Bethany, Okla. — The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (2-0) defeated the Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm (0-2) by a final score of 26-18 in the first road test for the Muleriders of their 2025 campaign.
The Muleriders won the opening coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. Despite both offenses finding a little early success, neither team was able to score until the Muleriders broke the ice as Casey Cobb collected a sack in the end zone to force a safety and give the Blue and Gold an early 2-0 lead with 8:17 remaining in the first quarter. The Mulerider offense then drove down the field into Crimson Storm territory but stalled out after a missed field goal.
SNU then put together an offensive drive of their own capping it off with a field goal to take a 3-2 lead with 1:57 remaining in the first quarter. The Mulerider offense did not let the Crimson Storm lead last long as they mounted a drive of their own that was capped off by an 18-yard rushing touchdown from Katrevion Thomas and a Hayden Nitz PAT giving SAU a 9-3 lead. Neither offense was able to get much traction despite some turnovers as Zay Woods intercepted a Crimson Storm pass, but the offense yet again stalled. The Muleriders were able to gain a little momentum going into halftime as Hayden Nitz drilled a 23-yard field goal to put the Muleriders up 12-3 at the half.
The Muleriders came out in the second half and struggled early on offense but found their rhythm late in the third quarter as Hezekiah Harris connected with Cooper Sanders for a 28-yard touchdown catch pass. With 4:29 left in the third, the Blue and Gold took a 19-3 lead.
The Muleriders defense then came up with another stop to end the third and the offense once again extended the Muleriders lead as Katrevion Thomas scored his second rushing touchdown of the game on a 53-yard rush up the middle to put SAU on top 26-3 with 10:32 to go in the fourth quarter.
The Crimson Storm would try to mount a late comeback as they would score and convert the two-point try with 5:33 remaining in the contest, 26-11 SAU. SNU would then score again with 1:18 remaining in the contest to pull the game within either points. Pending the onside kick from the Crimson Storm, SAU held a 26-18 lead. The hands team was then able to collect the onside kick as the Muleriders ran out the clock and secured the victory.
The Muleriders will return home next week Saturday, September 20th to play the second ranked Harding Bisons at 6:00 PM inside Willkins Stadium at Rip Powell Field.
