SEARCY, Ark. — Second-ranked Harding piled up 449 rushing yards and scored 35 second-half points to pull away for a 52-21 victory over Southern Arkansas on Saturday night in front of a Family Weekend crowd of 3,900 at First Security Stadium.
The win extended Harding's active home winning streak to 26 games—the second-longest mark in NCAA Division II—while pushing its Great American Conference winning streak to 18 consecutive contests. The Bisons (3-0, 3-0 GAC) also earned their seventh straight victory over the Muleriders (1-2, 1-2 GAC).
First-year slotback Jeff Regan continued his sensational start to the season, leading the ground attack with 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just three carries (36.0 yards per carry), the fewest carries ever by a Harding player eclipsing the 100-yard mark. Fifth-year fullback Andrew Miller contributed 82 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, elevating his career total to 55 rushing touchdowns.
Corey Dean set the tone early for the Bison defense, intercepting SAU quarterback Adam Parker on the third play of the game. Harding turned the takeaway into points when Dean Roberts drilled a 40-yard field goal to open the scoring. Southern Arkansas responded on its next drive, taking a 7-3 lead on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Parker to Jacob Trussell.
Harding reclaimed control in the second quarter. Malik Young capped a 13-play, 70-yard march with a 1-yard touchdown plunge to put the Bisons ahead 10-7. Late in the quarter, Jordan Mays stripped SAU running back Arkez Gomez, and Josh Garner recovered the fumble at the Harding 39-yard line. Six plays later, Regan sprinted around the right edge for a 34-yard touchdown run with 53 seconds remaining in the half to give Harding a 17-7 halftime cushion.
The Bisons blew the game open with a 21-point third quarter. Regan started the barrage with a 46-yard touchdown burst up the right sideline. After a quick SAU punt, Miller punched in a 3-yard touchdown run to stretch the lead to 31-7. SAU answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Parker, but Harding responded immediately. Josh Strickland Jr. ripped off a 51-yard run, setting up a 13-yard touchdown rush by Miller to make it 38-14 heading into the final quarter.
Backup quarterback Camren Cavalier added two fourth-quarter scores, rushing for a 15-yard touchdown and connecting with Jackson Richardson for a 26-yard touchdown pass. SAU added a late 40-yard touchdown pass from Drew Davis to Ja'Marion Washington to complete the scoring.
Harding outgained Southern Arkansas 475-262 in total offense, averaging 9.3 yards per play while converting on 8-of-10 third downs. Defensively, Mays led the team with eight tackles and a forced fumble, while Kaleb Walker recorded a sack and a quarterback hurry.
No. 2 Harding returns to action next Saturday, Sept. 26, traveling to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to take on Ouachita Baptist for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Gallery: (9-19-2026) 2026 Football vs. Southern Ark.
