COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Major Mistakes by Miners Help Aztecs Win Big

George Jones rushed for two touchdowns set up by turnovers and San Diego State converted three other miscues into scores for a 45-16 victory over Texas El Paso on Saturday night.

Jones, the nation’s third-leading rusher, gained 173 yards in 21 carries and scored on runs of two and 18 yards in about two quarters, then rested while the opportunistic Aztecs finished off their fifth consecutive victory.

San Diego State, 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the Western Athletic Conference, started out slow as it engaged in a defensive battle with the Miners (1-7, 0-4).

Then cornerback Ricky Parker stepped in front of a John Rayborn pass with 5:52 remaining in the first half and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown, giving the Aztecs a 10-2 lead.