by Dakota Barker
The OBU Football team fell to 1-3 after a gut wrenching 38-24 loss to Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
After going 2-9 during the 2024 campaign the Bison are looking to raise some eyebrows with the level of play this year. After promoting Brilliant Defensive Coordinator Tyler Roberts, the Bison defense has been a force to be reckoned with.
Since making the change at coordinator, the Bison have allowed nearly 10 fewer points per game on average. No strangers to forcing turnovers, the Bison have tallied five forced fumbles, and two interceptions through the first four weeks of the season. They have found a way to energize the crowd at every opportunity that presents.
Redshirt Freshman Garrett Vaughn (WR) has quickly become a crowd favorite here on Bison hill. With his electric speed and elite elusiveness, he is someone the Bison will look to utilize in the coming weeks.
Not only did the Bison add an elite Wide receiver, and an intelligent Defensive mind, They brought a graduate transfer QB in TJ McMahon. McMahon played his previous college years at Rice, making a brief stop at Marshall University before finding a home here on Bison Hill. In 2022, McMahon threw for a career-high 2,102 yards, an impressive total that earned him 8th place on Rice University’s all-time single-season passing records. His performance that season not only showcased his consistency and skill as a quarterback but also cemented his place among the top passers in the program’s history.
Through two-and-a-half games here on Bison Hill McMahon has thrown for 712 yards, and given new life to this Bison team.
Penalties have become a significant advantage for the Bison this season, often shifting the momentum in their favor. While the team has been flagged for just 70 yards per game, opponents have averaged 110 penalty yards, giving the Bison extra opportunities on key drives and keeping their offense and defense in favorable positions throughout the game. The Bison’s advantage on penalties isn’t by chance; it’s the result of disciplined preparation and hard work off the field. Coaches and players are fine-tuning every play to avoid costly mistakes, proving that smart, penalty-free football can make all the difference when it counts.
Another area where the Bison have gained a clear advantage is in the passing game. The team is averaging 277 yards per game through the air, outpacing their opponents’ 215 yards per game. Much of this success can be attributed to the secondary, with cornerbacks and safeties effectively shutting down passing lanes and preventing receivers from making big plays. Equally important is the work of the defensive line, which consistently puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks, giving them little time to find open targets and forcing hurried or inaccurate throws. This combination of tight coverage and relentless pressure has allowed the Bison to dominate the passing game and control the momentum on the field.
A major reason the Bison have been able to generate consistent pressure up front is senior defensive lineman Jahden Brown. Through the first four games of the season, Brown has racked up 2.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a total of 12 tackles, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. Beyond the stats, his leadership on and off the field has been invaluable, setting the tone for the defensive line and inspiring his teammates to elevate their play. The Bison will continue to rely on the senior from Hewitt, Texas, as his experience, work ethic, and playmaking ability remain critical to the team’s defensive success throughout the season.
The Bison will face the Ouachita Baptist Tigers this Saturday at noon in Arkadelphia, as the Bison look to turn the season around and make it to 2-3.
