29 Dec 2023 Harding University wins NCAA Division II National Championship by 31 points

Harding’s offense rushed for 502 yards and five touchdowns; the defense sacked 2022 Harlon Hill Award winner John Matocha six times; and the Bisons won the first NCAA national championship in program history with a 38-7 victory over Colorado School of Mines on Dec. 15 at McKinney ISD Stadium.

There were more than 6,000 fans there to witness, with Harding’s side of the stadium completely filled, the student section in full voice and black-and-gold pom poms waving for as far as the eye could see.

Harding scored on each of its first six possessions, five touchdowns and a field goal. Mines scored on its first possession and never again.

Junior fullback Blake Delacruz rushed 27 times for an NCAA Division II championship record 212 yards. Sophomore Braden Jay carried 11 times for 161 yards and three touchdowns. Jhalen Spicer and Cole Keylon added rushing touchdowns, and Keylon completed both of his passing attempts to Roland Wallace for 46 yards.

Harding’s defense had 10 tackles for loss, two away from the championship record. Senior Nathaniel Wallace had two sacks, and sophomore linebacker Clark Griffin led Harding with six tackles, including 2 tackles for loss.

Harding scored on all three of its first-half possessions, driving 75 yards on nine plays, 74 yards on 17 plays, and 90 yards on six plays. Spicer scored the first TD on a 10-yard pitch around the right side with 3:49 left in the first quarter. Jay dove inside the left pylon on a pitch around the left side to score from 10 yards out with 4:30 left in the half. All five of Harding’s touchdown drives covered 74 yards or more, and the Bisons had more than 36 minutes of possession.

Harding’s last national championship of any kind came in 1975 when the Bisons won their fourth NAIA bowling title.