SEARCY, Ark. - The Crimson Storm entered the 2024 season opener coming off yet another historic season, during which they posted their best record in the Division II era. The Storm also made their first bowl game appearance last season, marking it as the first bowl game in the DII era.
SNU faced a tall task as they went on the road to open the season against the defending National Champions, the Harding Bisons. Harding continued their triumph as they shut out the Crimson Storm 59-0 in Searcy.
The Bisons (1-0, 1-0 GAC) controlled the first quarter, tacking on two touchdowns to take an early lead over the Storm (0-1, 0-1 GAC). The Storm struggled to get momentum from the jump as the Bisons got a quick three-out, followed by a botched snap on the punt attempt, giving Harding the ball on the SNU20.
It was not long before the Bisons used a short 5-yard rush to put up their first touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead. The Storm looked for a response and was once again shut out. Harding used their defensive momentum to tally yet another rushing touchdown to go ahead 14-0.
The second quarter proved to be the same as the Bisons controlled the offensive side of the ball. They scored another four touchdowns, stretching their lead to 42-0. The Storm looked to get on the board in the second half, but the Bisons had other plans. They notched another opening drive touchodwn to go ahead 49-0.
The Bisons used the final two minutes of the third quarter to go down the field for yet another field goal stretching their lead once more. The Storm struggled to find a response to the tough Harding offense going into the fourth quarter.
One final 20-yard rushing touchdown would be all it took to finish the Storm as the Bisons claimed the opening 59-0 victory over the Storm in Searcy.
Next Up
The Storm will return to Bethany for their home opener as they host Arkansas Tech. The two will face off on Saturday 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the SNU Football Field. SNU will look to get back in the win column against the Wonder Boys after defeating them on the road last season.