September 23rd, 2024 7:00am
This past week in the GAC was quite an interesting and low-scoring week. Just a single team topped 30 points this week, with Harding (duh) putting up 63 points in Monticello against the Weevils.
Let’s get into the recaps.
Harding 63, Arkansas-Monticello 3
HU- I mean, what else is there to say? The Bisons are an absolute machine. And not only are they a machine, but they’ve moved from a grinding machine to an explosive one. The Bisons led 35-0 after one quarter courtesy of two interceptions of Demilon Brown. More fascinating is the Bisons scored nine touchdowns and just two of those drives lasted longer than four minutes. Finally, a Bisons fumble set up UAM at the Harding five-yard line in the third quarter. Three plays later, the Weevils hadn’t moved an inch and had to kick a field goal.
UAM- Again, what else is there to say? The Weevils were just the latest victim of the Bisons’ world takeover. UAM averaged just 3.5 yards per play and threw three interceptions. They also gave up 8.5 yards per carry. Toss the film and move on to the next. You’re just glad to have this in the rearview mirror.
Northwestern OSU 14, Southern Nazarene 7
NWOSU- The Rangers found a lot of success in the short to intermediate passing game, as just six of their 16 completions were longer than 10 yards. The Rangers also protected their quarterbacks well, not giving up a single sack. The defense also was solid, racking up 10 tackles for loss and six sacks against the Crimson Storm. NW almost let SNU come all the way back in the fourth quarter, but held on for their first win of the season.
SNU- Once again, the defense played well, especially in the bookend quarters, as SNU gave up just 40 yards and two first downs in the first and fourth quarters combined. It was also the second straight game where SNU held the opponent to two yards or less per carry. But the offense was just not great through three quarters before finally showing some good things in the fourth quarter. It would appear the Crimson Storm have found their quarterback in Rasheed Noel, as it was Noel who led SNU to 142 yards in the final two possessions and gave them a shot to tie on the final play of the game. We’ll see how the weeks ahead go, but maybe a single option will do the offense some good.
Southeastern OSU 29, Oklahoma Baptist 10
OBU- Not a good day for the OBU offense. The Bison totaled just 157 yards, including 56 on the ground. Neither Kenny Rosenthal or Aidan Thompson were effective at quarterback, OBU went 0-for-10 on third downs and didn’t sniff crossing midfield after halftime. The defense was alright, picking off Cergio Perez, but also allowed the Savage Storm to rush for nearly five yards per carry. Frankly, the Bison’s best performance of the year so far was in the season opener. Probably not a great sign…
SEOSU- We probably should start talking about this Savage Storm defense a bit more. They’ve done a lot of good things through three weeks, and were finally rewarded with a win over the Bison. The Savage Storm controlled the clock for nearly 37 minutes of the game and rushed for over 200 yards. Preventing the Bison from converting a third down was an impressive stat as well. And finally, after OBU went up 10-7 with 12:51 left in the first half, SE allowed just 35 total yards the rest of the game. Time to talk about the Savage Storm defense a little more.
Henderson State 27, Arkansas Tech 12
HSU- Well, that was surprising. A stinker of a performance offensively for the Reddies, who totaled just 222 yards and 13 first downs. Andrew Edwards had just 71 passing yards and threw an interception in the end zone at the end of the first half. Thank goodness for the defense that grabbed two interceptions in the fourth quarter to key a 20-point period to win the ballgame. But that was not the kind of performance you wanted to see if you’re HSU with the Reddies going to Harding this week.
Tech- The Wonder Boys continue to prove they’re an improved team in 2024. That defense is an experienced group and they’re playing really well right now. Remember, Edwards threw for over 400 yards last week against Southeastern OSU. That’s a tremendous performance for Tech. This one was there for the taking, but some turnovers later doomed them. Also, this was the second straight week the Wonder Boys couldn’t run the ball. Now, some of the 27 yards on 32 carries is attributed to big losses on sacks and such, but they were still right around four yards a carry. A better performance there might’ve tipped the scales. Still, we see you, Tech.
Ouachita Baptist 25, Southern Arkansas 20
OUA- This was a slobberknocker of a game, but the Tigers were able to grab a lead early in the second quarter and held it the rest of the way. Playing from ahead was a good place to be in a game like this because offense was at a premium. The Tigers piled up 226 yards on the ground while holding the Muleriders to just 86 yards and 2.6 yards per carry. Ultimately, that was the difference in a tight ballgame. Great road win for the Tigers.
SAU- This was a big opportunity for the Muleriders to put their name in the GAC conference title race and they let it slip away. There’s no shame in losing a close game to a great team and I think Southern Arkansas showed they’re a great team in their own right. But the inability to run the football and 14 penalties spelled doom. The defense was really good, particularly in the second half and gave the Muleriders every chance in this one. Bummer for SAU, but there are still some opportunities down the road to pick up a big win.
Southwestern OSU 19, East Central 3
SWOSU- OK, SWOSU. That’s a nice road win, the first of Andrew Rice’s tenure in Weatherford. The Bulldogs forced three turnovers and piled up 400 yards on 7.1 yards per play against a solid Tigers defense. Quarterback Kai Kunz and running back Malik Roberson both went over 100 yards on the ground. Rice helped the SAU offense ascend the last few years and he’s already having a tremendous impact at SWOSU where offense was in short supply last year. The defense picked off Sergio Kennedy three times as well. Congrats to Rice and the Bulldogs. The rebuild is off to a good start.
ECU- Tough offensive day for the Tigers, who had three turnovers and missed two field goals under 40 yards in the first half that could’ve changed the tenor of the game. Kennedy is a young guy, but he also has thrown 10 interceptions through three games. That’s a turnover margin that doesn’t lead to victories. It seems he’s the guy, but maybe a change would be good for him to settle down. We’ll see, but if the Tigers keep turning the ball over like this, it won’t be a good year.
Picks results: 4-2
Results this year: 14-4