November 22nd, 2025 8:00pm
From Harding sports information:
SEARCY — Andrew Miller rushed for 195 yards and a touchdown, surpassing 3,000 yards for his career, as No. 2 Harding exorcised its postseason demons against No. 14 Northwest Missouri State with a 38-16 victory Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
The victory marked the first time Harding (12-0) has defeated the Bearcats in five playoff meetings. The Bisons entered the contest 0-4 all-time against Northwest Missouri State in the postseason.
Harding, the Great American Conference champion, extended its home winning streak to 22 games, the second-longest active streak in Division II.
True to form for the nation's top-ranked rushing offense, the Bisons controlled the clock for 43 minutes and 17 seconds, limiting the Bearcats (9-3) to just 16:43 of possession. Harding piled up 427 rushing yards on 70 attempts while racking up 31 first downs to Northwest's 15.
Fullback Andrew Miller was the workhorse, needing 67 yards to become the sixth player in program history to reach 3,000 career rushing yards. He cleared that mark easily on 33 carries, capping his afternoon with a 23-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
Braden Jay and Christian Franklin each added two rushing touchdowns. Jay, the GAC Offensive Player of the Year, helped build an early 16-0 lead with scoring runs of 7 and 10 yards. He finished with 77 yards on 14 carries.
Northwest Missouri State, boasting a top-12 offense nationally, briefly threatened in the second quarter. Quincy Torry broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 16-7.
However, the Bisons responded with a demoralizing 13-play, 90-yard drive that consumed nearly eight minutes. Franklin capped the march with a 10-yard touchdown run, sending Harding into the break with momentum. Franklin added a 7-yard score in the third quarter and finished with 56 yards on six carries.
Harding's defense, which allowed only nine touchdowns during the entire regular season, held Northwest quarterback Chris Ruhnke to 7-of-15 passing for 75 yards and one interception, recorded by Jordan Mays.
Despite limited opportunities, the Bearcats found success on the ground through big plays. Aside from Torry's long score, Te'Shaun Porter added a 66-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. Torry led Northwest with 116 yards, while Porter added 106.
Bisons quarterback Cole Keylon improved to 48-4 as a starter, rushing for 37 yards and completing both of his pass attempts for 48 yards.
Harding advances to the second round and will host Pittsburg State of the MIAA next Saturday at 1 p.m. at First Security Stadium.