MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas Muleriders and the Harding Bisons are set to hit the gridiron to renew their heated in-state rivalry with a special primetime nationally-televised game this Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m. at Wilkins Stadium on the campus of Southern Arkansas.

 
The game, which will be broadcasted to a national audience on the CBS Sports Network, is a part of the NCAA's Division II Game of the Week lineup for 2013. Fans of the Muleriders that will not be able to attend the game and are wishing to watch the game, can find out what channel the CBS Sports Network is on in their area by going to www.cbssportsnetwork.com and clicking the "Channel Finder" link at the top of the screen.
 
For those that are planning on attending the game, be sure to get to Wilkins Stadium early to ensure the best possible seat as a capacity crowd is expected. With a 7 p.m. kickoff time, gates into the stadium will open at 5 p.m. As usual at home games, Mulegating will be available in advance of the game with Mulegating activities scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
 
Reserved Seating tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting the SAU Athletics department: (870) 235-4102. General Admission tickets will only be sold on the day of the game at the ticket booths. The price for Reserved Seating tickets are $9 and the price for General Admission tickets are $7.
 
As far as the game on the field, this year's matchup between the Muleriders (3-1, 3-1 GAC) and the Bisons (2-1, 2-1 GAC) has the potential to be a classic high-scoring shootout as both teams come into the game averaging over 490 yards of total offense per game and better than 41 points per game with the Bisons averaging 559.7 yards per game and 51.7 points per game.
 
Despite both teams having prolific offenses, each goes about their business in different ways. The Bisons, who operate out of a triple-option wishbone offense, will enter Thursday night's game with the no.1-ranked rushing attack in the country as they average 397.0 yards rushing. On the year the Bisons have attempted just 32 passes as opposed to their 153 rushing attempts. When they have thrown the ball, however, it has been effective as they have thrown for 488 yards for a completion average of 30.5 yards per catch.
 
While the Bisons feature a dominant dimension in their offense, the Muleriders rely on a more balanced approach. Through the first four games of the season, the Muleriders have thrown for over 275 yards and rushed for over 130 yards three times. Furthering the proof of their desire to be balanced on offense; of the 308 offensive plays run this season, 141 (46%) have been rushes and 167 (54%) have been passes. The balanced approach has resulted in the Muleriders having the 21st-ranked scoring offense and the 25th-ranked total offense in the country.
 
Although the offensive numbers suggest a high-scoring affair, each team's defense has proved that they can more than hold their own as well. Through the games played on September 28, 2013, the Muleriders rank in the top-30 nationally in Turnovers Gained (12; 9th), Passes Intercepted (7; 11th), Tackles for Loss (35; 23rd), and Turnover Margin (+4; 27th). The Mulerider defense has also not allowed team to throw for 300 yards all season, and they have held their opponents to less than 110 yards rushing in their last three games.
 
On the other end of the sideline, the Bisons' defense is limiting their opponents to 16.0 points per game and less than 300 yards of total offense on the season. In the passing game, the Bisons have allowed only 183.7 yards through the air, but they are even stingier in the running game, limiting their opponents to 108.7 yards on the ground. On the year, the Bisons' defense has forced four turnovers.
 
Thursday night's game will be the 50th meeting all-time between the two schools. The Muleriders hold a 25-23-1 lead in the all-time series, but the Bisons have won 14 of the last 18 games, including the last seven matchups dating back to the 2006 season. This will be the 24th time that this rivalry game will be held in Magnolia and Harding holds a 12-11 all-time lead.