SEARCY, Ark. – The University of North Alabama got its fifth win of the season Saturday with a 38-0 shutout of Harding at First Security Stadium. The third ranked Lions used big plays from its defense and special teams to set up four of its scores and quarterback Harrison Beck threw three touchdown passes in the win.

With the win UNA improves to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Gulf South Conference. Harding falls to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the GSC. The shutout was UNA’s first of the season and first since shutting out Harding 52-0 last season.

 

UNA held Harding to just 198 yards of total offense, allowing just 67 yards on the ground and 131 through the air. The Lions’ offense sputtered at times but finished with 395 total yards. UNA rushed for 111 yards and passed for 283. UNA converted on just four of 12 third down conversions and was penalized for 113 yards. The Lions blocked two kicks on special teams, however, and caused three Harding turnovers.

 

Beck finished the night 18 of 31 for 252 yards.

 

UNA took advantage of good field position off the blocked kicks and turnovers to build a solid lead in the first half.

 

For the first time this season the Lions failed to score on their opening possession but did score the second time they got the football. After a 14-play drive stalled at the Harding 21-yard line, UNA’s Kenny Spencer drilled a 38-yard field goal to make it 3-0 at the 8:41 mark of the first quarter.

 

North Alabama fumbled the ball to Harding at its own 27 on its next possession but the Bisons gained just five yards on the possession, Micah Canterbury came on to attempt a 39-yard field goal but it was blocked by UNA’s Quinton Andrews. UNA found the end zone eight plays later on a one-yard dive by Marcus Sims, capping a 62-yard drive. Spencer’s PAT made it 10-0 at 1:15 of the first quarter.

 

UNA’s special teams came up with another big play on the next possession as Brandenn Pickett blocked a Harding punt and UNA recovered at the HU 33. On the next play Beck hit Mico McSwain in the right corner of the end zone for a touchdown. Spencer’s PAT made it 17-0 with 14:01 left in the second quarter.

 

North Alabama’s Jason Tate picked off a Harding pass after it was deflected by Chad Daniel, setting up the Lions at the Bisons’ 22. After a loss on first down, Beck hit Preston Parker with a 25-yard scoring strike to make it 24-0 with 5:50 left in the second.

 

UNA held Harding to 61 total yards and just four first downs in the first half. The Lions had 233 total yards at intermission.

 

The UNA defense scored just five seconds into the second half as Courtney Harris picked up a Harding fumble and carried it into the end zone from eight yards out. Spencer’s PAT made it 31-0 with 14:55 left in the third quarter.

 

The Lions’ offense couldn’t deliver any points in the third quarter but Beck threw his third TD pass of the game at the 13:41 mark of the fourth period. He connected on the 34-yard pass to T.J. Porter at 13:41 of the fourth quarter and Spencer’s PAT made it 38-0.

 

On UNA’s only other scoring opportunity of the game, Spencer was wide left on a 45-yard field goal attempt with 8:26 left in the game.

 

The win was UNA’s fifth straight over Harding and 21^st straight over Gulf South Conference teams from the state of Arkansas. The Lions lead the all-time series with Harding 6-4.

 

UNA will host Arkansas Tech on October 3 at Braly Stadium in the Lions’ 2009 Homecoming contest. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.