2023 Harding Bisons football
NCAA Division II national champion
GAC champion
NCAA Division II championship game, W 38–7 vs. Colorado Mines
ConferenceGreat American Conference
Ranking
AFCANo. 1
Record15–0 (11–0 GAC)
Head coach
Offensive schemeFlexbone triple option
Defensive coordinatorRoddy Mote (7th season)
Co-defensive coordinatorLuke Tribble (7th season)
Base defenseMultiple
Home stadiumFirst Security Stadium
2023 Great American Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
No. 1 Harding $^  11 –0   15 –0  
No. 24 Henderson State ^  9 –2   9 –3  
Ouachita Baptist  9 –2   9 –2  
Southern Arkansas #  9 –2   10 –2  
Oklahoma Baptist  6 –5   6 –5  
Southern Nazarene #  6 –5   6 –6  
Arkansas Tech  5 –6   5 –6  
SE Oklahoma State  5 –6   5 –6  
East Central  3 –8   3 –8  
Arkansas–Monticello  2 –9   2 –9  
NW Oklahoma State  1 –10   1 –10  
SW Oklahoma State  0 –11   0 –11  
Rankings from AFCA Poll

The 2023 Harding Bisons football team was an American football team that represented Harding University in the Great American Conference (GAC) during the 2023 NCAA Division II football season. In their sixth year under head coach Paul Simmons, the team compiled a perfect 15–0 record (11–0 against conference opponents), outscored opponents by a total of 665 to 156, and won the GAC and NCAA Division II championships. The team also set an NCAA record for most rushing yards in a season with 6,161 rushing yards.[1]

The team finished the regular season ranked No. 2 among Division II programs and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs where they received a bye in the first round and defeated No. 6 Central Missouri (35–34) in the second round, No. 2 Grand Valley State (7–6) in the quarterfinals, and No. 11 Lenoir–Rhyne (55–14) in the semifinals. Through the December 16 victory over Colorado Mines, the Bison have won 18 consecutive games, the longest winning streak in program history.[2] Harding defeated No. 1 Colorado Mines in the Division II national championship game on December 16, 38–7, to win the school's first national championship.

Harding defensive end Nathaniel Wallace was selected as the 2023 GAC Defensive Player of the Year. Paul Simmons was seleced as GAC Coach of the Year.[3]

The team played its home games at First Security Stadium in Searcy, Arkansas.[1]

Preseason

The GAC coaches preseason poll was released on August 1, 2023. The Bisons were predicted to finish second in the conference. Ouachita Baptist was favored to win the conference.[4]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteResultAttendance
August 316:00 p.m.at Southern NazareneNo. 14
W 53–201,754
September 97:00 p.m.Oklahoma BaptistNo. 12
W 49–102,800
September 166:00 p.m.Arkansas–MonticelloNo. 11
  • First Security Stadium
  • Searcy, AR
W 59–193,100
September 236:30 p.m.at No. 20 Henderson StateNo. 10
W 27–166,013
September 306:00 p.m.SW Oklahoma StateNo. 10
  • First Security Stadium
  • Searcy, AR
W 64–02,300
October 74:00 p.m.at NW Oklahoma StateNo. 9
W 62–03,213
October 146:00 p.m. No. 5 Ouachita BaptistNo. 9
  • First Security Stadium
  • Searcy, AR
W 41–105,600
October 212:00 p.m.at Southern ArkansasNo. 6
W 54–201,196
October 282:00 p.m.at SE Oklahoma StateNo. 4
W 55–01,178
November 43:00 p.m.East CentraldaggerNo. 4
  • First Security Stadium
  • Searcy, AR
W 48–75,500
November 112:00 p.m.at Arkansas TechNo. 3
W 56–02,347
November 251:00 p.m. No. 6 Central Missouri*No. 3
W 35–343,500
December 21:00 p.m. No. 2 Grand Valley State*No. 3
  • First Security Stadium
  • Searcy, AR (NCAA Division II Quarterfinal)
W 7–63,100
December 911:00 a.m. No. 11 Lenoir–Rhyne*No. 3
  • First Security Stadium
  • Searcy, AR (NCAA Division II Semifinal)
W 55–142,900
December 1612:00 p.m.vs. No. 1 Colorado Mines*No. 3
W 38–712,552
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

