Central Arkansas falls at Southern Utah in road matchup

CEDAR CITY, Utah — Central Arkansas lost a 28-21 road game to Southern Utah on Saturday after holding two separate leads but giving up a late third-quarter turnover that shifted the momentum.

The Bears (3-8, 2-5) scored on all three red-zone possessions and produced long passing plays throughout the afternoon. The Thunderbirds (6-5, 5-2) leaned on a run-heavy approach that allowed them to control the clock and steady the game in rainy, windy conditions.

Central Arkansas moved 75 yards on its opening scoring drive. Quarterback Austin Myers completed throws to Ty Durham and Malachi Henry before a pass-interference penalty placed the ball at the 2-yard line. Myers then hit Henry in the end zone with 8:02 left in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead.

Southern Utah tied the game early in the second quarter with a 25-yard touchdown run by Joshua Dye. Dye scored again later in the period on a 15-yard run that put the Thunderbirds ahead 14-7 with 5:20 remaining.

The Bears responded with their second 75-yard drive of the half. Running back Landen Chambers scored from 4 yards out with 3:21 left, tying the game 14-14.

Central Arkansas closed the half with a defensive stop after Southern Utah drove to the Bears’ 1-yard line. Defensive back Dillon Williams intercepted a pass and returned it 56 yards, ending the scoring threat.

The Thunderbirds led in first-half possession time at more than 22 minutes, using long rushing plays to limit Central Arkansas’ offensive snaps.

Bears grab lead before turnover swings game

Central Arkansas opened the third quarter with its longest passing play of the afternoon. Myers connected with Durham for a 55-yard gain down the sideline, placing the ball at the 1-yard line. Chambers scored two plays later from 2 yards out, and the Bears moved ahead 21-14.

Southern Utah answered on the next possession with a long drive capped by Dye’s 3-yard touchdown run, tying the score at 21-21.

Moments later, the game changed direction. Myers attempted a pass near midfield, but Southern Utah defensive back Mikey Allen intercepted it and returned the ball deep into Bears territory. The Thunderbirds converted the turnover into a 1-yard touchdown run to take a 28-21 lead with seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The interception marked the final scoring of the game.

The Bears tried to rally in the fourth quarter but struggled to sustain drives. Southern Utah maintained possession for long stretches and prevented Central Arkansas from reaching midfield on its final series.

Chambers finished with 110 rushing yards on 19 carries and scored twice. Durham led the receivers with five catches for 105 yards. Myers completed 17 of 32 passes for 224 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Defensive standouts and statistical edge for Thunderbirds

Williams recorded nine tackles and his first-half interception for the Bears. His two tackles for loss helped Central Arkansas produce stops in key situations.

Southern Utah outgained Central Arkansas 422-336 and held a 38:04 to 21:56 possession advantage. The Thunderbirds produced 26 first downs compared to the Bears’ 22.

The loss continued a challenging road stretch for Central Arkansas, which has played five straight games away from home.

Central Arkansas closes the regular season at home on Saturday, Nov. 22. The Bears host Abilene Christian at Estes Stadium with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

Key takeaways

• Central Arkansas scored on every red-zone opportunity but could not overcome a second-half turnover.

• Chambers and Durham each topped 100 yards in rushing and receiving, respectively.

• Southern Utah controlled possession and converted a late takeaway into the decisive touchdown.