SEARCY, Ark. — The Harding Bisons (5-0) held their position at No. 2 in the latest American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches Poll, released Monday. The ranking marks the 83rd consecutive poll the Bisons have appeared in, continuing a streak that dates back to the 2017 season. One of Harding's all-time greats and Hall of Famer Adrian Hickmon is the No. 83 honored in the story image.
Harding received 744 points in the poll, trailing only No. 1 Ferris State (5-0), which received all 31 first-place votes. The Bisons solidified their ranking following a 65-0 shutout victory against East Central on Saturday.
National Statistical Leaders
Harding's perfect start is anchored by its national statistical dominance, particularly in running the ball and on defense. The Bisons lead all of Division II in several key team categories:
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Rushing Offense: The Bisons are No. 1 nationally, averaging 430.8 rushing yards per game.
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Scoring Defense: Harding leads the nation, allowing just 5.2 points per game.
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Total Defense: The team ranks No. 1 in the country, limiting opponents to only 195.4 total yards per game.
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4th Down Conversion Pct: Harding is No. 1, converting 100% of its fourth-down attempts.
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Sacks Allowed: The Bisons' offensive line is No. 1 in the nation, having allowed only 0.20 sacks per game.
Individual Standouts
Several Bisons players are also highly ranked in individual national statistics:
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Running Back Braden Jay is ranked No. 1 in the Great American Conference and 10th nationally in Total Touchdowns with eight.
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Running Back Andrew Miller is No. 11 in Division II for Rush Yards Per Carry at 7.17.
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Linebacker Clark Griffin leads the Great American Conference and is ranked 26th nationally in Total Tackles with 9.4 per game. Griffin is also the GAC leader in Solo Tackles (4.00 per game) and Tackles for Loss (1.30 per game).
Harding will next play at Southeastern Oklahoma State on Thursday, Oct. 9.
