McNeese State University - Log Yearbook (Lake Charles, LA)

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McNeese 21, Fresno State 0 ' Despite being rated 19 points underdogs, the Cowboys rolled to a 21-0 halftime lead over the visitors from California in a wet, muddy sea- son opener. Chad Millet made his debut as‘signal caller, and did well enough to earn Southland Confer- ence Offensive Player of the Week honors, as did Tommy Murphy for his defensive effort. Fresno began a furious second half rally capped by a 93 yard TD run by their quarter- back Bill Yancy, but the talented Poke defense stifled the Bulldogs’ eee and preserved the vic- ory.

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° 78 Football McNeese Cowboy Team

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McNeese 45, West Texas 13 In rolling up their highest point total since 1971, the Pokes picked off five West Texas pas- ses. Doug Fruge’s 57 yard interception return for a touchdown broke the game wide open in the third quarter. Freshman Theron McClendon of DeRidder was once again the leading ground gainer, picking up 56 yards on 13 carries, as the Pokes churned out 250 yards offense on the ground. Northwestern 10 McNeese 7 The first bitter taste of defeat came on the third weekend of the sea- son as the Pokes continually passed up golden opportunities to score. McClendon’s 55 yard TD scamper on the game’s first play proved to be the only points McNeese would put on the board. But the Pokes were never really out of it, and had a chance in the final min- utes. However, a fumble on a fourth-and-one situation at the Demons 26 yard line spelled doom for the Cowboys. Another big blow was the loss of senior Anthony Naquin to injuries.