Fresno State Athletics
Mercy Bowl I Recap
12/4/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 23, 1961
Score By Quarters Fresno State 3 7 20 6 - 36 Bowling Green 0 6 0 0 - 6LOS ANGELES - In remembrance of the 17 Cal Poly football players killed in a plane crash following a Bowling Green vs. Cal Poly game a year earlier, Fresno State and Bowling Green matched up for the Mercy Bowl Classic to raise money for the surviving widows and children and to dedicate a memorial in their honor. Before a then record breaking crowd of 33,145, the Bulldogs and Falcons raised $200,000 as they played what would become known as one of the greatest victories in Bulldog head coach Cecil Coleman's career.Scoring FS - Nick Masich, 29 FG BG - Ray Bell, 2 run (kick failed) FS - Jan Barrett, 45 pass from Beau Carter (Masich kick) FS - Bruce Seifert, 1 run (Masich kick) FS - Barrett, 23 pass from Carter (kick failed) FS - Carter, 4 run (Masich kick) FS - Carter, 8 run (pass failed) Attendance: 33,146
Six point underdogs entering the game, the Bulldogs surprised everyone but themselves in a trouncing 36-6 victory over Bowling Green ending the Bulldogs' unblemished season with a 10-0 record.
With a passing attack that would not, or could not be stopped, the Bulldogs trailed only once in the game defeating what was known as the fourth ranked team in the nation in total defense with their relentless air-strike.
The Bulldogs scored the next five touchdowns, breaking numerous school records and grabbing six interceptions to soundly win the game.
Bulldog Bruce Seifert scored a TD on a 1-yard run to start the third period. Masich gained a Bulldog point on the conversion.
Ahead 17-6, the Bulldogs passed over the grounded Falcons, a 23-yard strike from Carter to Barrett in the endzone. Although the extra point failed, the 'Dogs moved further out of reach.
On a 4-yard run Carter scored the final TD of the 20-point third quarter. Masich's extra point pushed the Bulldog spread to 30-6.
Carter found himself on a final 8-yard scoring run for the 'Dogs in the fourth, his second TD for the game. With the failed extra point attempt the Bulldogs retired the game 36-6.
