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It was a win that would’ve surprised no one in 2022. Yet, in 2024, Mary Hardin-Baylor’s 35-17 win at No. 3 Wisconsin-Whitewater sent shockwaves across Division III. While it wasn’t the Crusaders' first win at Forrest Perkins Stadium in program history, it was their first time winning at UWW during the regular season.

So, did UMHB’s impressive win signal a return to national prominence and thrust the Cru into the national title conversation?

Let’s examine.

There were similarities to some of UMHB’s most dominant teams over the years, especially on defense. One common component of UMHB’s national championship teams has been a dominant defensive line that erases the opposition’s rushing attack while pressuring the quarterback into making bad decisions in the passing game. 

The Cru’s defensive line completely dominated the line of scrimmage throughout the contest. UMHB held UWW to 88 rushing yards on 37 attempts, an impressive 2.4 yards per carry. The defense was credited with only one quarterback hurry, a subjective statistic that felt wrong while watching the game.

UWW’s first two possessions ended in pick-6s, resulting in a quarterback change. Four of the Warhawks' first five possessions ended in turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble), and the UMHB defense forced eight turnovers in the contest. UWW did gain 244 yards through the air but needed 38 attempts, resulting in a paltry 6.4 yards per attempt.

Durand Hill (Buda Hays HS) sparked the defense with the first pick-6 of the game. Da’marion Morris (Little Cypress HS) placed his name in contention for non-FBS Player of the Week with 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble and one pass breakup.

The other two phases of the game keep UMHB from being squarely in the middle of the national title conversation.

Let’s start with special teams. UWW blocked three UMHB punts, two resulting in touchdowns for the Warhawks. The punts were blocked for a combination of reasons. UMHB’s punt block was continuously overwhelmed by an aggressive UWW rush, and the rugby punt often took too long to leave the foot of the punter. The Cru should expect similar attacks on their punting unit until they prove they can stop the rush and get the punt off promptly.

That wasn’t the only special teams mistake for the Cru. Following the second punt block returned for a touchdown, UWW successfully executed an onside kick to regain possession with 4:03 remaining. It wasn’t a surprise onside kick, either. UMHB led 35-17, and UWW’s formation indicated an onside kick was forthcoming. The Cru special teams unit was hesitant to cover the ball, electing to see if the Warhawks would touch it before it traveled 10 yards. UMHB’s hesitancy worked against them on that play.

The offense has different issues. One staple of UMHB’s national championship teams has been the ability to run the ball effectively against the best defenses in the country. The Cru finished with 108 rushing yards, with 96 coming on Kamerin Ferguson’s (Decatur HS/Southwest Baptist) touchdown, which is the longest rushing touchdown in program history and effectively sealed the victory. Remove Ferguson’s run, and the UMHB rushing attack gained 12 yards on 27 attempts.

Quarterback Isaac Phe completed 16 of 22 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. I imagine Crusader fans will gladly accept Phe completing 72 percent of his passes every week. However, Phe must limit the occasional poor decision for the Cru to contend in the playoffs. Phe has thrown five interceptions against the two opponents who count in the statistics. 

If UMHB’s offense can limit turnovers and special teams mistakes, its defense will win playoff games. The positive for Cru fans is that the errors are fixable. 

The offensive line will improve, and the Crusaders have a weapon on the outside. AJ Williams III (Spring HS) is another tall and talented wide receiver similar to what they have been known for in recent years. The 6-foot-4 sophomore caught three passes for 100 yards, with 30 of those yards coming on an impressive touchdown where Williams fully extended into the end zone for the reception.

While UMHB might not be in the national title conversation this week, the Crusaders possess the ingredients necessary to make a run in November and December. One thing we do know - the Crusaders are back in the playoff discussion.