Pumphrey breaks NCAA record, SDSU wins Las Vegas Bowl
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Donnel Pumphrey broke the NCAA career rushing record Saturday in his college finale, running for 115 yards and a touchdown in San Diego State's 34-10 victory over Houston in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Ron Smith returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, Curtis Anderson caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Christian Chapman, Juwan Washington ran for a touchdown, and John Baron kicked two field goals for the Aztecs (11-3).
[...] Pumphrey started to gash Houston on the perimeter, giving San Diego State the lead for good on a 32-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, and the defense intercepted four of Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr.'s passes in the second half.
Ward threw for 229 yards and had a 2-yard touchdown run, tying Bryce Beall's school record of 39 rushing touchdowns.
With his knack for delivering in the showcase games — Oliver had 8 1/2 tackles for loss, four sacks and a forced fumble against Oklahoma, Louisville and SDSU — it wouldn't be a surprise if his second season ended with national awards.