San Diego State and UC Santa Barbara continued barreling towards a big late-season rematch this weekend, with both scoring massive wins in Pacific Mountain West play.

Friday night, the Gauchos beat Claremont 44-3. It was a close match for the first half, 16-3 at the break and 6-3 through the first half hour, but UCSB blew it wide open in the second half with four converted tries.

“Claremont had us a little bit worried, under pressure, but we came out in the second half and we really moved the ball well and guys kind of settled in,” UCSB coach Kevin Battle said.

Saturday San Diego State walloped USC 74-7. Up 48-0, the Aztecs relented after halftime, to the chagrin of coach Matt Hawkins.

“Everyone got lazy and let them score a try and we kind of mucked about a bit,” said Hawkins. “It was definitely one sided, but unfortunately I think USC couldn’t hold onto the ball.’

Hawkins was pleased with his team’s effort most of the game, but the non-stop motor of scrumhalf Brendon Winbrock stood out especially.

“He supported really well, played all 80 and didn’t stop running for the whole 80. I was impressed by that,” Hawkins said.

UCSB is back in action next week against Loyola Marymount and SDSU lines up across from UC Irvine.