[1]

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
т = Tied with team above or below ( ) = First-place votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011Final
AFCA141211101099644т 3 (1)3 (1)1 (28)
D2Football.com151312111199755441

Personnel

2023 Harding Bisons football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
RB 7 Braden Jay So
WR 8 Roland Wallace Sr
RB 10 Jhalen Spicer Jr
QB 12 Tyler Ross So
WR 14 Will White So
QB 15 Cole Keylon So
QB 16 Malik Young  Fr
WR 18 Darius Brown So
WR 19 Dane Romberger Jr
RB 21 Chauncey Martin Jr
RB 22 Will Fitzhugh Jr
RB 23 Omar Sinclair GS
WR 24 Malik Stotts Fr
RB 26 Blake Delacruz Jr
RB 30 Josh Strickland Jr.  Fr
RB 34 Andrew Miller  Fr
RB 37 Jimmy Citty Jr
RB 37 Josh Evans-Pickens Fr
OL 50 Dennis Carroll Sr
OL 51 Levi Pate Sr
OL 54 Landon Ray Sr
OL 56 Jonathan Underwood Jr
OL 57 Jake Dugger Jr
OL 59 Jake Mitchell So
OL 60 Cooper Welch  Fr
OL 63 David Gomez So
OL 64 Elijah Swindle So
OL 65 Adam Fager So
OL 66 Dylan Cummings Fr
OL 67 Josh Lawrence Fr
OL 71 Jacob Formby Fr
OL 73 Carter Lees Fr
OL 74 Hunter Willis Sr
OL 75 Austin Toler Sr
OL 77 Cobe Williams Fr
OL 78 Dylan Daring So
OL 79 Duane Johnson Jr
WR 80 Jake Harrell So
WR 81 Joseph Alejo Jr. Jr
WR 82 Isaac Miller So
WR 86 Jackson Richardson  Fr
TE 87 Mike Ericson So
WR 88 Drew Porter So
WR Jarret Atchley Fr
WR Brady Barnett Fr
OL Josh Cobb Fr
QB Jabari Collier Fr
OL Matt Colvin Fr
OL Vincent Cox Fr
OL Michael Esparza Fr
RB Brian Furch Fr
OL Isaac Gray Fr
RB Raymond Hudson Fr
RB E. J. Luckett Fr
OL Luke McCormick Fr
TE Levi Mercer Fr
RB Sam Mitchell Fr
WR Bodie Neal Fr
OL Johnathan Vining Fr
 Defense
Pos.#NameClass
DB 0 Darion Dunlap-Johnson Jr
DB 1 Kendale Allen Jr
DB 2 Kyle McDonald Jr
LB 3 Cayden Pierce Jr
DB 4 Malik Mays GS
DB 5 Ahmad Butler Sr
DB 6 Travis Greenwalt Jr
DL 9 Dre Hall Jr
DB 11 Grayson Lewis Fr
DB 13 Jeremiah Jordan  Fr
DB 16 Deion Campbell Fr
DB 17 Cameron Mitchell-Johnson Jr
DB 20 Ty Dugger So
LB 24 Clark Griffin So
LB 25 Travell Wright So
DB 27 Luke Martin  Fr
DB 28 Oric Walker Jr. Sr
DB 29 Troy Wiseman Fr
DL 32 Nathaniel Wallace Sr
DB 33 Cooper Carroll Sr
DB 35 Danny Pierce Jr
DB 36 Eli Moore  Fr
DB 38 Zac O'Day  Fr
LB 40 Mar'Reion Claybrooks  Fr
DB 41 Elijah Carlton  Fr
LB 41 Jackson Cody Fr
LB 42 Kekoa Carroll Jr
LB 43 Zach Strickland Sr
LB 44 Landen Chaffey So
DL 45 Devonte Manning Jr
LB 47 Horacio Moronta Jr
DB 48 Reese Elrod  Fr
LB 52 Jordan Mays  Fr
DL 55 Gage Price Jr
DL 58 Austin Bailey Jr
DL 61 Brock Knapton Fr
DL 62 Aldrin Wilson So
DL 76 B. J. Burke Sr
DL 89 Justin Sobczak  Fr
DL 90 Jose Lopez  Fr
DL 91 Tirrell Johnson  Fr
DL 92 Bryce Rushing Fr
DL 93 Tony Agyapong  Fr
DL 96 Landon Eades Jr
DL 99 Wesley Coleman Jr
DL Nii Addy Fr
LB Christian Brumley Fr
DL Oneal Daniels Fr
DL Diego Davis Fr
DB Carter Hill Fr
LB Kaden Jones Fr
DB DeSean Mays Fr
LB Tyler Mitchell Fr
DB Drew Nelson Fr
DL Joseph Oluwayemi Fr
DB Matai Thomas Fr
DB G'Kyson Wright  Fr
 Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
K 39 Magnus Lepak  Fr
P 46 Ryan Fox Sr
LS 49 Xavier Hylton So
LS 53 Chase Whitfield Jr
K 84 Grant Ennis Sr
K Josiah Linderman Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Roddy Mote
    Defensive coordinator/Linebackers
  • Luke Tribble
    Co-defensive coordinator/Special teams coordinator/Defensive backs
  • Tre'von Biglow
    Defensive line
  • Sam Blakenship
    Safeties
  • Kevin Chism
    Offensive line
  • Matt Middleton
    Quarterbacks/Fullbacks
  • Matt Underwood
    Slotbacks/Wide receivers/Director of recruiting
  • Kenny Wheaton
    Offensive consultant
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: December 17, 2023

