The Pittsburg State University football team will make its 18th all-time appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday (Nov. 22) when the Gorillas host Harding University of the Great American Conference in a first-round game at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium.

Pittsburg State, the winningest all-time NCAA Division II program, qualified for the 24-team playoffs after finishing the regular season with a 10-1 record and capturing a share of the 2014 MIAA Championship.  The Gorillas, ranked No. 6 in the final regular season AFCA/Division II Top 25 poll, posted a 41-14 victory over Central Oklahoma in their last action on Nov. 15.

Harding qualified for post-season play by finishig the regular season with a 9-1 record and finishing as the GAC runner-up.  The Bisons, the No. 16 team in NCAA Division II, claimed a 41-7 win over Arkansas Tech in their last action on Nov. 15.

Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 1 p.m. (CST).

Tickets
Tickets for Saturday's game are $10 for adults, $5 for children and PSU Students (with I.D.) and $12 for PSU sky box holders.  All tickets on game day will be $12.
The PSU Ticket Office is open until the close of business Friday (Nov. 21).  Online ticket sales are available at www.pittstate.edu/tickets.
For additional ticket information, please call (620) 235-4796.

The Coaches
Tim Beck is in his fifth season as head coach at Pitt State. He has compiled a 46-13 (.780) career record, including a 6-0 mark in postseason play.

Beck led his alma mater (PSU, '88) to the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship three seasons ago, earning national coach of the year honors from Liberty Mutual, the Don Hansen Football Committee and FieldTurf™.

Beck became the school's 14th all-time head football coach in December 2009, after serving for 23 seasons as an assistant coach for the Gorillas including 16 years as the team's offensive coordinator from 1994-2009.

In his first season leading the Gorillas, Beck guided Pitt State to a 6-6 record and a victory in the 2010 Mineral Water Bowl.  In 2011, Beck led the Gorillas to the program's second NCAA national championship and the school's fourth national title overall in a 13-1 campaign. Pitt State captured the MIAA Championship and ultimately the NCAA-II National Championship with a 35-21 victory over Wayne (Mich.) State on Dec. 17, 2011.

In 2013, the Gorillas opened the season 5-0 before finishing the year 7-3 overall, while last year Pitt State posted the program's 20th all-time 10-win season during a 10-2 campaign that culminated with a lopsided win in the 2013 Mineral Water Bowl.

During his 16 seasons as offensive coordinator, the Gorilla offense consistently ranked among the finest units in NCAA Division II.

In 2008, Beck was selected the inaugural NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com, following a vote of his coaching peers.

In 2004, Beck's offensive unit established itself as the most prolific squad in the history of NCAA football.  PSU shattered a 118-year-old scoring record, scoring an amazing 837 points (55.8 ppg).  His squad also set the NCAA all division records for rushing (5,320 yards) and total offense (8,976 yards).

Beck's teams led Division II in scoring in two of the last six years (2004, 2006) and ranked in the top two nationally in total offense three times in the last six seasons (2004, 2005, 2006).  His squads ranked among the national rushing leaders every season, leading Division II in 1995 (318.8 ypg) and 2004 (354.7 ypg).  Beck's "multiple choice" option attack also compiled 16,483 passing yards (216.9 ypg) and 143 aerial touchdowns during the last six years.

Pitt State averaged a staggering 38.8 points and 442.5 yards of total offense per game during his tenure as offensive coordinator.

Prior to assuming the offensive coordinator's role, Beck served two years as Pitt State's defensive coordinator (1992-93).  He became a full-time assistant on the Pitt State staff in 1989, after serving first as a student assistant (1987) and then as a graduate assistant (1988).

This will be Beck's first meeting vs. Harding.

Harding's Ronnie Huckeba is in his eighth year leading his alma mater after serving as an assistant coach for the Bisons for 21 seasons.  Huckeba (Harding, '78) has guided Harding a 49-34 (.590) record, including a 27-5 mark since 2012. Huckeba guided the Bisons to the NCAA-II postseason for the first time in school history in 2012 and he led HU to a victory in the inaugural Live United Texarkana Bowl in 2013. This will be his first meeting vs. the Gorillas.

The Pitt State-Harding Series
This will be the first meeting between Pitt State and Harding.

Pitt State-Harding in the NCAA-II Playoffs
Pitt State is making its 18th appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs since joining the NCAA ranks 25 years ago, prior to the 1989 season.

