SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- Larry Ned ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns while Brian Russell threw for 118 yards and a pair of scores as San Diego State walloped Division I-AA school South Florida, 41-12, in the season opener for both schools.

The Aztecs (1-0), who improved to 7-2-1 in season openers this decade, scored early and often. Russell's 20-yard TD pass to Damon Gourdine capped their first possession, a short 25-yard drive.

Ned doubled the margin with a 45-yard jaunt with 2:36 left in the first quarter. South Florida (0-1) came as close as 14-3 on a 27-yard field goal by Bill Gramatica 1:47 into the second quarter, but Ned's five-yard scoring run completed a seven-play, 80-yard drive on the ensuing possession.

A 22-yard field goal by Nate Tandberg right before halftime extended the lead to 24-3. After another field goal by Gramatica, Jonas Lewis scampered 11 yards to give the Aztecs a 31-6 cushion.

Russell hooked up with tight end John Ange on a 20-yard scoring play on the first play of the fourth quarter, and Tandberg booted a 37-yard field goal with 10:33 left to complete San Diego State's scoring.

San Diego State rolled up 414 yards of total offense. Ten different Aztec players caught at least one pass and Russell added 51 rushing yards.

The Bulls, who make the jump to Division I-A in 2000, added a late touchdown on a 20-yard pass from Marquel Blackwell to Reshod Durant. South Florida allowed six sacks and converted just 3-of-15 third down plays. Blackwell, playing a mop-up role, completed 6-of-9 passes for 90 yards. Starter Glen Gauntt went just 12-of-26 for 93 yards with an interception.