Late scores lift Army to victory over SDSU
FORT WORTH, Texas — Army rushed 87 times for 440 yards against San Diego State in the first 59 minutes, 42 second of the Armed Forces Bowl, so what was one more carry for the win?
Army's Kell Walker took a pitch and went around the right side untouched into the end zone for a two-point conversion with 18 seconds remaining, then the Black Knights returned an SDSU fumble for a touchdown on the game's final play for a 42-35 win over the Aztecs on Saturday afternoon at TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium.
“I thought they were going to set a world record for yards per play,” Army coach Jeff Monken said afterwards. “That Penny kid. What a player. I felt like we needed to win it in regulation. I didn't want him to get the ball back again.”
The late scores overshadowed another huge game by SDSU running back Rashaad Penny, who was named MVP of the game. He had more than 100 yards and two touchdowns breaking SDSU's single-season rushing record — after just three carries against the Black Knights.
By game's end, Penny had rushed 14 times for 221 yards and four touchdowns. It boosted Penny's national rushing lead to 2,248 yards, the fifth-highest single-season total in NCAA history.
This was promoted as the nation's leading rushing team against the nation's leading rusher and it lived up to the billing.
Army's 440 yards were well over its 355 yards a game average. Penny went over 200 yards for the fifth straight game, tying an FBS record. But what a contrast in the way the teams got things done with the run.
The game was tied 21-21 at halftime. SDSU's firsthalf scoring “drives” required 84 seconds, 133 seconds HAWAII BOWL: FRESNO STATE VS. HOUSTON
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and 13 seconds. Army's drives were measured in minutes, lasting 4:09, 6:58 and 5:55.
But that was nothing compared to the Black Knights' possession to open the second half. It consumed 11 minutes, 19 seconds of the 15-minute third quarter,
The drive finally ended when Army faked a fourthdown field goal that SDSU cornerback Kameron Kelly sniffed out and tackled the ball carrier for a loss. It was one of the few times the SDSU stopped Army's option offense.
MOBILE, Ala. — Jalin Moore ran for 125 yards and a career-high three touchdowns and Appalachian State beat Toledo 34-0 on Saturday night in the Dollar General Bowl. Appalachian State (9-4) won its third straight bowl game since making the complete transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2015.