The Gorillas have compiled a 24-15 (.615) mark in the NCAA-II playoffs, including a 17-5 (.773) record at Carnie Smith Stadium in NCAA-II post-season play.

Pitt State captured the 1991 and 2011 NCAA Division II National Championships.

Harding is making its second-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs.  The Bisons dropped a 35-0 decision to Northwest Missouri at Maryville, Mo., in first-round action on Nov. 17, 2012.

Gorillas At Home
Pitt State holds a 339-122-12 (.729) record in 473 games inside Carnie Smith Stadium (including postseason). The Gorillas have won 140 of their last 157 regular season home games, posting a 140-16-1 record (.895) over the last 30 seasons.

Pitt State has compiled a 24-8 (.750) all-time home record in post-season play, including four straight home playoff wins.

Harding is 14-2 (.875) in its last 16 road games dating back to the start of the 2012 season. The Bisons are 20-21 (.488) overall on the road during Coach Huckeba's tenure (2007-pres).

Pitt State in the AFCA Top 25 Poll
Pitt State, currently the No. 5 team in NCAA Division II, has been ranked in Division II's top 10 112 times in the last 201 polls and the Gorillas have been ranked in the top 25 poll in 175of 201 weeks overall (dating back to the 1999 season). [for complete poll, see page 7]

Harding is 5-11 (.313) against nationally-ranked Division II squads during Coach Huckeba's tenure (2007-pres).

All-Time Winningest Programs
Pittsburg State is the all-time winningest NCAA Division II football program.  The Gorillas, who are in their 107th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 682-332-48 overall record, winning 66.5 percent of their 1,062 all-time games.

Pittsburg State is one of just 17 NCAA Division II institutions to have recorded 500 all-time victories and the Gorillas are just one of five schools to have reached the 600-win plateau.  Tuskegee is second on the all-time list with 655 victories, followed by Hillsdale (612), Carson-Newman (602) and Central Oklahoma (602).

Harding has compiled a 298-290-16 (.507) record in 61 seasons of play.

Gorilla, Bisons Play Ahead
Pitt State has capitalized on fast starts to build several early first-quarter leads this season.

The Gorillas have scored on their opening drive in six of 11 games. Pitt State has trailed in just five games this season for a total of 129 minutes, 43 seconds. The Gorillas have played in the lead in 444:20 of 660 total minutes played – an average of 40:24 per game.  Pitt State has been tied or trailed for just 19:36 per game.

The Bisons have scored on their opening drive in eight of 10 games. HU has trailed in just two games for a total of 101:49. The Bisons have played in the lead in 445:39 of 600 total minutes played – an average of 44:34 per game. Harding has been tied or trailed for just 15:26 per game.

Pitt State, HU Defenses Among Best
The Pittsburg State University and Harding University defenses have established themselves as two of the top units in NCAA Division II this season, ranking among the nation's top squads in several statistical categories.

The Gorillas, who have posted two shutouts on the season, led NCAA Division II in points allowed before allowing 31 points against Central Missouri on Nov. 8.

For the season, Pitt State has surrendered just 137 points, an average of 12.5 points per game, and 2,761 total yards (251.0 ypg). The Gorillas rank third nationally in scoring defense and total defense.

Pitt State also ranks third nationally in passing yards allowed (136.1 ypg) and first down defense (12.7 pg).  The Gorillas rank fourth in passing efficiency defense (89.49 rating), eighth in third down coversion defense (.281) and 12th nationally in red zone defense, allowing just 13 scores in 21 opponent trips inside the Pitt State red zone (.619).

The Bisons rank second nationally in scoring defense (12.3 ppg), third in rushing defense (70.3 ypg) and fifth in total defense (268.7 ypg). Harding also ranks third in red zone defense, allowing 14 scores in 27 opponent trips inside the Harding red zone (.519), and eighth in first down defense (16.0 pg).

Pitt State Passing Attack Leads the MIAA
While it's no secret Pitt State's offensive success has been predicated on running the football, the Gorillas have unleashed a potent passing attack to compliment their stalwart running game.

In fact, Pitt State leads the MIAA in passing, averaging 311.6 yards per game.  Gorilla quarterbacks have completed 223 of 359 passes (.621) for 3,428 yards and 27 touchdowns with just eight INTs.
Since the start of the 2004 season, the Gorillas have passed for 29,420 yards and 225 TDs, averaging 235.4 passing yards and 1.8 touchdown passes per game in the last 125 outings.

