BIG WEST ROUNDUP : Fullerton Starts Fast, Runs Out of Luck, 26-7

The three-leaf clover painted at midfield to commemorate Gene Murphy’s final home game as Cal State Fullerton coach appeared to possess the powers of a four-leafer in the first quarter.

But Utah State turned the game around in the second quarter and beat the Titans, 26-7, Saturday night in Big West Conference game before 2,113 fans on Gene Murphy Appreciation Night at Fullerton.

“There should have been more people here, at least to say farewell to Murphy,” Titan defensive back B.B. Hudson said. “That’s what’s been wrong with this program--we get no support. It has been like this for a while, though. We don’t expect much from them.”

Fullerton, 2-6 overall and 0-3 in the conference, fumbled in its own territory on three consecutive possessions in the second quarter, one of which led to a touchdown that helped the Aggies (3-5, 2-1) score 13 points in the quarter.

The Titans took a 7-0 lead on punter Noel Prefontaine’s 64-yard touchdown pass play to Gerry McDonald, but Sean Jones’ 25-yard field goal cut it to 7-3 early in the second quarter.

Robby Clemons’ 18-yard touchdown run and Jones’ a 46-yard field goal gave Utah State a 13-7 halftime lead.