MONTICELLO, Ark. – No. 20 Harding scored five rushing touchdowns in the first half and cruised to a 47-21 victory over Arkansas-Monticello Saturday at Convoy Leslie Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Harding improved to 4-1 overall and in the GAC and won its eighth straight over Arkansas-Monticello. Harding has now won eight consecutive regular season road games. Arkansas-Monticello fell to 1-4 overall and in conference play.

Harding had a 24-point first quarter. The Bisons scored first only 62 seconds into the game. Arkansas-Monticello fumbled the opening kickoff, and Harding's Taylor Streeter recovered. Two plays later, Cole Chancey scored his 18th career TD on a 5-yard run.

After a punt on its second possession, Harding scored on its next five drives with rushing touchdowns from Preston Paden, Jesse Honnas, Tristan Tucker and Matt Fuller.

Harding also added a 39-yard field goal from Cameron Scott, and Cory Batie tackled UAM punter Josh Marini in the end zone for a safety.

Harding led 40-7 at halftime.

Harding's lone touchdown of the second half came on a three-play, 14-yard drive after the Bison defense forced a turnover on downs. Fuller scored his second touchdown on a 4-yard run.

All three of Arkansas-Monticello's touchdowns came through the air. Jeremy Hampton caught touchdown passes of 33 and 27 yards, and Deandre Washington had a 33-yard touchdown catch.

Harding is back at home next Saturday to host nationally ranked Ouachita Baptist at 6 p.m.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Harding rushed for 357 yards and limited UAM to 56 rushing yards. UAM entered the game allowing only 103.3 rushing yards per game. Jesse Honnas was Harding's leading rusher for the first time in his career, carrying 16 times for 75 yards and a TD.
• Harding had 406 total yards to UAM's 291.
• Harding now leads the all-time series 33-23-4.
• Harding is 3-0 on the road and has won eight straight conference road games.
• Harding has outscored its opponents in the first quarter 69-7 this season.
• UAM was only 1-of-12 on third down and 1-of-5 on fourth down. Their fourth-down conversion was the first against Harding in 11 tries this season.
• Harding has 24 rushing TD this season and has yet to allow a rushing TD.
• All-American linebacker Sam Blankenship led Harding's defense with eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.
• Harding punter Cameron Scott punted five times and tied a school record by landing all five punts inside the 20-yard line.