RICHARDSON, Texas (Sept. 1) -- Central Oklahoma linebacker Terry Hardeman has been named Lone Star Conference North Division Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in last Saturday's hard-fought 16-12 season-opening loss to No. 17-ranked Pittsburg State.
Hardeman led a defensive effort that held the high-powered Gorillas to 16 points, only the second time in five years that PSU had scored less than 20. The 6-0, 235-pound junior from Spencer, Okla. made a career-high 13 tackles (eight solo) while also forcing two fumbles and recovering two fumbles as the Bronchos almost pulled off the upset.
UCO (0-1) returns to action Saturday against another ranked team, hosting No. 10 and three-time defending Lone Star Conference champion West Texas A&M in its league opener. Kickoff at Wantland Staduim is 6 p.m.