Aztecs’ Faulk Has Record-Setting Return

Freshman running back Marshall Faulk gained 174 yards in 30 carries and scored a touchdown as San Diego State defeated Colorado State, 42-32, in a Western Athletic Conference game Saturday night.

Faulk, sidelined for three games because of a collapsed lung and two broken ribs sustained against New Mexico on Oct. 12, has gained 1,157 yards in seven games. That matches the NCAA record for fastest to 1,000 set in 1987 by Emmitt Smith of Florida. Smith gained 1,011 yards through his first seven games.

San Diego State quarterback David Lowery also had an outstanding game. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns.

Patrick Rowe was his favorite receiver with eight receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

The Aztecs are 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the WAC. Colorado State, which lost its fourth consecutive game, is 3-7, 2-5.

Faulk, a true freshman, has set or tied 12 NCAA records, notably the single-game rushing record with 386 yards against Pacific on Sept. 14. He has gained more than 100 yards five times.

Faulk scored on a 12-yard run with 1:01 to go for his 19th rushing touchdown, breaking the freshman season record of 18 that he shared with Hawaii’s Jamal Farmer, who set the mark in 11 games in 1989.

The Aztecs, who have won six consecutive games since Lowery replaced Cree Morris, play Brigham Young next Saturday to decide the WAC title and the automatic berth in the Holiday Bowl.