SEGUIN, Texas -- Texas Lutheran fought back from an early 21-0 deficit but could not find sustained success in a 56-21 home loss Saturday night to fifth-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor.

At TLU's Bulldog Stadium, the Crusaders scored three touchdowns in the first 7:17 of the contest.

All-American defensive end Teidrick Smith forced a fumble on TLU's first possession. UMHB recovered at the TLU 4 and scored two plays later with just 1:19 off the game clock.

TLU (0-2) managed to cut the lead to seven in the second quarter and to 14 in the third quarter thanks to three touchdown connections between receiver Jekovan Holmes and quarterback Zach Galindo.

Holmes scored on TD receptions of 21, nine and nine yards. His touchdown grab on the final play of the third quarter cut the UMHB lead to 35-21.

The Crusaders (2-0) dominated the fourth quarter, putting up 21 points to TLU's zero.

T.J. Josey, Duane Thompson and Markeith Miller all scored in the final frame. Josey caught a 35-yard TD pass from Blake Jackson for his second scoring grab of the night. In all, Josey caught nine passes for 129 yards.

Jackson rushed 12 times for 119 yards and threw for 255 yards and three scores.

Thompson scored three times and finished his day with 20 carries for 72 yards.

TLU's Holmes caught seven passes for 88 yards and the three touchdowns.

TLU's Preseason All-American Marquis Barrolle carried the ball 21 times for 82 yards and had a long run of 24.

Darian Candler led the Bulldogs with 11 total tackles. Justin Thomas picked up eight tackles and intercepted a pass at the end of the first half.

Matt McCullough and Serrick Preston Jr. each recorded nine tackles. A.J. Mason broke up three passes, and Marquise Gates broke up two.

Smith tallied three sacks and a total tally of 3.5 tackles for loss for the Cru. UMHB as a whole had 10 tackles for loss (41 yards) and five sacks.

TLU hits the road next week for a 6 p.m. road contest in Pineville, La. against Louisiana College.