SEARCY, Ark. — Mulerider Football drops its second contest of the season as the defending national champions, the Harding Bisons, defeated Southern Arkansas 49-17 at First Security Stadium in Searcy. 

The Muleriders constantly found a way to drive down the field against the country's top defense, but the Bisons defense is not the nation's-best for no reason as HU halted SAU under the Bisons' own ten-yard line on three occasions. The Blue and Gold eventually found their way to the end zone to start the second half as Jariq Scales leaped over the Harding defensive line for the score at the goal line. 

The three-time Great American Conference Offensive Player of the Week, Judd Barton, had himself a fair afternoon as he passed for 196 yards and a 49-yard heave to the end zone (caught by Seth Johnson) as he completed 18 of his 31 passing attempts. The junior also carried the rock 14 times for 87 yards that was majorly produced by his 58-yard rush to begin the Muleriders' offensive efforts. 

Four members of Southern Arkansas' defense accounted for six tackles each in Dawson Scott, Donovan Adkins, Gavin Roe, and Deonta Barnes. Scott and Roe each produced four solo tackles. Adkins and Scott both led the team in tackles for loss with Adkins producing 2 and Scott 1.5.

The Muleriders are back in action next Saturday at 2 PM as the Blue and Gold travel to Weatherford, Oklahoma to take on the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs. SAU will be back inside Wilkins Stadium at Rip Powell Field for Senior Day on November 9 to battle Northwestern Oklahoma State.