University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
No. 1: All-Time Memorable HOMECOMING Games
10/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The Southern Miss football team will host Marshall on Saturday at 6 p.m. for its annual HOMECOMING game. As that date approaches, we take a look back on the 10 most memorable HOMECOMING games in Golden Eagle history.
Nov. 17, 1962 -- The Southerners closed out the 1962 season at Faulkner Field, hosting Louisiana Tech for HOMECOMING. The spectators on hand included Governor Barnett and lieutenant Governor Paul B. Johnson as well as several members of the state legislature. An inspired Bulldog team caused trouble early, but with a chance at another national championship, the Southerners rose to the occasion. James Berry scored the Southerners' first touchdown with a 45-yard interception return, and Sklopan scored on a 37-yard run to give Southern a 15-6 edge at halftime.
During the break, President William D. McCain presented head coach Thad "Pie" Vann with a new 1963 Chrysler for his accomplishments, dedication, and contributions to Southern Miss football, and then play resumed. The Bulldogs closed to within 15-12 early in the third quarter. Southern then drove to Tech 1-yard line but fumbled the ball away, but the defense stopped the Bulldogs, forcing a punt. Tackle Danny Salmon blocked the kick, and the ball bounced back into the end zone, where Ben McLeod recovered for a touchdown and a 23-12 USM lead. Tech scored early in the fourth quarter to close to within 23-18, but a 1-yard run by Sklopan stretched the lead back to 29-18, where it remained when the final gun sounded. When UPI released its final poll of the year, the 9-1 Southerners were crowned the college division national champions for the second time.
They had climbed as high as No. 2 in the AP poll during the season but wound up ranked fourth.
