Tulsa Pounds Ball State In Soggy GMAC Bowl

January 7, 2009 9:25 a.m. EST

Mobile, AL (AHN) - Running back Tarrion Adams, selected as the game's MVP, rushed for 207 yards on 19 carries and three TDs, as Tulsa ripped Ball State 45-13 to capture its second straight GMAC Bowl Tuesday.

Adams also set a school mark, gaining 3,653 rushing yards, and matched another with his 32nd rushing touchdown for Tulsa (11-3).

The Golden Hurricane, who posted their first 11-win season, registered 439 yards rushing and 632 overall, hardly slowed down by rain which began to pour as the third stanza wore on.

Leading 24-13 at intermission, Tulsa drove 87 yards in eight plays as David Johnson found Slick Shelly for a 15-yard score for a 31-13 advantage early in the third frame.

Adams then capped Tulsa's six-play, 56-yard drive with an 11-yard TD run, increasing the Golden Hurricane's lead to 38-13 with 91 seconds into the final period.

David Johnson, voted as the game's offensive MVP, tossed for 193 yards and three scores on 15-of-25 passing, and ran for 52 more yards for Tulsa, which made its 16th bowl appearance all-time.

The Golden Hurricane moved to 7-9 in postseason play.

Damaris Johnson registered 135 yards on six catches with a score and 76 yards on three carries, while Shelley and Jacob Frank had TD grabs in the victory.

Cardinals QB Nate Davis went 9-of-29 passing for 145 yards and lost two fumbles and an interception in the first half.

Ball State's leading rusher MiQuale Lewis, who gained over 1,700 yards this season, was held to just 35 on 16 carries.

The Cardinals posted a measly 223 yards overall.

After posting a school-record 12 victories, Ball State fell to 0-5 in bowl games.