In 2013, quarterback Anthony Abenoja established a new single-season passing record, averaging 246.2 passing yards per game.  Also, against Lincoln on Sept. 28 Abenoja established new school single game records for passing yards (442), passing touchdowns (5) and total offense (463 yards). The Gorillas averaged 247.7 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and five interceptions last year.

This year, Abenoja has become the school's all-time passing yards leader (8,892) and he's averaging 304.0 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and six interceptions.

During the past two seasons (2013-14), Abenoja has completed 406 of 648 passes (.622) for 6,298 yards (273.8 ypg) and 56 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions.

To compliment the passing game, Pitt State has rushed the ball for the highest yardage total among all NCAA Division II programs since 1986, compiling 99,621 rushing yards (including postseason competition) for an average of 283.0 yards in 352 games overall.

Quick Strike Offense
The Pitt State offense has exhibited a penchant for being a "quick strike" unit.

During the last 10 seasons (2005-14), the Pitt State offense has generated 673 scoring drives (566 TDs, 107 FGs) and averaged just 2:38 of elapsed time per drive. [Overtime scoring drives not included in elapsed time figures.]

2005    97 scoring drives (86 TDs, 11 FGs)    2:40 elapsed time    2010    41 scoring drives (34 TDs, 7 FGs)    3:04 elapsed time
2006    79 scoring drives (72 TDs, 7 FGs)    2:14 elapsed time    2011    78 scoring drives (60 TDs, 18 FGs)    2:54 elapsed time
2007    64 scoring drives (55 TDs, 9 FGs)    3:02 elapsed time    2012    51 scoring drives (40 TDs, 11 FGs)    2:58 elapsed time
2008    69 scoring drives (61 TDs, 8 FGs)    3:23 elapsed time    2013    83 scoring drives (70 TDs, 13 FGs)    2:29 elapsed time
2009    49 scoring drives (44 TDs, 5 FGs)    3:21 elapsed time    2014    62 scoring drives (44 TDs, 18 FGs)    3:09 elapsed time

The Gorillas have been highly successful when they are quick out of the gates.  Pitt State has scored on its opening drive 59 times (47 TDs, 10 FGs) in the last 119 games, posting a 56-3 (.949) record in those games. By contrast, Pitt State is 33-27 (.550) in games it doesn't score on its opening drive during the same span.

Pitt State Displays Prolific Offense
The Pitt State offense has asserted itself as one of the top units in NCAA Division II the past 11 seasons (2004-14). Pitt State's high octane "multiple choice" offense ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 nationally in both scoring and total offense in three of the last eight seasons.

In 2004, PSU staked its claim as the most prolific offense in the history of NCAA football, leading Division II in scoring (55.8 ppg), rushing (354.7 ypg) and total offense (598.4 ypg).
Pitt State broke the NCAA's 118-year-old all-time all division scoring record with 837 points, besting the old mark of 765 points set by Harvard in 1886.  The Gorillas also broke the all-time NCAA all division records for rushing (5,320 yards) and total offense (8,976 yards) in 2004.

Oklahoma set the previous rushing record (5,196 yards) in 1971, and Texas Tech held the previous total offense mark (7,576 yards) in 2003.

In 2005, Pitt State ranked second nationally in scoring and total offense, averaging 46.8 points and 536.0 total yards per game.  The Gorillas also ranked seventh nationally in rushing, averaging 295.2 yards a game.

In 2006, Pitt State led NCAA Division II in scoring and ranked No. 2 nationally in total offense, averaging 44.8 points and 454.8 total yards per game in 2006.

In 2007, the Gorillas ranked 21st nationally in scoring and 19th nationally in total offense, averaging 37.4 points and 454.2 total yards per game. In 2008, Pitt State ranked 18th nationally in scoring (35.5 ppg) and 21st in the nation in total offense (432.6 ypg).

In 2009, the Pitt State offense averaged 29.4 points and 434.4 total yards per game, while the Gorillas averaged 22.8 points and 357.7 total yards per game in 2010.
In 2011, the Gorillas ranked sixth nationally in scoring (40.2 ppg) and 19th in the country in total offense (448.5 ypg), while the Gorillas ranked 24th nationally in total offense (454.4 ypg) and 27th in the country in rushing offense (204.6 ypg) in 2012. Last year, Pitt State ranked third nationally in scoring (46.5 ppg) and 10th in the country in total offense (499.0 ypg).

