Four second-half fumbles cost Texas in a 30-23 loss to Louisiana in the ninth annual Bayou Bowl played Saturday at Stallworth Stadium.
It was a tough setback for the host team, which had won the last three contests. Louisiana picked up its fourth win of the series against five losses.
Texas dominated the first half and went into intermission with a 13-7 lead.
The last two quarters saw Texas mishandle two snaps from center and lose two fumbles.
Stern defense by Texas kept the game close. It took one final miscue to send Louisiana home with the victory.
Trailing 23-16 with just over two minutes left in the game, Texas gained a first down at its own 44.
Quarterback Trey Anderson kept the ball and made it to midfield before being stripped by Louisiana defender Ronnie Wheeler, who sprinted to the opposite end zone to put his team up by 14 points with 1:55 remaining.
Too little, too late
Texas roared back with a quick scoring drive but was unable to convert the ensuing onside kick with 54 seconds remaining.
“We turned the ball over, and they took advantage of it,” Texas coach Richard Carson said. “I think the difference was that we almost made a few plays.
“Hats off to Louisiana. ... I thought both sides did a great job.”
The game was almost even offensively, with Texas and Louisiana both gaining 225 yards on the ground.
A&M Consolidated graduate Chris Nutall, who will play for Texas State this fall, led the Texas offense with 112 yards on 16 carries.
Louisiana had the advantage of scoring twice on defense, using the long fumble return by Wheeler and a 19-yard score off a missed snap exchange from Gaven Weber in the third quarter.
Louisiana had other chances to increase its margin but was stopped four times inside the Texas 30.
Among the leaders of the Texas defense were linebacker Adrian Middleton, lineman Stuart Mouchantoe and defensive back Brison Burris.
“It’s not as much (about) scheme here,” Carson said. “It’s effort, heart and stick ’em. We had some guys who went after it.
“These kids were the (best) players at their school, and they had pride.”
Middleton rules middle
The Texas linebackers and interior linemen were particularly tough, forcing Louisiana to the outside on runs and passes.
Louisiana wanted little part of the middle, where future Prairie View A&M Panther Middleton was stationed.
“We did our best,” Middleton said. “We had some miscues on offense, but I think did well overall.
“It felt great to be among all the talent and athleticism down here between Texas and Louisiana. It was an honor to play in this game, so I tried my best tonight.”
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