Game summaries

At Southern Nazarene

No. 14 Harding Bisons at Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 14 Bisons 14 21 11753
Crimson Storm 0 0 61420

at SNU Stadium, Bethany, Oklahoma

  • Date: August 31
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 1,754
  • Referee: Dan Wilson
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 4-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 8:37. Bisons 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 6:19.
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 6-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 1:02. Bisons 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:03.

Second quarter

  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 3-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 12:16. Bisons 21–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:37.
  • HAR – Braden Jay 26-yard pass from Cole Keylon (Grant Ennis kick), 8:21. Bisons 28–0. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 2:19.
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 3-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 1:05. Bisons 35–0. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 2:51.

Third quarter

  • SNU – Gage Porter 18-yard run (kick failed), 11:41. Bisons 35–6. Drive: 1 play, 18 yards, 0:08.
  • HAR – Cole Keylon 6-yard run (Cole Keylon run), 8:18. Bisons 43–6. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:17.
  • HAR – Grant Ennis 39-yard field goal, 3:11. Bisons 46–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:25.

Fourth quarter

  • SNU – Gage Porter 1-yard run (Kameron Van Prooyen kick), 14:55. Bisons 46–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:16.
  • HAR – Josh Strickland Jr. 24-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 11:28. Bisons 53–13. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 3:19.
  • SNU – Angel Ramirez 6-yard pass from Jarvis Davis (Kameron Van Prooyen kick), 1:30. Bisons 53–20. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:27.
StatisticsHARSNU
First downs1914
Total yards322322
Rushing yards282145
Passing yards40177
Turnovers26
Time of possession33:2926:31
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HardingPassingCole Keylon2/3, 40 yards, TD
RushingBraden Jay4 rushes, 63 yards
ReceivingBraden Jay1 reception, 26 yards, TD
Southern NazarenePassingGage Porter6/16, 116 yards, 3 INT
RushingGage Porter26 rushes, 102 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingAndrew Tisdale2 receptions, 74 yards

Oklahoma Baptist

Oklahoma Baptist Bison at No. 12 Harding Bisons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
OKB Bison 0 10 0010
No. 12 HAR Bisons 14 14 71449

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: September 9
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 2,800
  • Referee: Dewayne Barbee
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • HAR – Jhalen Spicer 19-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 8:46. Harding 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 6:07.
  • HAR – Cole Keylon 7-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 3:00. Harding 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:03.