The Gorillas are averaging 34.7 points and 468.7 yards of total offense this season.

Abenoja Candidate for 2014 Harlon Hill Trophy
Senior quarterback Anthony Abenoja was one of nine players in NCAA Division II Super Region Three nominated for the 2014 Harlon Hill Trophy Thursday (Nov. 20).

On Tuesday (Nov. 18), Abenoja was selected the MIAA's Offensive Most Valuable Player as well as the conference's first-team All-MIAA selection at quarterback.

Abenoja (6-3, 217) has compiled a 27-6 (.818) record as the Gorillas' starter under center.

The Overland Park, Kan., native became Pitt State's all-time passing leader on Sept. 11 against Lindenwood, when he completed 20 of 31 passes for 323 yards and three TDs. He garnered MIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 20 when he completed 19 of 33 passes for 330 yards and four TDs against Washburn.

Abenoja also set the Pitt State career touchdown passes record (62) when he threw for 438 yards – the second-best single game passing total – and five TDs vs. Emporia State (Oct. 11).

He completed 21 of 29 passes for 290 yards and one TD in the regular season finale vs. Central Oklahoma to break the Pitt State single season passing record.

For the season, he has completed 223 of 359 passes (.612) for 3,344 yards (304.0 ypg) and 26 touchdowns with six interceptions.

He currently leads both the MIAA and SR-3, while ranking 10th in NCAA Division II in passing efficiency with a 160.9 rating. Abenoja also leads the MIAA in passing yards (304.0 ypg) and total offense (311.4 ypg), ranking third in SR-3 in passing yards and fifth in total offense.

He also leads SR-3 in passing yards per completion (15.0 ypc) and passing yards per attempt (9.1 ypa), while ranking in a tie for third place in passing TDs (26).  

For his career, Abenoja has completed 590 of 957 passes (.617) for 8,892 yards and 74 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 631 net yards to compile 9,523 yards of total offense.

Abenoja has recorded the top five single-game passing totals in school history, including a school record 442-yard passing performance against Lincoln as a junior in 2013 and a 438-yard effort against Emporia State (Oct. 11). He already holds the school's career completions record, and he also ranks second on Pitt State's career total offense list with 9,523 yards.

Abenoja has broken into the MIAA's all-time top 10 passing list (he's currently seventh) and he ranks sixth on the conference top 10 total offense list as well.

The top two vote getters in Super Region Three will advance among eight national finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy.  Regional ballots, which are voted on by sports information directors at member schools, are due back to the National Harlon Hill Award Committee on Friday, Nov. 28.

Abenoja is joined on the SR-3 ballot by Southern Arkansas QB Si'Darius Blackshire, Augustana QB Trey Heid, Minnesota State DE Joshua Gordon, Sioux Falls QB Luke Papillion, Henderson State QB Kevin Rodgers, Central Missouri RB LaVance Taylor, Azusa Pacific RB Terrett Watson and Harding RB Romo Westbrook.

PSU Career Passing Yards    Comp-Att    Yards
    1.    Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.    590-957    8892

PSU Single-Season Passing Yards    Comp-Att    Yards
    1.    Anthony Abenoja, 2014    223-359    3344

MIAA Career Passing Yards    Comp-Att    Yards
    1.    Eric Czerniewski, UCM, 2006-10    1043-1678    12847

    6.    Adam Hinspeter, MSSU, 2005-08    842-1368    9016
    7.    Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.    590-957    8692

PSU Career Passing Touchdowns    TDs
    1.    Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.    74

PSU Career Total Offense    Pass    Rush    Total
    1.    Neal Philpot, 2001-04    5831    4337    10168

    2.    Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.    8892    631    9523

MIAA Career Total Offense    Pass    Rush    Total
    1.    Eric Czerniewski, UCM, 2006-10    12847    131    12978

    4.    Neal Philpot, 2001-04    5831    4337    10168
    5.    Kasey Waterman, MWSU, 1998-2001    10025    31    10056
    6.    Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.    8892    631    9523

Cushon Leads MIAA in Receiving Yards
Junior wide receiver Marquise Cushon recorded his seventh career 100-yard receiving game – and his sixth this season – against Central Missouri on Nov. 8. The Kansas City, Mo., native caught nine passes for a career-high 221 yards and two TDs against the Mules, earning MIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors.

