December 2nd, 2024 4:35pm
Highs in the 20s with thick snow falling? Not a problem for the Harding Bisons, who defeated Grand Valley State on the road on Saturday, 44-26, to advance to the Super Region Three final against Ferris State on Dec. 7.
The Bisons were a machine once again, holding the Lakers to just 223 total yards of offense while rushing for 475 yards themselves. Those are just two numbers that stood out to us from Saturday’s dominating performance. Let’s dig into the rest of them, plus some other thoughts.
-This game started very deceptively, as the Lakers forced a punt on Harding’s first possession, and then went right down the field for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. The GVSU offense wouldn’t score again until halfway through the fourth quarter, and the Harding offense wouldn’t be stopped again the rest of the day. Needless to say, the first eight minutes and change of this one were the best part of the game for GVSU.
-Harding threw the ball just once on Saturday, on their opening possession. That the Bisons were able to have so much success against a really good defense (again!) is a testament to the skill level of the Bisons. It’s not all just wear ‘em down action here. The defense isn’t that worn down early in the second quarter, only to allow Harding to drive 99 yards in seven plays for a touchdown. Say what you want about the flexbone, but it’s ruthlessly efficient on an ok day and explosive on the best of days.
-After the opening touchdown drive for the Lakers, GVSU gained a total of 47 yards over the next 38:02 of game time. The Bisons held the Lakers to 44 yards rushing on 20 carries. For the bit of talk about the Bisons being able to handle the weather, it was GVSU who looked completely unprepared. Showing up to the game shirtless like many Lakers did on Saturday certainly didn’t help.
-We’ve talked a lot about the stable of backs for the Bisons this year, but Andrew Miller, who would technically be called the second string fullback, going for over two bills on Saturday is validation that Harding has some crazy depth amongst the guys who tote the rock. It’s really impressive and makes things difficult for the opponent. Something not working with one player? Try another and see if it’s scheme or player. So much flexibility and so many options for Harding. By the way, as a result of Saturday’s production, Miller now leads the team in rushing yards. He’s a sophomore.
-It was an uncharacteristic day for the Bisons in one aspect: penalties. Harding racked up 10 penalties for 93 yards, both season highs. The Bisons began the year with three straight games of eight penalties, but hadn’t had more than six in a game since. It didn’t hurt them on Saturday, but with an even tougher matchup coming against Ferris State, that can’t happen again.
-Somehow, the Bisons are getting to play the underdog role, as the defending national champions! I’ve been bullish on Harding’s chance to repeat all year long, but the rest of the region still seems to feel they’re a plucky underdog. At least, that’s the sense I get when you start throwing out weather affecting things and being on the road, etc. I think Ferris State will be a really tough test, but I also know they won’t be putting up over 400 yards rushing on this Bisons defense. Ain’t no way.