AR HR1033

House of Representatives recognizes the Harding University Bisons football team for winning the 2023 NCAA Division II Football Championship with an undefeated season and 38-7 victory over Colorado School of Mines.

Bisons' offense set college football record by rushing for 6,160 yards and 79 touchdowns in the season, averaging 411 rushing yards per game with 502 yards in the championship game.

Bisons' defense finished second nationally in scoring defense allowing 10.9 points per game and fifth in total defense allowing 247 yards per game; special teams averaged 41 yards per punt and made 80% of field goal attempts.

Championship game was played in front of 12,000 attendees, marking the eighth-largest crowd in the 50-year history of the Division II championship game and the first Division II football championship for an Arkansas program.

A copy of the resolution shall be provided to Head Coach Paul Simmons by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives upon adoption.