The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football team navigated a challenging slate during the 2024 season, finishing with an overall record of 9-4. Competing in the rugged landscape of NCAA Division III athletics, the Cru faced heavy-hitting non-conference opponents and fierce American Southwest Conference (ASC) rivals. Looking back at the full fixture list reveals how the team battled through early setbacks, secured critical postseason wins, and advanced deep into the national playoffs.
Understanding the trajectory of the 2024 campaign requires looking closely at how the schedule unfolded week by week. From the opening kickoff on the road against Bethel University to the quarterfinal battle at Johns Hopkins, the Cru experienced high-scoring blowouts, tight defensive struggles, and intense rivalry rematches.
Complete 2024 UMHB Football Fixture List and Results
The 2024 schedule tested the Cru right out of the gate with a demanding non-conference lineup before diving into conference play. Here is how every game of the season concluded:
- September 7, 2024: at Bethel University (Tenn.) — Lost, 10-20
- September 14, 2024: vs. Westgate Christian University — Won, 85-6
- September 21, 2024: at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Won, 35-17
- September 28, 2024: vs. John Melvin University — Cancelled
- October 5, 2024: vs. East Texas Baptist University — Won, 42-28
- October 12, 2024: vs. Hardin-Simmons University — Lost, 21-44
- October 19, 2024: at Howard Payne University — Won, 41-0
- November 2, 2024: at East Texas Baptist University — Won, 27-14
- November 9, 2024: at Hardin-Simmons University — Lost, 19-27
- November 16, 2024: vs. Howard Payne University — Won, 63-7
- November 23, 2024 (NCAA First Round): at Trinity University (Texas) — Won, 29-22
- November 30, 2024 (NCAA Second Round): at Hardin-Simmons University — Won, 17-13
- December 7, 2024 (NCAA Quarterfinal): at Linfield University — Won, 28-18
- December 14, 2024 (NCAA Semifinal): at Johns Hopkins University — Lost, 10-17
For official athletic department archives and game notes, check the UMHB Athletics Official Site.
Defining Regular Season Matchups
Several games during the regular season shaped the narrative for Mary Hardin-Baylor. The opening loss to Bethel University served as an immediate wake-up call, but the squad rebounded brilliantly the following week by dismantling Westgate Christian 85-6 at Crusader Stadium.
The defining highlight of the early non-conference slate came on September 21 against powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater. Traveling on the road, the Cru put together a stellar performance to secure a 35-17 victory over a top-tier national opponent.
Within the American Southwest Conference, the rivalry encounters against Hardin-Simmons University proved to be the most consequential tests. HSU managed to hand UMHB a tough home defeat in mid-October (21-44) and a narrow victory in Abilene in November (19-27). These divisional battles set up an intense postseason rubber match that changed the tone of the entire year.
Postseason Redemption and Playoff Run
Entering the NCAA Division III playoffs with a battle-tested roster, the Cru found another gear when it mattered most.
The Trinity and Hardin-Simmons Rematch
The postseason journey began in San Antonio against Trinity University. In a tight defensive contest, UMHB edged out a 29-22 win to advance. That victory led straight to a familiar foe: a second-round playoff rematch against Hardin-Simmons on November 30. Having lost twice to HSU during the regular season, the Cru exacted sweet revenge on enemy turf, grinding out a 17-13 defensive victory to eliminate their rivals.
Deep Run to the National Quarterfinals and Beyond
Following the emotional win over Hardin-Simmons, the Cru traveled to McMinnville, Oregon, to face Linfield University. UMHB controlled the pace and earned a 28-18 road victory, punching their ticket deeper into the national bracket. The playoff run finally concluded in the national quarterfinals on December 14 with a hard-fought 10-17 loss at Johns Hopkins University, capping off a resilient 9-4 season.
How Fans Followed the Season
Following Crusader football during the 2024 season involved a mix of local broadcast networks, streaming platforms, and live radio coverage.
- Streaming Services: Cru road games and select postseason matchups broadcast live via platforms like ESPN+ and institutional video portals.
- Live Radio: Local audio broadcasts covered every snap for fans unable to make the trip to Belton or away stadiums.
- Live Stats & Social Media: Real-time box scores, scoring updates, and post-game press conferences remained accessible through the American Southwest Conference scoreboard portals and official team social channels.
To track conference standings and historic championship histories, consult the American Southwest Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final record for UMHB football in 2024?
The Cru finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 9-4, including a 4-2 mark in conference play, reaching the NCAA postseason quarterfinals.
Where does UMHB play its home games?
Home games take place at Crusader Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.
How did UMHB perform against Hardin-Simmons in 2024?
The teams played three times during the 2024 campaign. Hardin-Simmons won both regular-season meetings, but UMHB bounced back to defeat HSU 17-13 in the second round of the NCAA playoffs.
Who was the head coach for the Cru during this season?
Larry Harmon served as the head coach, leading the program through its demanding regular season and deep playoff push.
