Baker brings in second SAC Offensive Player of the Week Award
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Brandon Baker (Miami, Fla.) smashed his way to his second SAC Offensive Player of the Week award following a 185-yard, four-touchdown performance in Carson-Newman’s 66-36 crushing of rival Tusculum. Baker is the only two-time SAC Offensive Player of the Week in the league for 2012.
Baker is the only two-time SAC Offensive Player of the Week in the league for 2012.
In part because of Baker's performance, the Eagles contest next week with Mars Hill takes heightened implications. Should the Eagles win, they have a shot at a first round bye in the Division II playoffs, lose, and they could be on the outside looking in.
Baker garnered his first award following a 219-yard, three-touchdown day against Glenville State in the opening week of the year.
On the season, Baker ranks second in the SAC by averaging 108.7 yards per game. His 11 touchdowns are also second in the conference and on the team to Brandon Haywood (Rockmart, Ga.).
The Tusculum game was the first time since 1981; Carson-Newman had multiple rushers pick up 150 yards on the ground. Back in '81 against Franklin, Boyce Green (10-159) and Van Williams (19-156) both crested the mark for Carson-Newman. Against Tusculum, Baker (20-185), Haywood (22-172) and Andy Hibbett (23-161) all went over 150 yards. Baker came within a touchdown of tying Buck Wakefield's single game scoring record, also set against the Pioneers in 2009.
Baker needs 22 yards rushing against Mars Hill to surpass 1,000 yards for the season. He'll become the 21st back in school history with a 1,000-yard year. Nate Inman completed the feat in back-to-back seasons with 1,057 yards in 2010 and 1,103 yards in 2011.
The Mars Hill game is also Military Appreciate Day. All veterans and active service members get into the game for free. Kickoff with the Lions is slated for 1 p.m.; coverage on the Coca-Cola Eagle Sports Network begins at noon on Joy 620 (WRJZ-AM, Knoxville) and on the web at cneagles.com.
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