SEARCY, Ark. — On Saturday, Harding University will play in the NCAA Division II football semifinals for the second time in program history when it hosts Lenoir-Rhyne.
The Bisons last made it to the semifinals in 2017, and in that season, all of their games were on the road.
However, this time has been different, as all of Harding's playoff games have been at home.
"We've had unbelievable home crowds," Harding head coach Paul Simmons said. "Many old Bisons and part of our brotherhood have been able to come back and be with us."
And the Bison have felt the home-field advantage.
"The fans in the stands out there were incredible," Harding offensive lineman Hunter Willis said. "It's the best I've ever seen in my six years here. I haven't had the chance to be able to do anything like this, so I'm just happy to be a part of it."
Harding boasts the best-rushing offense at the Division II level. They'll go against the Bears' sixth-best defense.
Outside of Arkansas State, the Bison are the only college football team in the Natural State whose season is still alive and the only team in the playoffs.
"We want to have Thanksgiving dinner together because that means you're in round two of the playoffs," Simmons said. "That's a great goal... now we're even beyond that. It's neat that everybody else's seasons are done, and the Bison are still playing. It's more of a spotlight, so that's been exciting."
Harding will host Lenoir-Rhyne at 11:00 a.m. Central on Saturday. The winner gets a spot in the NCAA Division II national championship in McKinney, Texas.