Searcy, AR, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In a powerful performance, the Harding Bisons secured a commanding 55-0 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State in their home opener. This win extends their impressive streak, as they continue to be top contenders in college football and maintain their position in the AFCA Top 25 Coaches Poll. The Bisons’ offense demonstrated strength, achieving 436 rushing yards, while their defense achieved a complete shutout against SWOSU. With standout performances from their players, the Bisons are poised for their next challenge against Southern Arkansas.
SEARCY, AR – The No. 2-ranked Harding Bisons showcased a powerful performance in their 2025 home opener, overpowering Southwestern Oklahoma State (SWOSU) with a decisive 55-0 victory. This game not only highlights the Bisons’ dominance on the field but also marks the continuation of their impressive streak as top contenders in college football.
Coming off a previous resounding 49-7 win against Northwestern Oklahoma, Harding’s football team has now outscored its opponents by a significant margin this season. With this latest win, the Bisons have maintained their position in the AFCA Top 25 Coaches Poll for 80 consecutive weeks, a remarkable streak that began in the 2017 season. This consistent ranking demonstrates the Bisons’ strength and competitiveness in college football.
This week, the Bisons’ offense was formidable, averaging 9.3 yards per carry against SWOSU and racking up a total of 436 rushing yards. This impressive figure ranks among the top ten averages in program history. The team scored six rushing touchdowns during the game, with Braden Jay leading the charge with a stunning 58-yard touchdown run and finishing the game with 91 rushing yards from just three carries. He also excelled with a 72-yard kickoff return, totaling 174 all-purpose yards on only five touches.
The Bisons’ defense was equally impressive, achieving a complete shutout against SWOSU, a feat they replicated from last season when they limited the Bulldogs to just 22 passing yards. In this game, the defense restricted SWOSU to a mere 103 rushing yards and 112 passing yards. The Bisons forced five punts and three turnovers on downs, and SWOSU struggled to gain momentum, going 0-for-1 in the red zone.
During the match, the Bisons scored on eight of nine possessions, building a commanding lead of 28-0 by halftime and adding another 27 points in the second half. Quarterback MJ Rivers passed for 112 yards on 18-of-27 completions, successfully distributing the ball to seven different receivers. Despite having a slight edge in time of possession for 32:02, SWOSU faced challenges in converting drives into points, completing only 4-for-15 on third downs and 1-for-4 on fourth downs.
With this latest victory, the Harding Bisons are looking forward to their next challenge as they travel to face Southern Arkansas on September 20, 2025. As they continue to demonstrate both offensive might and defensive prowess, the Bisons remain a formidable team to watch in the current season.
Key Highlights:
- Score: Harding Bisons 55, SWOSU 0
- Total Rushing Yards: 436
- Average Yards per Carry: 9.3
- Touchdowns: 6 rushing TDs
- Braden Jay’s Contributions: 91 rushing yards, 1 TD, 174 all-purpose yards
- MJ Rivers’ Passing: 112 yards, 18 completions
- SWOSU’s Performance: 0 touchdowns, 0-for-1 red zone efficiency
Upcoming Games:
- Harding vs. Southern Arkansas, September 20, 2025
FAQ
What was the final score of the Harding vs. SWOSU game?
The final score was Harding 55, Southwestern Oklahoma State 0.
How many rushing yards did Harding achieve in the game?
Harding gained a total of 436 rushing yards, averaging 9.3 yards per carry.
Who was the standout player for Harding in this game?
Braden Jay was a standout player, scoring one touchdown and accumulating 174 all-purpose yards.
When is Harding’s next game?
Harding’s next game is scheduled against Southern Arkansas on September 20, 2025.
Chart: Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Harding 55, SWOSU 0 |
| Total Rushing Yards | 436 |
| Average Yards per Carry | 9.3 |
| Touchdowns Scored | 6 rushing touchdowns |
| Standout Player | Braden Jay (91 rushing yards, 1 TD) |
| Next Game | Southern Arkansas, September 20, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Harding Sports: Harding Routs Southwestern Oklahoma 55-0
- Wikipedia: Harding Bisons Football
- SWOSU Athletics: Bulldogs Fall to No. 2 Harding
- Google Search: Harding Bisons
- Harding Sports: Harding Football Ranked No. 2
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Harding Sports: Game Notes vs. Southwestern Oklahoma
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