Colorado School of Mines' hopes for a Division II national title were dashed for the second consecutive year as they fell to Harding in a one-sided 38-7 defeat. Mines struggled to stop Harding's triple-option flexbone attack, allowing 502 rushing yards and only attempting two passes. Despite scoring on their opening possession, Mines was shut out for the rest of the game as Harding dominated on the ground. The loss marked Mines' second consecutive blowout defeat in the championship game.
Harding dominated Lenoir-Rhyne in the NCAA Division II national semifinal game, winning 55-14 and setting an NCAA single-season rushing record with 5,563 rushing yards. The victory advances Harding to the national championship game against Colorado School of Mines. Harding scored six rushing touchdowns, returned a kickoff for a touchdown, and threw a touchdown pass in the dominant performance. The Bison defense held Lenoir-Rhyne to -3 rushing yards and 336 total yards.
No. 3 Harding secured a 7-6 victory against Grand Valley State in the NCAA Division II football playoffs, advancing to the national semifinals. With just under nine minutes left in the game, Harding orchestrated a 73-yard, 15-play drive that culminated in a touchdown by quarterback Cole Keylon. The win marks Harding's second-ever appearance in the national semifinals. They will face Lenoir-Rhyne in the next round. Harding's defense played a crucial role, holding Grand Valley State to no touchdowns and forcing turnovers on downs in the final two possessions.