He garnered first-team All-MIAA honors on Tuesday (Novl29                                                                                                                                                                                                  

For the season, Cushon (5-10, 162) has 58 catches for 1,141 yards (19.7 ypc) and eight touchdowns. He currently leads the MIAA, ranks third in Super Region Three and 10th in NCAA Division II in receiving yards (107.3 ypg).

Cushon currently ranks fourth on Pitt State's single season receiving yards chart with 1,141 yards.

For his career, Cushon has 79 receptions for 1,543 yards (19.5 ypc) and 11 touchdowns.  He needs 129 receiving yards to climb as high as fifth on Pitt State's all-time top 10 list. Cushon also has 37 carries for 364 rushing yards (9.8 ypc) and he's compiled 2,847 career all-purpose yards.

PSU Single Season Receiving Yards    Rec    Yards
    1.    Ronnie West, 1991    74    1495

    2.    John Brown, 2011    61    1216
    3.    John Brown, 2013    61    1198
    4.    Marquise Cushon, 2014    58    1141

PSU Career Receiving Yards    Rec    Yards
    1.    John Brown, 2011-13    185    3387

    5.    Jermaine Carpenter, 2003-04    69    1671
    6.    Marques Nelson, 2005-08    82    1582
    7.    Marquise Cushon, 2012-pr.    79    1543

Lutman Joins 1,000-yard Club
Senior wide receiver Gavin Lutman set both Pitt State and MIAA single game receiving records when he caught 10 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns on Oct. 11 against Emporia State.

Lutman (6-4, 201) bested Kendall Fisher's Pitt State record of 238 receiving yards set on Oct. 17, 2009, against Emporia State. The Peculiar, Mo., native also topped the MIAA record of 254 yards set by Rod Smith of Missouri Southern on Oct. 19, 1991 against Southwest Baptist.

He followed that game up with a six-catch, 134-yard effort against Northwest Missouri on Oct. 18.

For the season, Lutman has 58 catches for 1,001 yards (17.3 ypc) and 10 touchdowns, ranking second in the MIAA in receiving yards (91.0 ypg) behind only his teammate Marquise Cushon (58 rec., 1141 yds, 8 TDs).

Lutman and Cushon are one of only three 1,000-yard receiving duos in Division II this season, joining:  Kentucky Wesleyan's Keelan Cole (1,381) and Xavier Mitchell (1,015) and St. Anselm's Ahkeem Williams (1,033) and Justin Bernhard (1,029).

For his career, Lutman has 118 receptions for 1,873 yards (15.9 ypc) and 15 touchdowns. He climbed to third on PSU's career receiving yards list and he currently is third in career receptions as well.

PSU Career Receiving Yards    Rec    Yards
    1.    John Brown, 2011-13    185    3387

    2.    Ronnie West, 1990-91    123    2521
    3.    Gavin Lutman, 2010, '12-pr.    118    1873

PSU Career Receptions    Rec
    1.    John Brown, 2011-13    185

    2.    Ronnie West, 1990-91    123
    3.    Gavin Lutman, 2010, '12-pr.    118

Frazell Special Teams Player of the Year
Senior place kicker Connor Frazell has provided a steady leg to Pitt State's kicking game the past three seasons. He was rewarded for his consistent play with his selection as the 2014 MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year Tuesday (Nov. 18).

The Iola, Kan., native established a new PSU record by making 14 consecutive field goals – he made the final 10 field goal attempts of the 2013 season and his first four tries in 2014.

Frazell (6-0, 183) booted three field goals – from 25, 25 and 34 yards – in the Gorillas' 23-14 victory vs. Mo. Western on Oct. 4 to earn MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He also made three field goals – from 20, 37 and 38 yards – in Pitt State's 36-21 win vs. Neb.-Kearney on Oct. 25 to claim the conference honors for a second time. Frazell added a third MIAA weekly honor Monday (Nov. 19) after booting two field goals (27, 36) and all five PATs vs. UCO on Nov. 15.

For the season, he has converted 18 of 26 field goals. He tied the PSU single-season record with his 18th make vs. UCO (Nov. 15).

During his three-year career, Frazell has converted 42 of 56 (.750) field goals and 153 of 156 (.981) PATs. He has converted his last 109 consecutive PATs.

