Southern Oregon Tucker-ed out by Cru fill-in running back Posted On: Sunday, Oct. 25 2009 01:36 AM By Angel Verdejo
Killeen Daily Herald

BELTON – Coming off its first and only loss of the year – a 17-14 setback at Mississippi College – the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor had a little more to worry about Saturday than just getting back into the win column.

The Crusaders did just that, knocking off a Southern Oregon team that upset UMHB last season. UMHB beat the Raiders 21-0 at Tiger Field, getting a pair of first-half touchdowns from Bryson Tucker.

Tucker came into the week as a starting defensive back and the Crusaders' fourth-leading tackler. But his role changed with the UMHB backfield decimated by injury. A running back last year, Tucker finished with 218 yards rushing, the fourth-highest total in program history.

"He had some tough yards," Fredenburg said. "I think he did a great job and it really helped our football team for him to come in and do that."

UMHB also got 62 yards from Tracy Cooper, who backed up Tucker but is listed as a reserve wide receiver. Tucker will remain on offense until the other running backs return, Fredenburg said.

Starting tailback Quincy Daniels, who missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury, did not suit out as he recovers from swelling in his knee. His backup, Desmond Mays, also watched from the sidelines while he battles turf toe.

Also gone is sophomore Rickie Williams, who broke his left arm.

"When they call on me to switch positions or do something for the team, I just get it done for them," Tucker said. "Being the captain of the team and a leader that everybody looks up to, when I'm asked to do something, it's not even about me, it's about them."

It's the second straight season UMHB (6-1) has dealt with backfield injuries and shuffling players. Daniels was the starter last year but was gone after the offensive play of the second game. Seven different Crusaders started at tailback, while six led the team in rushing.

Tucker started the last seven games a year ago, rushing for 672 yards to put him in the mix at running back entering this season. He moved back to defense when Mays and Williams solidified the rotation behind Daniels.

"I just get out there and play," Tucker said. "If they need me to make plays at safety, corner or running back, it doesn't matter."

The Crusaders started slow, though they had plenty of opportunities. Thanks to Southern Oregon's offensive struggles, UMHB started its first four drives in Raider territory.

UMHB only came away with seven points, however.

"I was very concerned because any time you get situations like that, you need to capitalize and we weren't doing it," Fredenburg said.

Southern Oregon (2-6) took the opening kickoff but fumbled on its third offensive play, giving UMHB a first down at the Raider 32-yard line. A holding penalty, two short runs and an incomplete pass led to a punt.

UMHB got the ball back two plays later on a second Southern Oregon fumble and needed just three plays to score. Tucker ran all three times with the third a 4-yard touchdown.

Tucker found the end zone again in the second quarter after three Crusader punts. At its deepest starting field position (15-yard line), UMHB actually went backward to start after a penalty. On first-and-15, Tucker took an option pitch going left and was hit behind the line of scrimmage, only to stay on his feet, slip another tackle and follow a convoy of blockers for a 90-yard touchdown.

"The corner blitzed and as soon as I caught it, he was right in my face," Tucker said. "I wasn't going to be able to juke so I just absorbed the hit, spun off and reversed field. Nothing but green grass."

Despite the win, the Crusaders still had areas of concern,

including a passing game that was nearly non-existent. UMHB threw for just 13 yards. It's the second straight game where the Crusaders have failed to reach at least 120 yards passing after doing so in each of the first five games.

Quarterback LiDarral Bailey, who made his first career start last week, completed just 3 of 10 passes, while backup Kyle Noack missed on his only throw.

"I haven't been throwing that well," Bailey said. "I was just trying to hit them on the routes but it just wasn't working out for me today. I'll get it together."

Contact Angel Verdejo at averdejo@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7564.