Cal Poly is still in the playoff hunt at the Pacific Conference in D1-A college after a 45-12 defeat of UC Davis Saturday.

The Mustangs actually had to come back in this game, as the Aggies of Davis started very strong and scored two quick tries. After some concerted pressure, Cal Poly were awarded a penalty try, and from there they started to come back.

Flanker Joe Saldana scored two tries and was instrumental in the Cal Poly effort, while Andy Early at inside center led the defense.

“It was good to see how we got back into the game,” said Cal Poly Head Coach David Burnett. “David played well, and put us on our heels at the beginning.”

Cal Poly now faces UCLA in a must-win situation. The Mustangs are 1-1, while UCLA, upset winners over Central Washington, are 2-1. The winner of that game will likely finish 2^nd in the Pacific, although Cal Poly would still have to get through CWU a week later.

“We have two tough matches to go,” said Burnett. “Next week against UCLA will be massive. They beat us in 7s in Vegas and in the preseason. We know we have to be better. Both games, I think the key is, we’ve got to play a full 80 minutes.