Second quarter

  • OKB – Luke Watkins 20-yard field goal, 13:25. Harding 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 4:35.
  • HAR – Darius Brown 76-yard pass from Cole Keylon (Grant Ennis kick), 11:39. Harding 21–3. Drive: 3 plays, 90 yards, 1:37.
  • OKB – Nick Harris 29-yard pass from Aidan Thompson (Luke Watkins kick), 7:20. Harding 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:31.
  • HAR – Will White 48-yard pass from Cole Keylon (Grant Ennis kick), 3:55. Harding 28–10. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:01.

Third quarter

  • HAR – Zach Strickland 72-yard fumble return (Grant Ennis kick), 9:39. Harding 35–10.

Fourth quarter

  • HAR – Andrew Miller 55-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 14:00. Harding 42–10. Drive: 1 play, 55 yards, 0:10.
  • HAR – Will White 7-yard pass from Malik Young (Grant Ennis kick), 11:30. Harding 49–10. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 2:15.
StatisticsOKBHAR
First downs1525
Total yards238513
Rushing yards9382
Passing yards229131
Turnovers31
Time of possession27:3232:28
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Oklahoma BaptistPassingAidan Thompson27/44, 229 yards, TD, INT
RushingE. J. Moore6 rushes, 14 yards
ReceivingMichael Marshall6 receptions, 63 yards
HardingPassingCole Keylon2/5, 124 yards, 2 TD
RushingAndrew Miller5 rushes, 69 yards, TD
ReceivingDarius Brown1 reception, 76 yards, TD

Arkansas–Monticello

Arkansas–Monticello Boll Weevils at No. 11 Harding Bisons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Boll Weevils 6 6 0719
No. 11 Bisons 21 14 141059

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: September 16
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 3,100
  • Referee: Chuck Scott
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • HAR – Braden Jay 14-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 10:19. Bisons 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:38.
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 8-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 5:49. Bisons 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:54.
  • UAM – Demauryon 10-yard fumble return (kick failed), 3:40. Bisons 14–6.
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 2-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 0:49. Bisons 21–6. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:42.

Second quarter

  • HAR – Jhalen Spicer 24-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 5:30. Bisons 28–6. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:59.
  • UAM – Arlie Lee 28-yard pass from Demilon Brown (kick blocked), 2:28. Bisons 28–12. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:02.
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 4-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 0:47. Bisons 35–12. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 0:58.

Third quarter

  • HAR – Cole Keylon 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 11:05. Bisons 42–12. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:46.
  • HAR – Devonte Manning 0-yard fumble return (Grant Ennis kick), 10:07. Bisons 49–12.

Fourth quarter

  • UAM – Arlie Lee 4-yard run (Dylan Duhon kick), 13:42. Bisons 49–19. Drive: 3 plays, 55 yards, 1:09.
  • HAR – Tyler Ross 32-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 12:46. Bisons 56–19. Drive: 2 plays, 39 yards, 0:47.
  • HAR – Grant Ennis 33-yard field goal, 6:30. Bisons 59–19. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 3:02.
StatisticsUAMHAR
First downs1124
Total yards217463
Rushing yards34424
Passing yards18339
Turnovers44
Time of possession26:2433:36
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arkansas–MonticelloPassingDemilon Brown18/32, 183 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingDemilon Brown12 rushes, 15 yards
ReceivingKristian Gammage3 receptions, 92 yards
HardingPassingCole Keylon1/3, 39 yards
RushingJhalen Spicer5 rushes, 76 yards, TD
ReceivingBraden Jay1 reception, 39 yards

Entering the game, the Boll Weevils had the top offense in the GAC, scoring 53.5 points per game, but here weld to just 217 yards of offense against Harding.[5]

At No. 20 Henderson State

No. 10 Harding Bisons at No. 20 Henderson State Reddies – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 10 Bisons 0 7 13727
No. 20 Reddies 3 6 7016

at Carpenter–Haygood Stadium, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

  • Date: September 23
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 89 °F (32 °C)
  • Game attendance: 6,013
  • Referee: Michael Catton
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • HSU – Kolby King 38-yard field goal, 8:00. Reddies 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:13.

