Nov. 9, 2002

 

Harding Humbles ‘Riders, Playoff Chances Bleak

 

          Magnolia, Ark.-Southern Arkansas University scored on the first play of their first possession but the Harding University Bisons did not allow the Muleriders but one more touchdown in the third quarter as they dominated SAU 33-13 here Saturday. The HU upset ended a five-game SAU win steak and likely silenced any hope for an NCAA Division II playoff berth by the ‘Riders.

            The unranked Bisons, beaten by Delta State 49-25 last week, held SAU to only 262 yards total offense. The ‘Riders came into the game 14th in NCAA Division II with 434 yards a game and sixth nationally rushing with 256 yards a contest. SAU had only 58 rushing yards against the Buffs. SAU was also 13th in scoring offense with 36.9 points a game.

            Harding controlled both sides of the ball. HU led in first downs 22-15, had 237 yards rushing and 201 yards passing for 438 total yards. SAU’s offense fumbled seven times but lost only two while HU fumbled three times, losing one, HU had a 42.2 punting average on five punts while SAU averaged 33.2 on eight punts and HU had a 36:12 to 23:48 advantage in possession time.

            SAU scored first when wide receiver Nik Lewis caught a short pass from quarterback Ted Williams and turned it into a 56-yard touchdown following an interception of a Bison pass by cornerback Jordan Babineaux on HU’s first possession. Thomas LaToof kicked SAU ahead 7-0 with only 2:57 gone in the game.

            HU tied it after SAU elected to go for it on fourth and five at the Bison 37 and came up empty. The Bisons scored in six plays with fullback Nate Dutile coming out of the backfield to haul in a pass from quarterback Freddie Langston alone in the end zone and Coy Nance hit the PAT to tie it 7-7 with 5:57 left in the first quarter.

            Four plays later, a high snap from center helped Harding block a ‘Rider punt that set the Bisons up on the SAU 22. The kick was blocked by defensive back Travis DeSisso and recovered by linebacker Scott Dutile. The ‘Rider defense forced a field goal from the eight and Nance’s 25-yarder put HU up 10-7 and ahead to stay, 1:44 left in the period.

            The Buffs extended their lead when they took over four plays later when a punt into the wind gave them possession on the SAU 49. HU scored in seven plays with running back DeJuan Patton scooting in from the 11. Nance converted, 17-7, 10:56 left in the second quarter.

            HU’s defense forced another SAU punt on fourth and 23 in the next series and a 35-yard punt gave the Bisons possession on the SAU 37. The ‘Riders forced a field goal and Nance missed a 51-yard attempt. The Bisons got the ball right back when SAU fullback Brandon Nightingale fumbled and HU defensive end Jamie Doyle recovered on the ‘Rider 33.

            Three plays later, the Bisons struck again when Langston completed a touchdown pass to wide receiver DeMarcus Calhoun from the 22. Nance added the PAT, 23-7, 6:34 left in the half.

            After SAU drove to the HU 18 only for defensive back Marco Cole to intercept a Williams pass in the end zone, the ‘Riders attempted another comeback when Williams completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ryan Baker to finish a nine-play, 61-yard drive. Williams attempted a two-point conversion pass that failed and it was 23-13 with 3:38 left in the third stanza.

            Nance missed a 43-yard field goal attempt three plays into the fourth quarter but Nightingale lost his second fumble five plays later at the SAU 49, recovered at midfield by linebacker Tim Polk. From there, Harding put it away when Langston completed a third and 17 pass to Calhoun for 57 yards and paydirt. Nance added the conversion, 30-13 with 10:18 left in the final period.

            SAU had to punt it away four plays later and Harding drove from their 23 to the SAU 12. From there, Nance drilled a 29-yard field goal into the wind to make it 33-13 with 3:29 remaining.

            Running back Robert Lolohea rushed 21 times for 122 yards and Patton added 63 on 20 carries and a touchdown. Running back Torrence Jones rushed 10 times for 63 yards for SAU. Langston completed 12 of 25 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns with one intercepted while Williams completed nine of 17 for 155 yards and two touchdowns with one intercepted. Calhoun caught six passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns and Lewis hauled in four for 87 yards and a touchdown.

            Defensively, Polk had nine tackles for HU, six solos, two for losses and a fumble recovery. For SAU, linebacker Keenan Washington had 14 tackles, 11 solos, four for losses and safety Brian Davis 10, seven unassisted.

            HU converted seven of 17 third down chances while SAU was one of 12.

The win pulls Harding even with SAU in the Gulf South Conference at 6-2 and second place. Valdosta State clinched the championship with a win over Arkansas Tech. Overall, HU is 8-2 and SAU 7-3. The loss snapped a five-game SAU win streak.

            Catawba and Virginia State, both ranked ahead of SAU in the NCAA South Region, both lost and a ‘Rider win likely would have moved them up to fourth place and give SAU a national playoff berth provided the ‘Riders had won their last game next week at Henderson State.