The 1986 California Bowl was a college football postseason bowl game that featured the Miami Redskins and the San Jose State Spartans.
Background Miami was champion of the Mid-American Conference for the first time since 1977. San Jose State was champion of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association for the 5th time in 9 years.
Game summary Quarterback Mike Perez went 21-of-37 for 291 yards for 3 touchdowns in an MVP effort.
San Jose State – Olivarez 45 yard field goal Miami (Ohio) – Stofa 20 yard touchdown pass from Terry Morris (Gussman kick) San Jose State – Saxon 1 yard touchdown run (Olivarez kick) San Jose State – Liggins 36 yard touchdown pass from Perez (Olivarez kick) San Jose State – Malauulu 4 yard touchdown pass from Perez (Olivarez kick) San Jose State – Liggins 31 yard touchdown pass from Perez (Olivarez kick) San Jose State – Alexander 39 yard touchdown interception return (kick failed)
Aftermath Miami would not play in a bowl game again until 2003 while San Jose State went to two more bowl games in the next three years (1987 and 1990) before going on a 16-year bowl drought.
Statistics Statistics San Jose State Miami (Ohio)First downs 23 22Passing yards 313 208Rushing yards 113 24Total yards 426 232Passes intercepted 0 5Penalties–yards 14–163 10–101Punts–average 4–29.3 5–34.4Fumbles–lost 6–1 1–1
References