Second quarter

  • HSU – Timieone 8-yard pass from Andrew Edwards (kick failed), 4:32. Reddies 9–0. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 2:10.
  • HAR – Braden Jay 37-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 1:46. Reddies 9–7. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 2:39.

Third quarter

  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 2-yard run (run failed), 8:22. Bisons 13–9. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 6:38.
  • HSU – Jaquarion Turner 1-yard run (Kolby King kick), 6:03. Reddies 16–13. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:13.
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 53-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 4:31. Bisons 20–16. Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 1:24.

Fourth quarter

  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 12-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 4:56. Bisons 27–16. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 7:33.
StatisticsHARHSU
First downs2211
Total yards363244
Rushing yards35354
Passing yards10190
Turnovers10
Time of possession39:5319:57
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HardingPassingCole Keylon1/4, 10 yards
RushingBlake Delacruz31 rushes, 179 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingDane Romberger1 reception, 10 yards
Henderson StatePassingAndrew Edwards15/28, 190 yards, TD
RushingAndrew Edwards6 rushes, 24 yards
ReceivingTimieone Jackson7 receptions, 96 yards, TD

Southwestern Oklahoma State

Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs at No. 10 Harding Bisons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bulldogs 0 0 000
No. 10 Bisons 7 21 201664

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: September 30
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 88 °F (31 °C)
  • Game attendance: 2,300
  • Referee: Brad Frisby
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • HAR – Roland Wallce 11-yard pass from Cole Keylon (Magnus Lepak kick), 6:15. Bisons 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 7:10.

Second quarter

  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 6-yard run (Magnus Lepak kick), 9:55. Bisons 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 4:03.
  • HAR – Omar Sinclair 18-yard run (Magnus Lepak kick), 4:27. Bisons 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:44.
  • HAR – Will White 50-yard pass from Cole Keylon (Magnus Lepak kick), 2:28. Bisons 28–0. Drive: 1 play, 50 yards, 0:08.

Third quarter

  • HAR – Malik Young 9-yard run (Magnus Lepak kick), 9:57. Bisons 35–0. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 4:53.
  • HAR – Andrew Miller 32-yard run (kick failed), 6:10. Bisons 41–0. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:24.
  • HAR – Kekoa Carroll 30-yard interception return (Magnus Lepak kick), 5:12. Bisons 48–0.

Fourth quarter

  • HAR – Magnus Lepak 24-yard field goal, 13:46. Bisons 51–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:41.
  • HAR – Darion Dunlap-Johnson 23-yard interception return (kick failed), 13:37. Bisons 57–0.
  • HAR – Andrew Miller 81-yard run (Magnus Lepak kick), 8:00. Bisons 64–0. Drive: 2 plays, 85 yards, 0:52.
StatisticsSWOHAR
First downs425
Total yards79587
Rushing yards29462
Passing yards50125
Turnovers20
Time of possession24:3835:22
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SW Oklahoma StatePassingSean Shelby5/9, 26 yards, 2 INT
RushingTroy Henderson5 rushes, 16 yards
ReceivingElijah Reed3 receptions, 29 yards
HardingPassingCole Keylon5/6, 125 yards, 2 TD
RushingAndrew Miller7 rushes, 134 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingWill White1 reception, 50 yards, TD

Quarterback Cole Keylon completed five passes, each going to a different receiver.

