Benjamin, Kopp Beat Fullerton

University of the Pacific running back Ryan Benjamin came within 29 yards of the NCAA single-game, all-purpose yardage record, amassing 388 yards and scoring two touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a 56-28 victory over Cal State Fullerton in the Big West Conference opener for both schools.

Benjamin rushed for 150 yards in 15 carries, caught seven passes for 99 yards and returned two kickoffs for 139 yards. Temple’s Paul Palmer (against East Carolina in 1986) and Florida State’s Greg Allen (against Western Carolina in 1981) share the NCAA record of 417 yards.

Reggie Yarbrough rushed for 231 yards in 28 carries and scored two touchdowns, and Arthur Davis had 100 yards in 19 carries to lead Fullerton, which finished with 445 total yards.

Pacific quarterback Troy Kopp completed 24 of 32 passes for 346 yards and four touchdowns.

The Tigers (1-4) finished with 662 yards, the third most Fullerton (1-4) has given up in 22 years.