ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State's stifling defense held the Harding Bisons in check during the first half, but the guests were able to get things rolling in the second, pulling away to a 45-7 victory over the Rangers.
A year ago, Harding was able to post three touchdowns in the first quarter alone, but the Ranger defense was able to hold the Bisons to just one score in the first 15 minutes of play, Saturday afternoon. In 2013, Harding led the GAC in rushing by over 2,000 yards and racked up an enormous 454 yards on the ground on the young Ranger squad.
Northwestern was able to cut down Harding's production to a total of 435 yards on the day after giving up almost 700 a year ago.
Avery Morris and Jarion Tudman split the duties in the backfield for the Rangers each gaining just over 30 yards on the stingy Bisons, who also led the GAC in rush defense in 2013.
Cody Weinzheimer started under center for the home team, going 6-for-16 in the game while also throwing four interceptions.
Ty Hooper came into the game in the third quarter after an injury to Weinzheimer, giving the freshman his first college action. Hooper was solid in his Ranger debut, completing 7-of-15 for 65 yards and a touchdown to Justin Schanbacher.
Northwestern started off the game with the ball, but an interception on the second play led to the first score just one play after the pick for Harding. The score would turn out to be the last of the quarter for Harding who ended up crossing the goal line twice in the second quarter to take a 21-0 lead into the break.
The red-and-black were able to move the chains on several different occasions, but turnovers plagued the Rangers in the first half, committing three, leading to 14 Bisons points during the first half of play.
After heading out of the break, Harding came out firing on all cylinders scoring twice on consecutive possessions making it a 35 to nothing game just six minutes into the second half.
The Rangers were able to shut down the guests for the remainder of the quarter and a big pass and catch between Hooper and Schanbacher led to Northwestern's first score of the game, but the next drive led to a Harding field goal, giving the Bisons a 38-7 advantage.
Backup Bisons runningback, Zach Shelley went for a large gain of 52 yards and the score in the waning minutes of the game to help his team earn the 38-point victory.
Traveon Kelly and Devin Peyton flew around on defense all afternoon for the Rangers collecting 10 tackles apiece, while 19 other teammates recorded tackles as well.
Northwestern will take the field again next Saturday against Arkansas-Monticello for another 1 p.m. start.
