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.
Pumphrey passed former Wisconsin star Ron Dayne's mark of 6,397 yards on a 15-yard run early in the fourth quarter, with teammates swarming him on the sideline, and wrapping up his sensational career in his Nevada hometown with 6,405 yards.
"It means the world to me," Pumphrey said as his father wiped away tears before hugging him.
Pumphrey's senior total of 2,133 yards rushing ranks in the top 10 for an FBS player.
Pumphrey's career total includes bowl games, but Dayne's did not because the NCAA didn't count bowl stats until 2002. Adding bowl totals, Dayne had 7,125 yards.
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). They overcame a 10-0 first-quarter deficit against the Cougars (9-4) for their second consecutive bowl win.
Houston finished with 254 yards of total offense and only 25 yards rushing.
New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico 23, Texas-San Antonio 20: Richard McQuarley ran for two short touchdowns and the Lobos (9-4) beat the Roadrunners (6-7) in Albuquerque, N.M.