Fresno State Athletics
Raisin Bowl Recap
12/4/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 1, 1946
Score By Quarters Drake 6 0 0 7 - 13 Fresno State 0 6 0 6 - 12FRESNO, Calif. - Ratcliff Stadium and the Fresno State Bulldogs played host to 10,000 fans and the Drake Bulldogs for the first-ever Raisin Bowl.Scoring DU - Wallace Rooker, 1 run (kick failed) FS - Jack Kelley, 19 run (kick blocked) FS - Mel Gustafson, 1 run (kick failed) DU - Charles McDowell, 24 pass from Jack Coupe (Jim Baer kick) Attendance: 10,000
Fresno State led for most of the game entering the fourth quarter with a 12-6 spread over Drake. With only 6:30 remaining in the game the Bulldogs opted not to utilize their successful running game, but instead went to their passing game on the second down. To quarterback Mel Gustafson's dismay, the pass did not find Bulldog hands but was interrupted by Drake guard Ralph Gruben who advanced the ball to the FS 24-yard line.
The following play proved fatal for Fresno State as Drake's halfback Jake Coupe connected a pass to Charles McDowell who ran the ball in from the 1-yard line. Jim Baer converted for the final point need to defeat the Bulldogs 13-12.
Fresno State found six of their total points in the first half, but not until after the Drake 'Dogs sent their first seven to the scoreboard.
Down by six, the Bulldogs opened the second quarter with an impressive offensive drive. Jack Kelley produced a 19-yard running touchdown play on a double-reverse crossing into the endzone standing. With a failed field goal attempt the score stood at 6-6 heading into the half.
Opening the final period, FS scored when Louis Papac received a shallow Drake punt on the Drake 44. Papac pulled defenders to his right then reversed his motion to hustle the ball all the way to the Drake 1-yard line where Hobza knocked him out of bounds. Gustafson was credited with the TD bulldozing into the endzone to score. Taylor's kick soared wide, but the 'Dogs were on top again leading 13-7.
With less than seven minutes remaining, the game appeared to be wrapped up, but the Bulldogs could not foresee the fatal intercepted pass that would put the game away for good.
