DENTON, Texas - Two unlikely heroes provided the game-clinching play in what was likely the University of Louisiana's biggest road victory in several seasons.
The Ragin' Cajuns had just taken a 31-28 on an 88-yard drive to Tyrell Fenroy's 1-yard touchdown run with 1:10 left, but on the ensuing kickoff North Texas return standout Johnny Quinn appeared to find running room near the UNT 30.
However, little-used sophomore squadman Robert Terrell of Natchitoches hit Quinn from behind and forced a fumble. Redshirt freshman linebacker Jonathon Vance of New Orleans picked up the bouncing ball on one hop and covered it up, ensuring the Cajuns' third straight last-minute victory.
"I just saw the ball right there in front of me and I had to go and get it," Vance said. "He (Quinn) got hit and the ball just popped out, and I knew we had to come up with it."
Vance was mobbed by his kick-coverage teammates. So was Terrell, who wasn't even sure what body part he hit the ball with.
"I was coming at him from the right side and I don't think he saw me," Terrell said. "When he went to jump over somebody I hit him. I didn't even know the ball came out until I saw everybody jumping around and running off the field."
The last-minute fumble was one of only two turnovers forced by the Cajuns, and they came almost a full game apart. Cornerback Michael Adams had an interception on North Texas' third play from scrimmage.
COMISKEY'S MARK: Senior kicker Sean Comiskey became the Ragin' Cajuns' all-time leader in career kick scoring with a first-quarter extra point after UL's first touchdown.
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Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com