Israel Tucker's 2 TD runs gets La Tech past UTEP 21-17

Israel Tucker ran for two touchdowns, leading Louisiana Tech to a 21-17 victory over UTEP on Saturday night.

Tucker had a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and bulled into the end zone from the 1 that stretched the Bulldogs' lead to 21-10 with about 12 minutes remaining. On the ensuing kickoff, , (3-2, 0-1 Conference USA).

The Miners forced a punt on fourth-and-8 with about six minutes left, but a roughing the kicker penalty gave the ball back to the Bulldogs, who then ran the clock down to 32 seconds. UTEP fumbled the ball on its own 14-yard line three plays later.

Justin Henderson had a 14-yard touchdown run in the first quarter for Louisiana Tech (3-1, 2-0), which finished with just 210 yards of offense.

Devaughn Cooper made an underhanded catch in the end zone on a 33-yard toss from Gavin Hardison late in the second quarter. It was Cooper’s first career touchdown for the Miners, who had 12 penalties for 128 yards.

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