Can the Flexbone Offense Pave the Way for Harding in 2024?

Blake Delacruz — © Jeff Montgomery/Harding University

Few offenses in college football history have truly been dominant.

A dominant offense is never stricken by an inconsistent game or a lapse of judgement. It's rarely defeated, even by the strongest of defenses. Perhaps its most valuable asset? The ability to strike fear in even the most resolute coaches and players.

A Sleeping Giant

In the sleepy town of Searcy, Ark., one such offense is gearing up to defend their Division II National Championship by stampeding over their competition for the second year in a row.

Harding University might not be the school you picture when you're told of a physical, smashmouth offense that shattered the NCAA rushing record in 2023, but each one of their 6,161 yards speaks volumes about how impressive the Bisons' backfield was.

Leading the way in 2023 was senior running back Blake Delacruz, who totaled 1,508 yards and 21 touchdowns over 15 games. Those numbers may sound fresh out of College Football 25, but as Harding's 2023 opponents will assure you, they're very real.

Harding's other 1,000 yard rusher was Braden Jay, who totaled 1,075 yards and 12 touchdowns. Not to be outdone, quarterback Cole Keylon contributed 15 rushing touchdowns of his own, in addition to 677 yards on the ground.

Even when compared to the legendary Arkansas offenses that were comprised of Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis, Harding still manages to come out on top in terms of sheer domination. Harding's offense even rivals the great rushing offenses of the service academies, and while Army, Navy and Air Force have all boasted incredible rushing performances in their illustrious histories, Harding's stats and game tape just hits a little bit harder. Last season, Harding rushed for 6,350 yards and 79 touchdowns in 15 games. In contrast in 2023, Air Force rushed for 3,660 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Army rushed for 2,504 yards and 19 touchdowns. Navy rushed for 2,335 yards and 16 touchdowns. Air Force rushed for 3,660 yards and 36 touchdowns. Harding's flexbone offense has been a powerful weapon for the Bisons.

Will History Repeat Itself?

As the favorite to win the Great American Conference, Harding will undoubtedly have a target on its back as they attempt to defend the title.

The first potential victim of an improved Harding flexbone? None other than Southern Nazarene, who gave up 282 yards on the ground to Harding in their season-opening bout a year ago.

Harding's flexbone will be one of the most unique offenses in football in 2024. The biggest question in Searcy isn't whether or not the offense will be productive, but if it can somehow break its own herculean record set a season ago.

Harding and Southern Nazarene will clash to begin their respective seasons on Sept. 5 in Searcy. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.