BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University senior quarterback Joe Minden has been cleared to play announced head coach Ray Woodard Wednesday morning, as the team loaded busses for Hammond, La.
 
A transfer from Southland Conference rival Stephen F. Austin, Minden had battled junior transfer Carson Earp for the starting spot through spring camp and preseason workouts. Through the first two games of the season, Earp and Minden had been rotated as starters.
 
Minden got the start in the season opener against Bacone College and completed 16-of-20 (.800) passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. The Coppell, Texas native, was hurt early in the second half against No. 4 Baylor but continued to play. He is 24-of-31 (.774) for 267 yards and four touchdowns on the season.
 
Minden's return brings added depth the quarterback position which had only two signal callers remaining on the roster after Minden's injury, and the loss of transfer Blake McKenzie for the season in the final days of preseason drills.
 
The Cardinals return to action Thursday when they travel to Hammond, La., to take on No. 22 Southeastern Louisiana. The game against the Lions is slated to begin at 6 p.m. from Strawberry Stadium, and will be televised on the American Sports Network.
 
-LU CARDINALS-