Harding Bisons Soar to Victory, Solidifying Conference Lead

Oct 31, 2024 at 11:35 PM
In a commanding display of offensive prowess, the sixth-ranked Harding University Bisons steamrolled Southeastern Oklahoma 56-14 on Wednesday night. The Bisons' explosive performance, coupled with Ouachita Baptist's unexpected loss, has propelled them into a first-place tie in the Great American Conference standings.

Harding's Offensive Onslaught Overwhelms Southeastern Oklahoma

Bisons Erupt for 28 Second-Quarter Points

The Bisons' offense ignited in the second quarter, scoring an impressive 28 points to seize control of the game. Braden Jay's 13-yard run and 61-yard sprint sparked the offensive outburst, and he also hauled in a 53-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cole Keylon, who surpassed 2,000 career passing yards in the contest.The Bisons' rushing attack was relentless, with Andrew Miller opening the scoring with a 46-yard touchdown run. Blake Delacruz added to the onslaught with a 43-yard touchdown scamper in the third quarter, while Christian Franklin sealed the victory with two fourth-quarter scores, including a 57-yard touchdown run. Harding's offensive line paved the way for a dominant ground game, amassing 415 rushing yards at an impressive 7.7 yards per carry and seven touchdowns.

Harding's Defensive Dominance

The Bisons' defense was equally impressive, limiting Southeastern Oklahoma to just 275 total yards. Linebacker Clark Griffin led the way with 10 tackles, his third consecutive game with double-digit tackles. Cornerback Darion Dunlap-Johnson made a remarkable three interceptions, marking Harding's 10th three-interception game. Defensive lineman Kekoa Carroll also contributed with nine tackles and a fumble recovery.

Bisons' Offensive Efficiency and Playmakers

Harding's offense was a well-oiled machine, converting 6 of 11 third-down attempts and showcasing a diverse array of playmakers. Braden Jay's standout performance saw him surpass 2,000 career rushing yards, becoming the 10th Harding player to reach that milestone. Quarterback Cole Keylon continued to impress, throwing for 75 yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Dane Romberger recovered a fumble in the end zone for a score.

Southeastern Oklahoma's Bright Spots

Despite the lopsided defeat, Southeastern Oklahoma had a few bright spots. Quarterback Cergio Perez connected with Kobe Jennings for a 24-yard touchdown pass, and running back DJ Brown found the end zone on a 2-yard run.

Harding's Sights Set on East Central

The Bisons' dominant victory has set the stage for their upcoming matchup against East Central on November 9. Harding will look to continue its momentum and solidify its position atop the Great American Conference standings as the regular season winds down.