At Northwestern Oklahoma State

No. 9 Harding Bisons at Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 9 Bisons 14 28 71362
Rangers 0 0 000

at Ranger Field, Alva, Oklahoma

  • Date: October 7
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 68 °F (20 °C)
  • Game attendance: 3,213
  • Referee: Dan Wilson
  • Box score, Recap
StatisticsHARNWO
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HardingPassing
Rushing
Receiving
NW Oklahoma StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

No. 5 Ouachita Baptist

No. 5 Ouachita Baptist Tigers at No. 9 Harding Bisons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Tigers 0 3 7010
No. 9 Bisons 7 3 102141

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: October 14
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 64 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 5,600
  • Referee: Darin Lair
  • Box score, Recap
StatisticsOUAHAR
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ouachita BaptistPassing
Rushing
Receiving
HardingPassing
Rushing
Receiving

The no. 9 Bisons downed the no. 5 Tigers, handing Oauchita Baptist its first loss of the season.[6][7]

At Southern Arkansas

No. 6 Harding Bisons at Southern Arkansas Muleriders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 6 Bisons 14 10 21954
Muleriders 7 0 7620

at Memorial Stadium, El Dorado, Arkansas

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny, 86 °F (30 °C)
  • Game attendance: 1,196
  • Referee: Dewayne Barbee
  • Box score, Recap
StatisticsHARSAU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HardingPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Southern ArkansasPassing
Rushing
Receiving

At Southeastern Oklahoma State

No. 4 Harding Bisons at Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 4 Bisons 21 10 141055
Savage Storm 0 0 000

at Paul Laird Field, Durant, Oklahoma

  • Date: October 28
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Rain, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 1,178
  • Referee: Michael Catton
  • Box score, Recap
StatisticsHARSOU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HardingPassing
Rushing
Receiving
SE Oklahoma StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

East Central

East Central Tigers at No. 4 Harding Bisons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Tigers 0 0 077
No. 4 Bisons 7 14 21648

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: November 4
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 71 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 5,500
  • Referee: Darin Lair
  • Box score, Recap
StatisticsECUHAR
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
East CentralPassing
Rushing
Receiving
HardingPassing
Rushing
Receiving

The Tigers were held to just 134 yards of total offense while Harding only attempted two passes, both of which were incomplete.[8]

At Arkansas Tech

No. 3 Harding Bisons at Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 3 Bisons 14 28 7756
Wonder Boys 0 0 000

at Simmons Bank Field, Russellville, Arkansas

  • Date: November 11
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 2,347
  • Referee: Frank Wittenberg
  • Box score, Recap
StatisticsHARATU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HardingPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Arkansas TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

No. 6 Central Missouri (NCAA Division II Second Round)

No. 6 Central Missouri Mules at No. 3 Harding Bisons (NCAA Divsion II Second Round) – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 6 Mules 7 7 71334
No. 3 Bisons 7 14 7735

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 50 °F (10 °C)
  • Game attendance: 3,500
  • Referee: Craig Demaree
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • UCM – Zion Perry 30-yard pass from Zach Zebrowski (Luke Dobson kick), 11:21. Mules 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:39.
  • HAR – Cole Keylon 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 2:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 8:18.

Second quarter

  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 5:53. Bisons 14–7. Drive: 16 plays, 95 yards, 9:26.
  • UCM – Arkell Smith 5-yard pass from Zach Zebrowski (Luke Dobson kick), 3:17. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:36.
  • HAR – Chauncey Martin 38-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 1:08. Bisons 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:56.

Third quarter

  • HAR – Chauncey Martin 89-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 4:16. Bisons 28–14. Drive: 3 plays, 94 yards, 1:20.
  • UCM – Michael Fitzgerald 28-yard pass from Zach Zebrowski (Luke Dobson kick), 0:49. Bisons 28–21. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:14.

