The University of Arkansas at Monticello's Boll Weevils football team will look to rebound from its 0-3 start as it returns home this Saturday to face the Harding Bison in a Gulf South Conference match up on Parent/Family Day at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium.

   While the Weevils certainly have had its share of difficulties this season, Saturday’s opponent is one that has suffered even more turmoil in recent weeks as longtime head coach Randy Tribble stepped down prior to last week’s game against North Alabama. However, the Bison have turned to a familiar hand in the form of longtime assistant coach Ronnie Huckeba, who was tabbed interim head coach last week.

   Huckeba got a rude welcome to the head coaching ranks, as the third-ranked North Alabama Lions roared into Searcy and handed the Bison a 58-17 defeat last Thursday at First Security Field.

   Thus far the Bison have been led offensively by the one-two punch of quarterback David Knighton and tailback Ardell Briggs. Knighton has proven to be a dual threat at quarterback, averaging 256 yards passing and 30.7 yards rushing per game, enough to rank the junior signal-caller second in the GSC in total offense.

   Briggs has been used primarily as a receiver out of the backfield, averaging just 26 yards per game on the ground. However, the senior is the Bison’ leading receiver, ranking third in the GSC in receptions per game (6.67) and tied for seventh with teammate Jordan Watson for seventh in the GSC in receiving yards per game.

   While Harding’s offense has been capable, its defense has struggled thus far this year. After winning a 43-40 shootout against Southwest Baptist in the season opener, the Bison have been manhandled over its last two games, falling 48-20 to Missouri Southern and then dropping the 58-17 decision to UNA.

   The Bison and Weevils occupy the two bottom spots in the GSC’s scoring defense rankings, with the Weevils giving up an average of 39 points per game and the Bison allowing 48.7 points per contest.

   “We aren’t interested in how many yards we gain or lose,” Mathews said. “We’re concerned with how many points we score and give up. It’s something we have to fix.”

   While the Boll Weevils will look to shore up its defensive woes, the team will also look to rebound offensively after having its momentum slowed first by turnovers and most recently by penalties.

   The Weevils were penalized 13 times for 142 yards in its loss to Ouachita Baptist, a statistic that is difficult to overcome against a talented defense. The Boll Weevils will have to continue to limit turnovers as well as penalties as it enters one of the toughest stretches of their schedule.

   “With no disrespect intended to any of the teams we’ve played so far, the defenses we’re going to see as we go on are just going to get better and better,” Mathews said. “We’ll see bigger, faster and stronger defenses and we won’t have any room to make mistakes.’

   The Weevils received a bit of a boost this last week in the return of tailback John L. Williams. After sitting out the Sam Houston State game with an injury, Williams turned in a solid 141-yard rushing effort, scoring one touchdown. Williams’ day, along with a 101-yard rushing day by freshman quarterback Scott Buisson marked the first time since the 2000 season that the Weevils had two players gain over 100 yards in a game.

   While Buisson picked up solid yardage on the ground, he struggled with his passes for the first time in his young career last weekend, completing just nine of 25 passes for 70 yards. 

   “Scott really wasn’t in his element this week,” Mathews said. “He did a lot for us with his legs but he just wasn’t as accurate as he’s been for us with his arm.”

   The Boll Weevils will enter Saturday’s game looking for a win against a Harding team that is still searching for an identity. After a disappointing loss this last week, Mathews said he knows that the challenge for his team this week will be a tremendous one.

   “We have to work hard and try to get ready for this game,” Mathews said. “This coaching staff has to get this team back up for practice today after last week’s let down. We’ve got work to do but we will get it done, and when it’s all said and done people are going to be proud of what this football team can do.”

   Kickoff from Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium is set for 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on KHBM-FM (93.7) in Monticello and simulcast online at www.uamsports.com. Tailgating will begin at 3 p.m. with the Walk of Champions scheduled for 4 p.m.