Скачать или смотреть 1983 National Football Championship Carson-Newman vs. Mesa

Carson-Newman claims NAIA title GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) - Fullback Larry Smith scored on a four-yard run and Doug Jennings kicked a crucial field goal in the fourth quarter as Carson-Newman defeated Mesa College 36-28 Saturday to win its first NAIA Division I football title. The Eagles, who put on a stellar defensive effort in the fourth quarter, became the first team to win the NAIA championship with three losses in its record. The victory capped a Cinderella season for Carson-Newman, a small Baptist college in Jefferson City, Tenn., which finished 10-3. Mesa, failing for the second straight year to win the Champion Bowl, drove 75 yards in 11 plays early in the fourth quarter and got within 30-28 on a three-yard scoring run by Sean Vase. But Carson-Newman put on a drive of its own, going 54 yards on the running of Smith and quarterback Jeff Joslin, with Smith going the four yards for the final margin. Mesa quarterback BiH Monson and fullback Russ Hodgson, who scored two touchdwns in the game, tried to bring the Mavericks back, but the Carson- Newman defense held and Mesa's furious drive fell short. Carson-Newman built a 27-13 halftime lead with big plays. After Mesa opened the scoring on a touchdown by Hodgson early in the second quarter. Ken Tyson ran back the ensuing kickoff 100 yards to tie the game. Another Eagle touchdown came on a 50-yard dash by Smith through the middle of Mesa's defense. Carson-Newman capitalized on three Mesa turnovers in the first half and became the first team to win an NAIA title on the road since 1970.