November 14, 1998
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Brian Russell threw for 219 yards and ran for three touchdowns as San Diego State defeated San Jose State 34-6 Saturday.
The Aztecs (6-4 overall, 6-1 Western Athletic Conference) allowed their first offensive touchdown in three games.
San Jose State's Deonce Whitaker set an NCAA kickoff return yardage record with 1,104 yards after returning six for 108 yards against San Diego State. Duke's Tijan Redmon had 1,065 yards in 1995.
San Diego State overcame 10 first-half penalties for 81 yards to take a 21-0 lead over the Spartans (4-7, 3-4). The Aztecs had a school-record 21 penalties for the game.
San Diego State took advantage of two turnovers to score its first two touchdowns.
Matt Thorne intercepted Chris Kasteler's pass and returned it 39 yards to the Spartans 44, setting up Russell's 2-yard TD run. Russell's 22-yard pass to Jesus Reyes was a key play.
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila caused a fumble and Darryl Jones recovered at the Aztecs 42. That led to Jonas Lewis' 2-yard run.
Russell's 1-yard TD run was set up by his 65-yard pass to Damon Gourdine to the 1.
Russell's 1-yard run early in the third quarter was set up by Aazaar Abdul-Rahim's interception.
Nate Tandberg added field goals of 34 and 32 yards for the Aztecs.
Gabe Payne caught a 4-yard pass from Brian Vye with 13 seconds left for San Jose's only touchdown.