WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Football fell 57-3 to No. 1-ranked and defending national champion Harding on Saturday afternoon.
Harding, sporting the top offense and defense in Division II, totaled 523 yards and limited SWOSU to just 95 in the game. They rushed for 393 yards and added another 130 through the air on six attempts.
The Bisons (5-0) jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter with 19 unanswered points including a blocked punt return and a 53-yard pass.
Following another Harding score to make it 26-0, SWOSU responded with a 10-play drive capped off by a 24-yard field goal for the lone points of the day. Rushes by Kai Kunz of 21 and 8 yards put the Dawgs in field goal position, before Ethan McBee eventually knocked home his fifth field goal of the season.
By halftime, Harding had extended its lead to 36-3 after connecting on a 28-yard field goal as time expired. In the second half, they put up 21 unanswered points to secure the 57-3 victory.
Kunz led the team with 60 rushing yards on 12 attempts, including that 21-yard scamper on the scoring drive. Through the air, Kunz completed 7 of 15 passes for 22 yards.
Defensively, Logan Monroe paced the Bulldogs with 10 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack – the first sack Harding has allowed this season. Keshaun Jackson added eight tackles, while Cadynce Hall chipped in nine tackles.
SWOSU's fourth quarter fumble recovery extended their streak of at least one opponent turnover in every game this season. It was however, the first time in 2024 they did not force their opponent into at least three.
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back next week as they travel to face Arkansas Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 12 in Russellville, Arkansas.
