
Associated Press - November 29, 2009 12:35 AM ET
LAS VEGAS (AP) - UNLV's Omar Clayton threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Phillip Payne with 1:24 to play on Saturday night to give the Rebels a 28-24 come-from-behind victory against San Diego State in the season finale for both Mountain West Conference schools.
UNLV (5-7, 3-5) trailed 24-7 early in the third quarter before closing the game with 21 unanswered points for the win in coach Mike Sanford's final game. Sanford was fired last week after six seasons, but was allowed to coach in the final game.
After giving up a 29-yard touchdown run to UNLV's C.J. Trotter in the game's initial two minutes, San Diego State (4-8, 2-6) scored 24 unanswered points and appeared headed toward snapping a 3-game losing streak.
Quarterback Ryan Lindley passed for 336 yards and a touchdown. Walter kazee led the Aztecs rushing attack with 106 yards.
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