No 16 Harding Bison vs. No 5 Henderson State Reddies Preview and Prediction 2016
Written by Gerren Gentry
Twitter: @TruthGentry
The Great American Conference continues to be one of the most competitive conferences in all of Division-II football. This week will feature a Top 25 matchup as the No. 16 Harding University Bison (5-0,5-0) go on the road to take on the No. 5 Henderson State University Reddies (5-0, 5-0).
Two of the best teams in Division-II football will meet this weekend in a game that could potentially reveal this year’s conference champion. The Bison look to avenge a home loss against the Reddies last year losing 22-17. This year, Harding averages 369 rushing yards per game which leads all of Division-II football.
Henderson State returns key players on defense like defensive back Gary Vines and linebacker Josh Davis looking to slow down the Bison’s rushing attack.
If the Reddies want a chance to win the game, they have to contain the run by filling the gaps on the defensive line and bringing extra defensive backs in the box to help stop the run. The Bison offense will look to chew the clock with fullback Michael Latu and senior quarterback Park Parish. The read-option quarterback has rushed for over 100 yards twice this season and already has nine rushing touchdowns. This ties for first in the GAC with Ouachita Baptist running back Kris Oliver.
Because of the style of offense Harding plays, their defense is on the field less often than most defenses. The Bison defense, led by junior defensive back Isaiah Jefferson, are only giving up 3.3 yards per play and only 11 points per game. This will be a challenge if they want to contain a fast paced Henderson State offense.
Though the Reddies rely on their no-huddle offense to catch teams off balance, they will still try to run the ball effectively against Harding with redshirt freshman running back Jeremy Wilson. He comes into this weekend’s game averaging 6.0 yards a carry and has scored six touchdowns in five games this season.
Both teams will try to control the pace and line of scrimmage throughout the game. Last year Harding turned the ball over twice leading to a Henderson State win. However, this year the Bison have played the tougher opponents in conference and have looked more impressive than any other team in the league.
The Bison defense will force Henderson State to depend on the passing game which gives their defensive line a chance to attack the quarterback.
Prediction: the Harding Bison will go on the road and upset the fifth ranked team in Division-II football 17-13
Photo credit: Gerren Gentry Photography; Redshirt Sophomore quarterback Andrew Black looks to lead the Reddies over Harding to stay perfect in the regular season.