The Bisons football team has clearly shaken the offensive woes it experienced in week one. Head coach Ronnie Huckeba’s herd improved to 3-0 after rushing for a school record 566 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns in a 70-42 shootout win at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) on Saturday.
“I think pretty much everything clicked and it starts with the offensive line,” Huckeba said. “I thought our offensive line really came off the ball well and got after those guys.”
Huckeba said junior quarterback Park Parish, who ran for 119 yards and 3 touchdowns, read the option well and said he was pleased with the way they were able to distribute the ball.
Junior running back Eric Kelly, one of seven players to rush for at least 50 yards, said the offense was able to mesh together.
“We fixed the little kinks and it finally started clicking,” Kelly said, who admitted that the offense struggled in its first two games.
The Bisons narrowly escaped with a win at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) in the season opener, rushing for just 279 yards and losing two fumbles. Kelly stressed the significance of the win.
“I think it woke us up a little bit because I think we were pretty high on ourselves at the beginning of the season,” Kelly said.
According to Huckeba, the win was a blessing in disguise.
“We found out our first game of the year that we’re not invincible, we’re going to have to work hard for everything,” Huckeba said.
Things looked easy for both offenses Saturday, as SAU racked up over 500 yards as well. Huckeba said he was thankful the offense executed so well.
“Over the past few years, our defense has bailed out our offense several times; it was nice to be able to return the favor,” Huckeba said.
Still, Huckeba said he was not disappointed in the way the defense played and acknowledged the talented offense of SAU.
“I think they’re really good on offense; they did a really good job with tempo, ran 91 plays in the game, and that wears on you,” Huckeba said.
Huckeba said he would not be surprised if SAU finished near the top of the conference and Kelly also noted SAU’s talent.
“It’s hard for a defense to go out there after the offense scores really quickly, especially against such a high-powered offense,” Kelly said. “I honestly think the defense played well.”
The Bisons now prepare for a home contest against University of Arkansas-Monticello (UAM). According to Huckeba, despite their 0-3 record, they should not be underestimated.
“There is no team in this league that we can take lightly; we found that out in week one,” Huckeba said.
According to Kelly, the Bisons will treat this game like any other.
“The key is to stay humble,” Kelly said.
The Bisons will play UAM tomorrow night, Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at First Security Stadium.
