SHAWNEE, Okla.—It was a historic night in Shawnee as Southern Nazarene drubbed rival Oklahoma Baptist 56-21 in the season finale. The 35 point win was Southern Nazarene's biggest win since joining DII, and also marked their fifth victory of the season, another Division II program best.
The Crimson Storm (5-6, 5-6 GAC) dominated the game from start to finish. They led from the opening possession on and never allowed Oklahoma Baptist (1-10, 1-10 GAC) a sliver of hope. SNU scored on eight of their nine possessions in the game. OBU's only stop came on fourth-and-goal at the one yard line when the game was well in hand in the fourth quarter.
The eight touchdown performance by Southern Nazarene's offense led to some big numbers as SNU set another DII program record with 581 yards in the game. It was the third time this season that SNU has surpassed 500 yards of total offense. They also scored over 50 points for the first time in their DII history as the Storm scored 14 points in every quarter of the game.
As successful as Southern Nazarene's rushing attack has been this season, it was a combination of both the run and the pass that allowed SNU to blow past the Bison. Gage Porter put together a season-best 226 yard performance through the air, as well as throwing a career-high 4 touchdowns in the game. He also secured two touchdowns on the ground, cementing himself with the top spot for the most rushing touchdowns this season in the entire NCAA with 27.
SNU totaled 335 yards on the ground as 12 different players were credited with carries in the game. They averaged 7.1 yards per carry, right at their season average, which is tops in DII.
The Storm got the scoring started on the opening possession with a 17 yard Angel Ramirez touchdown run. The defense then forced a fourth-down stop, leading to Porter's first touchdown run of the game as SNU carried a 14-0 lead into the second quarter.
OBU cut the deficit in half the following possession, but they had no answers for SNU's offense. Aaron Fellows found the endzone from eight yards out to cap off an eight play, 75 yard drive to extend the Storm's lead back to double-digits. The defense then forced another turnover-on-downs and the offense took advantage. They marched 88 yards on 10 plays as Porter found Asa Robertson for the 24 yard touchdown strike with just 19 seconds remaining in the second quarter. SNU then carried a commanding 28-7 lead into the break.
That lead grew even greater in the third quarter as an Emmanuel Obinna interception in Bison territory led to Porter's second rushing touchdown of the day. After an OBU touchdown brought the score to 35-14, Southern Nazarene once again answered the bell with their seventh consecutive touchdown drive. This time it was Porter finding Jaren Alvarado in the endzone on third-and-goal.
In the fourth quarter, Southern Nazarene once again came up with a fourth-down stop. They held Oklahoma Baptist to 4-of-10 on third down chances, and were perfect on fourth down as the Bison went 0-for-3 in the game.
Following the fourth down stop, SNU took just one play to strike as Porter found Edyon Batta wide open up the seam for an 83 yard touchdown pass. It was the longest SNU passing touchdown since Porter's 99 yard bomb to Nate Walker in 2018, also against Oklahoma Baptist.
The following Bison possession, Elijah Calhoun stepped in front of a pass and collected his second interception of the season. SNU was finally stopped for the first time in the game on the next possession, though, as a second-and-goal from the two turned into a third-and-goal from the 17 following a huge loss. Still, SNU nearly got into the endzone as back-to-back Gage Porter runs made it all the way to the OBU one yard line before Oklahoma Baptist was finally able to make the stop.
OBU's success was short lived as it took just three plays for Southern Nazarene to collect their fourth interception of the game. Josh Johnson stepped in front of a pass for his second interception of the game, and sixth this season. This set SNU up for their final touchdown of the game. Porter took the snap and quickly flicked it out towards Keaton Crooks. The ball was tipped around and eventually caught by Edyon Batta. He then carried defenders 10 yards into the endzone for his second touchdown of the game.
Oklahoma Baptist scored one more touchdown late to bring the score to its final resting place at 56-21.
The game brings an end to Southern Nazarene's most successful season since joining NCAA Division II. They increased their win total by four from the previous season and set numerous program records throughout the year. They won four of their final five games with the only loss coming by just one point in overtime to Henderson State. SNU will now look to build upon these successes as Coach Dustin Hada has instilled confidence in this team heading into the offseason.
