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Tafralis, Jones carry San Jose State to New Mexico Bowl win

Dec 24, 2006 - 3:26 AM ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (Ticker) -- Adam Tafralis and James Jones made sure San Jose State completed its turnaround season.

Tafralis threw three touchdown passes, including two to Jones, as the Spartans notched a 20-12 victory over New Mexico in the inaugural New Mexico Bowl.

After three dismal seasons with no more than three wins, San Jose State registered its first bowl triumph in 16 years. The Spartans last won a postseason game in 1990, a 48-24 triumph over Central Michigan in the defunct California Raisin Bowl.

San Jose State (9-4) finished with its highest showing in 11 seasons in the Western Athletic Conference, tying Nevada for third place.

"Our kids and coaches worked incredibly hard for this win," San Jose State coach Dick Tomey said. "Nine wins is a big deal for us. We need to keep working hard and keep our backs against the wall."

Tafralis completed 11-of-18 passes for 209 yards with one interception. The 6-2 junior also ran for 31 yards on eight carries.

Jones, who was named offensive MVP, had six catches for 106 yards.

In the third quarter, Tafralis and Jones hooked up for the second time on a 24-yard touchdown, giving San Jose State a 20-3 lead with 4:33 remaining. The duo connected in the first half for 36-yard score to open a 13-3 advantage at halftime.

John Broussard's 76-yard catch from Tafralis opened the scoring. Broussard caught four passes for 107 yards for the Spartans, who limited the Lobos to 5-of-17 on third down and recovered three fumbles.

Linebacker Matt Castelo had 18 tackles and forced two fumbles en route to nabbing defensive MVP honors for San Jose State, which forced four turnovers.

The Lobos (6-7) got a late TD when Chris Nelson found Marcus Smith for a 15-yard catch with 15 seconds to go. But they were called for offsides on the ensuing onside kick, ending hope of a comeback.

Tomey became upset with several players after being doused with water with less than one minute remaining.

"We were too anxious to celebrate and have to learn not to celebrate until the clock hits zero," Tomey said.

Nelson was 17-of-26 for 187 yards and a touchdown and Rodney Ferguson rushed for 105 yards for New Mexico, which fell to 10-5-1 in the all-time series.

"I think right now everyone thinks the shine has been knocked off," New Mexico coach Rocky Long said. "I said before the game and I still believe this. As poorly as we started this season, this team came a long way. I consider this season a success."

New Mexico has dropped five consecutive bowl games since 1997 and is just 2-7-1 in its last 10.