Fourth quarter

  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 12-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 6:52. Bisons 35–21. Drive: 16 plays, 69 yards, 8:49.
  • UCM – Arkell Smith 87-yard pass from Zach Zebrowski (Luke Dobson kick), 5:58. Bisons 35–28. Drive: 3 plays, 95 yards, 0:43.
  • UCM – Arkell Smith 6-yard pass from Zach Zebrowski (kick blocked), 0:22. Bisons 35–34. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 2:42.
StatisticsUCMHAR
First downs2720
Total yards534418
Rushing yards109384
Passing yards42534
Turnovers00
Time of possession24:1835:42
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Central MissouriPassingZach Zebrowski34/44, 425 yards, 5 TD
RushingZach Zebrowski16 rushes, 94 yards
ReceivingArkell Smith9 receptions, 150 yards, 3 TD
HardingPassingZach Strickland1/1, 26 yards
RushingBlake Delacruz34 rushes, 154 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTy Dugger1 reception, 26 yards

The Mules scored a touchdown with less than 30 seconds in regulation, needing an extra point to tie the game and potentially send it into overtime. However, Harding defensive lineman Gage Price blocked the game-tying PAT, securing the 35–34 victory for the Bisons.[9]

No. 2 Grand Valley State (NCAA Division II Quarterfinal)

No. 2 Grand Valley State Lakers at No. 3 Harding Bisons (NCAA Division II Quarterfinals) – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 2 Lakers 0 6 006
No. 3 Bisons 0 0 077

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 3,100
  • Referee: Cecil Harrison
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • GVS – Josh Gorball 48-yard field goal, 13:12. Lakers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 6:03.
  • GVS – Josh Gorball 27-yard field goal, 0:00. Lakers 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 1:05.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • HAR – Cole Keylon 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 3:52. Bisons 7–6. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 8:59.
StatisticsGVSHAR
First downs1015
Total yards222225
Rushing yards62205
Passing yards16020
Turnovers00
Time of possession19:3139:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Grand Valley StatePassingCade Peterson10/19, 123 yards
RushingKhalil Eichelberger2 rushes, 31 yards
ReceivingDarrell Johnson5 receptions, 63 yards
HardingPassingCole Keylon1/3, 20 yards
RushingBlake Delacruz28 rushes, 70 yards
ReceivingBraden Jay1 reception, 20 yards

In the quarterfinal round of the NCAA division II playoffs, Harding hosted no. 2 Grand Valley State from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Lakers entered the game with one of the best defenses in all of division II, holding opponents to an average of 17 points per game. The Lakers' defense held the Bisons scoreless for just over 56 minutes of game time before Harding quarterback Cole Keylon scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown.[10]

No. 11 Lenoir–Rhyne (NCAA Division II Semifinals)

No. 11 Lenoir–Rhyne Bears at No. 3 Harding Bisons (NCAA Division II Semifinals) – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 11 Bears 0 7 0714
No. 3 Bisons 14 20 14755

at First Security Stadium, Searcy, Arkansas

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 58 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 2,900
  • Referee: Chris Glass
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • HAR – Cole Keylon 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 8:48. Bisons 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 4:51.
  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 9-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 5:20. Bisons 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 3:28.

Second quarter

  • HAR – Blake Delacruz 4-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 9:29. Bisons 21–0. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 4:14.
  • HAR – Braden Jay 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 1:34. Bisons 28–0. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 5:39.
  • LRU – Zyheir Dillard 5-yard run (Jake Brown kick), 0:14. Bisons 28–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 1:20.
  • HAR – Braden Jay 89-yard kickoff return (kick failed), 0:04. Bisons 34–7.

Third quarter

  • HAR – Roland Wallace 65-yard pass from Cole Keylon (Grant Ennis kick), 12:26. Bisons 41–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:28.
  • HAR – Chauncey Martin 17-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 4:57. Bisons 48–7. Drive: 7 plays, 92 yards, 3:58.

