Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Through a 1-10 Campaign Miss turnover and turn it into a score with just over four minutes left in the game. The loss dropped the Tigers to 0-3, as they pre- pared to take on the Georgia Tech Engi- neers. The Trip to Atlanta started out badly for the Tigers as a MSU fumble led to a quick Tech touchdown and a 6-0 Tiger deficit. However, the Tigers came roaring back on their next possession and fullback Mike Dion notched the first MSU touchdown of the season on a picture perfect 1 5 yard burst up the middle. After a Tech field goal, the Tigers got going again and quarterback Tom Smith capped a well executed 15 play drive by scoring from the one yard line giving MSU a 14-9 lead. In the third quarter, the Tigers stretched their advantage to 21-9 as Smith scored his second six pointer on a fine run. Following a Tech score which cut the lead to 21-15, the Tigers drove to another score on a 16 run by Tony Wiley which gave the Ti- gers a 28-15 upset win. Left: Tiger defensive back Robert Leving- ston (42) helps put down an enemy ballcar- rier in the Tulane game. Below left: The Swarm led by middle-guard Cedric Wright (93) sacks Tennessee quarterback Steve Alatorre. SPORTS 269

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Tigers Prove Tough As They Struggle Looking to score their first touchdown of season, the Tigers returned home to face the Ole Miss Rebels. The first few times the Tigers got the ball, they moved at will against the Rebel defense as running backs Mike Dion and Carl Harrsinn each had sever- al big runs. However, the Tigers drives were stopped as they fumbled and a second time they missed a field goal attempt. The third time they got the ball, the Tigers moved it all the way down to the Ole Miss nine yard line, where Greg Hauss came on and drilled a 26 yard kick which gave the upstart Tigers a 3- lead which they carried into the dressing room at halftime. In the third quarter, the Rebels took the lead on 39 yard touchdown scamper by John Fourcade which gave Ole Miss a 7-3 advantage going into the final period. That was the way the game ended as the Tigers were unable to take an Ole Right: Running back Carl Harrison (25) fights for extra yards in the Ole Miss game. Below right: Tony Wiley (20) races for a big gain in the Mississippi State game. 268 SPORTS

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Right: MSU safety Marvin Chatman breaks up an Ole Miss pass. Below: Fullback Mike Dion races through the Ole Miss defense. Bottom right: The Swarm engulfs a Louis- ville runner. A date with Mississippi State ' s Bulldogs in Jackson, Mississippi, began the Rex Dock- ery era at Memphis State University. Tiger fans were not exactly sure what to expect from Coach Dockery ' s young squad, but the Tiger followers and the 15th ranked Bull- dogs soon found out that the gutsy ' Cats from Memphis were no pushovers. The hard fighting Tiger defense kept the Bulldogs at bay most of the day as they held Mississippi State ' s vaunted running attack to less than 200 yards rushing on the day. While the Ti- ger defense was on target, the offense was for the most part ineffective as they failed to take advantage of numerous Bulldog errors. The Tigers finally got on the scoreboard with a 42 yard field-goal by Stan Weaver in the fourth period. It was too little, too late and the Bulldogs defeated tough MSU 20-3. 270 SPORTS