Bears edge Utah Tech 23-17 during Hall of Fame weekend

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas got a much-needed 23-17 victory over Utah Tech on Saturday during Hall of Fame Weekend, improving their mark to 2-4 on the season and 1-1 in conference play.

The Bears made the most of every red zone opportunity and sealed the outcome with a fourth-quarter interception.

The Bears’ defense held fast through a tense final quarter, and the offense made just enough plays to capitalize. Quarterback Austin Myers completed 20 of 31 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown.

Running back Landen Chambers powered the ground game with 108 yards on 25 carries, marking his third straight 100-yard rushing effort. Wide receiver Tyrell Pollard hauled in three catches for 78 yards and the game’s only receiving score.

Turning red zone chances into points

UCA converted all three of its trips inside Utah Tech’s 20-yard line, a critical advantage in a close contest. Utah Tech managed just one red zone touchdown of their own.

The Bears’ ability to execute in those tight quarters made the difference.

UCA Bears coach Nathan Brown against Utah Tech in a game at Estes Stadium. | Ted McClenning-allBEARS+ Images

A back-and-forth affair

The game started slowly, with neither team scoring in the first quarter. In the second period, Utah Tech struck first on a 39-yard touchdown pass from Bronson Barben to Eric Olsen.

But UCA answered with a 41-yard connection from Myers to Arlie Lee, setting up a 7-yard touchdown run by Chapman McKown and a 10-yard field goal by Caleb Jones to take a halftime edge.

Utah Tech responded early in the third quarter with a 46-yard scoring strike. But Central Arkansas countered in three plays via Myers to Pollard, tying the game at 17.

After a defensive stand, Chambers’ running attack set up a 39-yard field goal and a 20-17 lead.

In the fourth quarter, a timely defensive stop after a failed 53-yard field goal attempt gave the Bears an opening. They pushed into Utah Tech territory, and Jones knocked through a 33-yard field goal. Then, with Utah Tech pressing late, UCA corner Jacoby McQuiller picked off a pass and returned it 11 yards to clinch the win.

Defense stands up under pressure

The Bears’ defense held the Trailblazers to 332 total yards, closing off multiple third-down chances and forcing the final interception. Standouts included Ny’Len Ramon Jones and Mark Dorsey, who helmed the secondary early in the game. Linebackers like Ashtyn Williams also contributed, combining for double-digit tackles.

In contrast, Utah Tech’s offense relied heavily on Barben’s passing, but he was picked off once and pressured at key moments. The Trailblazers’ only red zone score came despite those challenges.

UCA Bears wide receiver Arlie Lee reaching for a pass against Utah Tech in a game at Estes Stadium. | Ted McClenning-allBEARS+ Images

Looking ahead

With the win, Central Arkansas steps into next week’s road game at North Alabama (Oct. 11, kickoff 3 p.m.) with renewed confidence.

The program also revealed earlier in the week that seven new inductees would be honored in the.

UCA Sports Hall of Fame prior to Saturday’s kickoff: Dr. William “Bill” Bandy, Troy Brown, Hollie Fowler, Gary Huggins, Shane McConnell, Darryl McCree and Joanna Velasquez.

The Bears hope Saturday’s narrow win during this celebratory weekend serves as a turning point for momentum down the stretch.

Key takeaways:

• UCA converted all three red zone trips, a decisive edge in a tight game.

• Jacoby McQuiller’s fourth-quarter interception sealed the victory.

• Balanced contributions from Myers (passing) and Chambers (running) fueled the offense.