Fourth quarter

  • HAR – Andrew Miller 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 9:10. Bisons 55–7. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 3:25.
  • LRU – Deondre Lester 52-yard pass from Jalen Ferguson (Jake Brown kick), 6:45. Bisons 55–14. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:25.
StatisticsLRUHAR
First downs1426
Total yards336500
Rushing yards-3431
Passing yards33969
Turnovers11
Time of possession19:1740:43
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Lenoir–RhynePassingSean White23/33, 270 yards, INT
RushingDeondre Lester1 rush, 12 yards
ReceivingDeondre Lester8 receptions, 139 yards, TD
HardingPassingCole Keylon2/3, 69 yards, TD
RushingBlake Delacruz21 rushes, 147 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingRoland Wallace1 reception, 65 yards, TD

Vs. No. 1 Colorado Mines (NCAA Division II Championship Game)

No. 3 Harding Bisons vs. No. 1 Colorado Mines Orediggers (NCAA Division II Championship Game) – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 3 Bisons 7 14 10738
No. 1 Orediggers 7 0 007

at McKinney ISD Stadium, McKinney, Texas

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 12,552
  • Referee: Bryan Earl
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • CSM – Noah Roper 2-yard pass from John Matocha (Jacob Click kick), 9:06. Orediggers 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:54.
  • HAR – Jhalen Spicer 10-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 3:49. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:14.

Second quarter

  • HAR – Braden Jay 10-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 4:30. Bisons 14–7. Drive: 17 plays, 74 yards, 10:23.
  • HAR – Braden Jay 9-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 0:33. Bisons 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 90 yards, 2:05.

Third quarter

  • HAR – Braden Jay 73-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 12:58. Bisons 28–7. Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 1:59.
  • HAR – Grant Ennis 32-yard field goal, 4:11. Bisons 31–7. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 6:07.

Fourth quarter

  • HAR – Cole Keylon 1-yard run (Grant Ennis kick), 11:58. Bisons 38–7. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 4:17.
StatisticsHARCSM
First downs2118
Total yards548341
Rushing yards50271
Passing yards46270
Turnovers01
Time of possession36:1023:50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HardingPassingCole Keylon2/2, 46 yards
RushingBlake Delacruz27 rushes, 212 yards
ReceivingRoland Wallace2 receptions, 46 yards
Colorado MinesPassingJohn Matocha24/33, 270 yards, TD, INT
RushingLandon Walker6 rushes, 56 yards
ReceivingMax McLeod14 receptions, 153

Statistical accomplishments

On offense, Harding prioritizes the run game, averaging over 400 rushing yards per game. In a game against Southern Arkansas on October 21, the team rushed for 631 yards and had two players (Braden Jay and Blake Delacruz) each tally over 200 rushing yards.[11]

On defense, the team has recorded four shutouts and has allowed per-game averages of 10.92 points, 74.2 rushing yards, and 158.62 passing yards.[12]

The team's individual statistical leaders include:

  • Blake Delacruz with 1,149 rushing yards and 114 points scored;
  • Cole Keylon with 546 passing yards;
  • Braden Jay with seven receptions for 164 yards;

[12]

Harding became the first team in NCAA history to rush for over 6,000 yards in a single season.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "2023 Football Schedule". Harding University. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  2. ↑ "No. 3 Harding vs. No. 6 Central Mo. -- GAME NOTES". November 21, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Simmons named GAC Coach of the Year". The Daily Citizen. November 17, 2023.
  4. ↑ "#theGAC FOOTBALL COACHES VOTE OUACHITA BAPTIST AS PRESEASON FAVORITE". August 1, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Harding Bisons roam past UA-Monticello Boll Weevils, 59-19". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. September 16, 2023.
  6. ↑ Erick Taylor (October 14, 2023). "Plenty on the line for Tigers, Bisons". Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
  7. ↑ Bob Wisener (October 16, 2023). "Bisons clobber Tigers in Searcy, lead GAC". The Sentinel-Record.
  8. ↑ Sydney Dungen (November 8, 2023). "No. 4 Harding rushes past ECU for 14th straight win". The Ada News.
  9. ↑ "Harding outlasts Central Missouri in playoff thriller". The Sentinel-Record. November 26, 2023.
  10. ↑ Josh VanDyke (December 3, 2023). "Late touchdown helps Harding upend Grand Valley State football in D2 quarterfinals". Mlive.com.
  11. ↑ "No. 6 Harding Tops 600 Rushing Yards; Blasts SAU 54-20". Harding University. October 21, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  12. 1 2 "2023 Football Cumulative Statistics". Harding University. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
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