Las Vegas, NV – The new NCAA career rushing yards record holder Donnel Pumphrey was the MVP of the Las Vegas Bowl for the San Diego State Aztecs who defeated Houston 34-10.
How fitting for Pumphrey who’s from Las Vegas to play his last college game, and break an NCAA record in his backyard.
“I’m honestly blessed to be around these guys right here and just to experience all this with my teammates and my family and my friends – it’s amazing.” said Pumphrey “This is where it all started. Just to end my college career here,”
Houston started the game with fire power behind Heisman hopeful quarterback Greg Ward Jr. who lead his team to a 10-0 start in the first quarter.
Ward Jr. threw for 229 yards with a rushing 12 yard rushing touchdown completing 25 of 34 passes with 4 crucial interceptions.
San Diego State defense were the unsung heroes of the Vegas Bowl creating turnovers that turned the game around in the second half.
“when intercept the ball it completely eliminates the momentum they have, it completely changes the momentum to the other side.” Rocky Long San Diego State coach.
With the momentum on San Diego State side they scored 28 unanswered points to run away with the game.
“I thought we really struggled in the first quarter with their quickness and their front seven.” said Long
Warrior (Safety) Kameron Kelly intercepted Ward Jr. two times in the second half that really ignited the team.
Pumphrey need 108 yards before the game started to break Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne record from 1999.
The offensive line took on the challenge with pride to get Pumphrey the record.
“It definitely wasn’t easy.” said Pumphrey “our defense, they did great, so it was easier for us to have the ball in our hands and able to keep running the ball.”
So the great story book ending the San Diego State Aztecs win the 25th Las Vegas Bowl with the home town hero Pumphrey.
