Aug. 29, 2002
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -
Chip Walters kicked a 26-yard field goal in the second overtime to get Samford University a 24-21 win over the University of North Alabama in the football opener for both teams.
Walters' kick came on third down after Samford had driven the ball to the nine-yard line on its second possession. The Bulldog defense had thrown North Alabama back to the 46-yard line in the overtime period before taking over for its attempt from the 25-yard line.
Samford trailed, 21-13, before tying the game at 21 on Ray Nelson's eight-yard pass to Efrem Hill and his two-point pass to Rob Shaw with 4:02 left in regulation. Bulldog defensive back Robert Evans intercepted a North Alabama pass at the Lion 36-yard line to set up the score.
Fred Gilliam scored on a two-yard run midway through the second quarter and Walters' extra point gave Samford a 7-0 lead. But North Alabama came right back to tie the score, 7-7, on Patrick Wilson's 92-yard kickoff return and Travis Johnston's extra point.
Walters kicked a 29-yard field goal with 3:19 left in the first half and Samford led,, 10-7. But North Alabama moved 65 yards in six plays to take the lead, 14-10, on Will Hall's 11-yard pass to Darrius Hoskins and Johnston's extra point.
Walters kicked a 27-yard field goal late in the third quarter to pull Samford within a point of North Alabama (14-13).
North Alabama moved to its 21-13 lead with 11:17 left in regulation as DeMarcus Blount ran three yards to cap a 45-yard drive. Johnston added the extra point.
Nelson completed 24 of 44 passes for 260 yards for Samford. Aryvia Holmes caught 11 passes for 152 yards for the Bulldogs, becoming Samford's career reception leader in the process. He has 137 receptions (for 1,994 yards) which breaks Brian James' total of 133 catches during 1988-91.
Samford finished with 22 first downs and 384 total yards while North Alabama had 16 first downs and 242 total yards.
