RAPID CITY, S.D. – Despite an early botched punt, the No. 16 Humboldt State football team easily defeated Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponent South Dakota Mines, 59-10, in front of a homecoming crowd Saturday.
 
The game, billed as a clash between two of the conference's top offenses, was rather one sided. The undefeated Lumberjacks (4-0) finished with 641 yards of total offense led by one of the nation's top running backs.
 
Sophomore Ja'Quan Gardner carried the rock 22 times for 208 yards (9.5 average per carry) and matched a program-record with five touchdown carries. The record was held by Lyndon Rowells, a former Lumberjack and NFL running back, who scored five touchdowns against Simon Fraser during the 2010 season. Four of Gardner's five touchdown carries came in the first half.
 
"Good things are happening for the Jacks in all three phases," said Smith. "Our kids are having fun, playing hard and playing well. We aren't beating ourselves with penalties and turnovers. They are a very self-motivated and focused group. Everybody is having fun right now."
 
Gardner was one of four Green and Gold backs to carry the ball for 100-plus rushing yards. Richard Doctor, Blair Zerr and Jabar Byrd each chipped in over 100 yards.
 
Quarterback Robert Webber, the nation's most efficient passer entering Saturday's game, completed 10-of-22 pass attempts for 118 yards. Backup Casey Mintz tossed the Jacks lone touchdown pass to John Todd II late in the fourth quarter.
 
The Green and Gold defense dismantled the Hardrockers' high-powered offense and provided constant pressure on their signal callers. Trent McKinney, the GNAC's reigning Newcomer of the Year, was held to just 64 passing yards and was sacked twice.
 
"Our defense is a very physical group, and the best thing they do is run to the football," said Smith. "Give credit to the defensive coaching staff who continue to put together good game plans. To hold a good offense to just three points is a really nice accomplishment."
 
Eric Paopao led the Jacks defense with a pair of sacks in the win, and Chris Hannible collected a team-leading six tackles.
 
HSU returns to Redwood Bowl Saturday, Oct. 10, for a homecoming meeting with the two-time GNAC champions Azusa Pacific. The Cougars lost their homecoming game 24-21 versus Central Washington Saturday night.
 
"We are going to have a huge crowd Saturday, and we should," said Smith. "Until someone takes it from them, the Cougars are still the champion. They have talent at every spot in the program and will give it everything they've got."