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Harding University Athletics

2024 football story image vs. NWOSU
0
Northwestern Okla. NWO 1-5 , 1-5
62
Winner Harding HAR 6-0 , 6-0
Northwestern Okla. NWO
1-5 , 1-5
0
Final
62
Harding HAR
6-0 , 6-0
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
NWO Northwestern Okla. 0 0 0 0 0
HAR Harding 21 14 6 21 62

Game Recap: Football |

No. 1 Harding Dominates Northwestern Oklahoma, 62-0

SEARCY, Ark. — Harding's No. 1-ranked  football team delivered a convincing 62-0 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma on Saturday at First Security Stadium, led by a stellar rushing performance and a stifling defense.

The Bisons' ground game was unstoppable, with 418 yards on 57 carries, averaging 7.3 yards per rush. Andrew Miller paced the attack with 107 yards on 11 carries, his second 100-yard game of the season, while Christian Franklin added 87 yards on seven carries. Josh Strickland, Jr. and Braden Jay also contributed with 76 and 45 yards, respectively.

Harding's defense was equally impressive, holding Northwestern Oklahoma to just 24 yards rushing and 8 yards passing. The Rangers' offense struggled to gain traction, with only 32 total yards and four first downs. Northwestern's 52 all-purpose yards was the fewest ever by a Harding opponent, with 32 total yards ranked third-fewest and 8 passing yards ranked fourth-fewest. The shutout was Harding's third of the season and seventh in the last two years.

Ty Dugger and Kyle Henry each intercepted passes for Harding and returned them for touchdowns, with Dugger returning his pick 83 yards and Henry covering 28 yards on his return. It was Dugger's second interception returned for a touchdown this season, making him only the fourth Bison to return two or more picks in the same year. Harding's defense and special teams have combined to score five touchdown this season and allow only one. Linebackers Clark Griffin and Cayden Pierce led the defense with six and five tackles, respectively.

The Bisons' scoring onslaught began on their opening drive, with Blake Delacruz's 1-yard touchdown run capping off a 5-play, 70-yard march. Cole Keylon's 10-yard touchdown pass to Blake Delacruz and Dugger's interception return for a score highlighted the first half.

In the second quarter, Jay's 31-yard touchdown run and Kyler Finney's 20-yard touchdown pass to Chauncey Martin pushed the Bisons' lead to 35-0. It was Finney's first career touchdown pass.

In the third quarter, Harding's dominance continued with Finney's 5-yard touchdown run. The Bisons led 41-0.

In the fourth quarter, Josh Strickland's 6-yard touchdown run, Henry's interception return for a touchdown, and Christian Franklin's 5-yard touchdown run sealed the shutout victory for Harding.

The win improves Harding's record to 6-0, while Northwestern Oklahoma falls to 1-5. It was Harding's 25 consecutive victory, tying for the 11th-longest in NCAA Division II history. 



 
Gallery: (10-12-2024) 2024 Football vs. Northwestern Okla.


 
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