SAN DIEGO (AP) _ Sean Stein threw two touchdown passes and Brian Urlacher returned a fumble 71 yards for another score to lead New Mexico to a 24-21 victory over San Diego State on Saturday night.

The Lobos (2-3, 1-0 Mountain West Conference) took a 17-0 lead less than one minute into the second quarter, then held on in the mistake-plagued game.

San Diego State's defense produced three interceptions in the second half that produced excellent field position for the offense. But the Aztecs (2-4, 0-2) failed to score.

With New Mexico leading 17-14, San Diego State was driving when Damon Gourdine fumbled after a reception at the Lobos' 29-yard line. Urlacher picked the ball out of the air and ran for the clinching touchdown with 4:23 left in the game.

The Aztecs added a late touchdown on a 1-yard pass from Jack Hawley to Gourdine with 23 seconds remaining.

San Diego State had five turnovers, losing four of six fumbles. The Aztecs also allowed four sacks.

Stein, a junior college transfer, made his first start after playing in just two of the Lobos' first four games. Stein was 16-for-26 for 154 yards before he was knocked out of the game near the end of the third quarter with a slight concussion.

Stein threw touchdown passes in the first quarter of 18 yards to Jake Farrell and 5 yards to Germany Thompson.

New Mexico built its lead to 17-0 lead one minute into the second quarter on David McKinney's 25-yard field goal.

The Aztecs cut the lead to 17-14 in the second quarter on Hawley's 15-yard touchdown pass to Gray McNeill, and a 17-yard TD run by Larry Ned, who gained 120 yards on 18 carries.

The win was only New Mexico's second in 16 games against San Diego State.