Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University is set to face Harding University in the NCAA Division II second-round playoff game on November 30 at Lubbers Stadium. Both teams share an impressive 11-1 record this season. Last year, Harding secured a narrow 7-6 victory over Grand Valley State in the Super Region 3 final, which led them to win the 2024 national championship.

In their recent performances, Grand Valley State achieved a 24-7 victory against Indianapolis in the first round, while Harding defeated Pittsburg State with a decisive score of 48-3.

The Lakers are making their 23rd appearance in the NCAA DII playoffs and hold a record of 40 wins and 19 losses. Their home playoff performance stands at an impressive 26 wins and five losses. The team has won four national championships and appeared in six title games throughout its history.

Harding enters the match with a powerful offense that averages nearly 52 points per game, complemented by a defense that allows only about eight points per game—the best in the nation. The Bison lead NCAA Division II in several statistical categories, notably averaging over 432 rushing yards per game while limiting opponents to just over 72 rushing yards. They have scored at least 57 points in eight games this season and held opponents to seven points or fewer on eight occasions. Their only loss was against Ouachita Baptist with a close score of 17-13.

Grand Valley State's football program has achieved ten or more victories twenty times since its inception, including eighteen times since 2001. The current senior class boasts an overall record of 44 wins and six losses as they prepare for their ninth NCAA DII playoff game. This class is also notable for winning ten or more games each season for four consecutive years. The Lakers feature one of the top defenses nationally along with a balanced offensive strategy combining both running and passing plays.