the PFL championship and marked a turning point in the program’s development. Despite their strong season, they did not qualify for the FCS playoffs due to the PFL not having an automatic bid at the time. The team’s only loss came against non-conference opponent UC Davis, who finished ranked in the top 25.

• 10-1 record: The Toreros won 10 of 11 games, their best season in recent memory and a program high for wins at the time.
• Jim Harbaugh’s leadership: Harbaugh served as head coach for only one season before leaving for Stanford, where he later gained national prominence.
• PFL champions: San Diego secured the Pioneer Football League title by defeating all six conference opponents, including Davidson and Drake.
• Offensive strength: The team averaged 36.0 points per game, fueled by a balanced attack led by quarterback Josh Johnson.
• Defensive performance: The defense allowed just 16.5 points per game, ranking among the top units in the FCS for fewest points surrendered.

Season Performance

The 2007 campaign showcased consistent dominance, particularly within conference play, where the Toreros outperformed rivals in both scoring and discipline. Their schedule included challenging non-conference matchups that tested their readiness for high-level competition.

• September 15 victory: A 34-14 win over UC Davis was later overshadowed when the Aggies defeated San Diego 31-28 in a November rematch.
• Josh Johnson’s impact: The senior quarterback threw for 2,809 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning first-team All-PFL honors.
• Home dominance: The team went 6-0 at Torero Stadium, where their defense allowed only 10.3 points per game.
• Rivalry success: San Diego defeated archrival San Diego State’s JV squad 21-17 in a non-conference matchup.
• National recognition: The Toreros were ranked in the FCS Top 25 for multiple weeks, peaking at No. 18 in October.
• Special teams excellence: Kicker Brandon Gould made 9 of 11 field goals, contributing to close-game control.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2007 Toreros compared to key PFL competitors and national FCS standards:

The table highlights San Diego’s superiority in conference play and efficiency. Despite playing at the FCS level, their scoring margin and win percentage surpassed most peers. The loss to UC Davis, a strong FCS team, was narrow and came late in the season after key players were rested.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season was a landmark for the San Diego football program, setting benchmarks for future teams and elevating the university’s athletic profile. It also served as a springboard for Jim Harbaugh’s coaching career, which later reached the NFL.

• Program growth: The season raised the profile of USD football, leading to increased recruitment and funding.
• Harbaugh’s legacy: His success in 2007 helped him land the Stanford head coaching job, where he revitalized their program.
• Conference dominance: The perfect PFL record demonstrated the growing strength of USD athletics.
• Player development: Quarterback Josh Johnson later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.
• Foundation for future: The 2007 season became a model for consistency and excellence in subsequent years.
• Community impact: Games at Torero Stadium drew larger crowds, boosting student engagement and local support.

In summary, the 2007 San Diego Toreros football team was one of the most successful in school history, combining strong leadership, disciplined play, and a championship culture that continues to influence the program today.