Frazell holds PSU's career highest PAT pct. mark (.981) and his string of 109 consecutive PATs ranks second-best in school history.

Frazell leads the MIAA in scoring (9.1 ppg) on the season and he ranks fourth in NCAA Division II among kickers in scoring.

PSU Career Field Goals    FGs
    1.    Josh Barcus, 1995-98    44

    2.    Connor Frazell, 2012-pr.    42
                    
PSU Career Kick Scoring    Points
    1.    Nathan Alleman, 2003-06    401

    2.    James Jenkins, 1988-91    300
    3.    Josh Barcus, 1995-98    287
    4.    Connor Frazell, 2012-pr.    279

Bausby Climbs PBU List
Senior cornerback De'Vante Bausby garnered first-team All-MIAA honors Tuesday (Nov. 18).

For the season, Bausby (6-2, 179) has made 36 tackles (23 solo), including 2.0 TFLs and 1.5 quarterback sacks. He also has three interceptions and a team-leading eight PBUs to his credit. The Kansas City, Mo., native now has 29 career pass break-ups, ranking in second place on PSU's career list. He also has 10 career INTs.

PSU Career Pass Break-ups    PBUs
    1.    Ted Adams, 1986-89    40

    2.    De'Vante Bausby, 2011-pres.    29

Scouting the Bisons
Harding enters the NCAA Division II playoffs with a 9-1 regular season record.  The Bisons have compiled four straight wins since dropping a 31-28 overtime decision to Ouachita Baptist on Oct. 18. Harding posted a 41-7 victory over Arkansas Tech in its last action on Nov. 15.

The Bisons are scoring 44.5 points per game and averaging 459.1 total yards (386.0 rushing, 73.1 passing). Harding ranks fifth in Division II in scoring, while sporting the No. 2 ranked rushing offense in the country.

Senior quarterback Keenan Kellett (5-11, 210) directs the Bisons flexbone offense. Kellett has carried the ball 103 times for 270 yards (2.6 ypc, 27.0 ypg) and three TDs and he's completed 35 of 65 passes (.556) for 725 yards (72.5 ypc) and nine touchdowns with five interceptions.

Senior fullback Romo Westbrook (5-10, 210) has carried the ball 167 times for 1,059 yards (6.3 ypc) and seven touchdowns, averaging 105.9 yards per game. He also has caught five passes for 53 yards (10.6 ypc) and one score. Westbrook is one of nine players in Super Region Three vying for the 2014 Harlon Hill Trophy.

Senior fullback Alapeti Magalei (5-9, 230) also has carried the ball 112 times for 593 yards (5.3 ypc) and six TDs, while senior slotback Ahmad Scott (5-8, 190) has 33 carries for 415 yards (12.6 ypc) and seven TDs and redshirt freshman slotback Zach Shelley (5-7, 185) has 41 carries for 408 yards (10.0 ypc) and seven scores.

Senior wide receiver Donatella Luckett (6-0, 210) has caught a team-leading 19 passes for 401 yards (21.1 ypc) and three scores.

Defensively, the Bisons are allowing 12.3 points and 268.7 total yards per game (70.3 rushing, 198.4 passing). Harding ranks second in Division II in points allowed and fifth nationally in total defense.
Senior safety Devonte Britt (5-11, 190) has made a team-leading 49 tackles (33 solo) with 5.5 tackles-for-loss.

Sophomore linebacker Daylan Skidmore (5-11, 225) has 47 stops (23 solo), while senior safety Dennis Buckner (5-9, 225) has 34 stops (21 solo) with 6.0 tackles-for-loss and a team-leading three interceptions.

Sophomore defensive end Trevon Biglow (6-0, 250) has 26 tackles, including a team-leading 9.0 TFLs and 3.5 QB sacks, while junior defensive end Matt McKeown (6-3, 265) has made 15 stops (nine solo) with 7.0 TFLs and a team-leading 4.0 QB sacks.

Senior kicker John Gay (5-10, 170) has converted 4 of 8 field goals and 57 of 60 PATs on the season. Freshman Tristan Parsley (5-9, 185) has punted 25 times for a 33.3 yard average with three kicks inside the opponent 20 yard line.

Scott has averaged 31.2 yards per kickoff return, including a 97-yarder for a touchdown, while senior Darious Lane (5-11, 210) has averaged 24.0 yards on seven punt returns, including an 82-yarder for a TD.