So far this year, the Bisons (3-0) have run roughshod over opponents, winning their first three contests by a combined score of 145-13.
On offense, the Bisons have been as consistent as ever in their option attack, averaging 48.3 points and 365 yards on the ground per game to start the year. However, the real story so far has been the defense, which ranks first in yards-allowed for all NCAA schools across every division. They have been nothing short of dominant, holding teams to an average of 2.2 yards per play, the best in the nation, while also leading the country in rushing defense at 16.2 yards allowed. For head coach Ronnie Huckeba, the success on defense comes as no surprise due to the team mindset on that side of the ball.
“I honestly believe (the success on defense) is a product of our culture,” Huckeba said. “Credit for that goes to Coach Paul Simmons and our players for creating a culture of great effort and physical play. It’s just a great thing we have going over there right now.”
That vaunted defense, coming off of a dismantling of Southern Nazarene University when they gave up only 48 total yards, will face a stiff test this Saturday, Oct. 4, when they return to First Security Stadium to face Southern Arkansas University SAU (2-2) and their quarterback, defending Great American Conference Player of the Week, Si Blackshire. Blackshire, formerly of DI Sam Houston State, threw for six touchdowns, five of which came in the first half, last week against Northwest Oklahoma State in a 62-21 victory for the Muleriders.
“These guys are light-years better offensively than any team we’ve played so far,” Huckeba said. “We obviously face a challenge from them, but have to keep doing what we’ve done from a fundamental standpoint and things should take care of themselves.”
The Muleriders high-powered offense should be the first true test for the Bisons top ranked defense this season, as they average 39 points and 517 total yards per game. For Harding, the X-factor could be the home crowd, as Saturday marks the first time the Bisons have been at home in nearly a month. Huckeba said that having the comforts of home field comes as a relief to the team.
“We’re so excited to be back home,” Huckeba said. “We’re ready to do the brotherhood walk and to see all the tailgaters. With parents’ weekend going on, the atmosphere is going to be great. It’s good to be back.”
The Bisons kickoff against SAU at 6 p.m. Saturday, with tailgating festivities taking place throughout the afternoon on the front lawn of the Ganus Athletic Center.
