"We’ve just got to take them one at a time," Coach Clint Conque said after UCA’s double-overtime defeat of North Alabama.

The next "one" is now just two days away, and all the focus for the Bears has been on the Harding Bisons since they returned to practice after some time off.

Harding comes into the game as a bit of a question mark. Three weeks ago the Bisons upset Valdosta State, the defending national champions, in overtime at home. Then, they took to the road for their next two, losing both by a combined 58-6 margin.

UCA has played two road games this season. The result? Two losses. Harding has played two home games this season. Their result? Two wins.

Adding to that, both teams have played in big games thus far and come away with wins.

The history between these two teams goes back 38 games to 1927. That game was actually played in Morrilton. The second game of the series resulted in – what I’m sure was a great game to watch – a 0-0 tie. That’s just one of three deadlocked finishes.

Many have commented on Harding’s ability to play UCA close year-in, year-out. Seventeen games (almost 45%) of the series have been decided by ten points or less. But Harding has only been able to win a total of six games.

Harding’s last win in the series was in 2000, 23-31. Conque’s first season at the UCA helm. He has won the last two meetings.

Harding will be looking to get back on track. UCA is looking to gain momentum for the rest of the season, including next week’s homecoming matchup with Delta State. But first, they’ve got to take it one game at a time.