The Aztecs, the Bears, the college football world knew that Pumphrey was the key to sealing a victory for the Mountain West school.
On the back of Donnel Pumphrey’s record-breaking night, the San Diego State Aztecs survive 45-40 to a formidable California Golden Bears team that didn’t miss a beat losing QB Jared Goff to the NFL.
Though the Aztecs, a 6-point favorite, still played the underdog card.
It’s easy to see why they were a favorite. Heisman-hopeful Pumphrey was already closing in on Marshall Faulk’s all-time rushing record and the Golden Bears can’t stop the run.