By BRIAN RAMSEY | OBU Sports Information

ARKADELPHIA — Playing with a No. 96 decal on their helmets in memory of their late teammate and defensive lineman Clark Yarbrough, the Ouachita Baptist University football players put together a complete team effort on Saturday night in the 2022 home opener, defeating Southern Nazarene 45-0 at Cliff Harris Stadium.

The 16th-ranked Tigers moved to 2-0 in the win and secured their 15th consecutive victory in home openers, moving to 8-0 in home openers since Cliff Harris Stadium was opened in 2014.

The Ouachita defense pitched a shutout for the first time since the middle of last season in a 34-0 win at Arkansas-Monticello.

Ouachita outgained SNU by 300 yards with 556 yards of total offense on 55 plays, averaging out to just over 10 yards per play. Meanwhile, the defense kept SNU to just 256 yards of offense, while coming up with takeaways on one fumble, one interception, and two fourth down stands. The defense held SNU to just 3-of-15 on third down conversions.

The Tigers offense came up with points on seven of their 11 drives, including their first five drives of the game to build a commanding 31-0 lead at the halftime break.

Ouachita finished the game with 335 yards rushing, led by TJ Cole with 14 carries for 154 yards and two touchdowns. It was the 11th time Cole has reached the 100-yard mark in his career. Kendel Givens finished with nine carries for 94 yards and one touchdown.

Riley Harms had an efficient game at quarterback, completing 7-of-9 passes for 146 and two touchdowns, including a 46-yard score to Connor Flannigan early in the second quarter and a 21-yard connection with De’Kairo Rudolph late in the second quarter.  Eli Livingston and Grant Allen both had quality snaps in relief. Livingston connected with Justin Dean for a 75-yard touchdown strike late in the third quarter for the final score of the game.

Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Russellville next Saturday, September 17 to take on Arkansas Tech. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Thone Stadium.