28 9 7 7 0 14 | Memphis State 7 7 0 14 28 | |
The 1971 Pasadena Bowl was a college football bowl game played on December 18, 1971 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The game featured San Jose State Spartans, of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association, and Memphis State Tigers from the Missouri Valley Conference.
Game summary
Trailing 3–0 late in the first quarter, Memphis State Tom Carlsen blocked a Spartan punt and recovered it in the end zone, giving them the lead 7–3. Dornell Harris scored in the second quarter to make it 14–3. Tailback Gowen added on to the score with his own touchdown run and Clifton Taylor sealed the game for the Tigers as the Spartans could only muster a late touchdown when the game was already over, with their five turnovers hurting them despite outgaining them 350–290. Memphis State coach Billy J. Murphy retired after the bowl win.