Bears head west to face Thunderbirds in UAC matchup

CEDAR CITY, Utah — Central Arkansas will travel west for its final road game of the season Saturday when the Bears face Southern Utah in a United Athletic Conference matchup at Eccles Coliseum.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Bears enter at 3-7 overall and 2-4 in league play. Southern Utah is 5-5 and 4-2, carrying momentum into the game as it reaches the end of the regular season.

The teams have met twice before, and both meetings were decided after halftime with the road team winning each time.

Central Arkansas earned a 29-27 road win in Cedar City in 2023. The Bears built a 20-7 halftime lead before a long lightning delay and Southern Utah’s late push made the finish tight.

Last season in Conway, Southern Utah tied the game late in the second quarter, then used a strong second half to pull away for a 38-31 victory.

The Bears again lean heavily on running back Landen Chambers, who has rushed for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. He averages 5.4 yards per carry and has topped 100 yards eight times this season, including in seven consecutive games.

His consistency has been the anchor of a Central Arkansas offense that has searched for rhythm throughout the fall.

Quarterback Austin Myers has made five starts and thrown for 1,373 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has helped stabilize the passing game while gaining more experience each week.

Wide receiver Malachi Henry leads the Bears in receptions and yards, collecting 59 catches for 706 yards and seven touchdowns. He has been Myers’ most reliable target.

Fellow receiver Tyrell Pollard has added production with 443 yards and six touchdowns.

Kicker Caleb Jones has made all 10 of his field goal attempts, with his longest coming from 39 yards.

His consistency has provided Central Arkansas with needed points in tight games, including two contests recently decided by a combined four points.

The Bears have been in close battles, including a one-point loss and a three-point loss during their past three games.

Central Arkansas’ defense is led by several players in the secondary. Defensive backs Dillon Williams, Ashtyn Williams and Dude Person all have recorded more than 50 tackles this season.

Their workload has increased as the Bears have faced multiple strong offenses late in the year.

Senior defensive lineman Gary Lewis leads the team in sacks, while sophomore Trevion Traylor leads in tackles for loss.

Southern Utah enters on a four-game winning streak, with two victories coming at home and two on the road.

The Thunderbirds’ offense is paced by quarterback Bronson Barron, who has thrown for 2,000 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 159 passes.

He spreads the ball between wide receivers Gabe Nunez and Shane Carr. Nunez leads the team with 53 catches for 631 yards, and Carr has added 624 yards on 40 receptions.

Running back Joshua Dye is Southern Utah’s top offensive threat. He ranks No. 2 nationally in FCS rushing with 1,542 yards. Dye averages 6.6 yards per carry and leads the nation with 22 touchdowns.

His production has set the tone for the Thunderbirds during their recent winning streak.

Linebacker Sebastian Adamski leads Southern Utah with 99 tackles. He has seven tackles for loss and has been one of the most active defenders on the roster.

Saturday’s matchup places Central Arkansas against an opponent that has been able to control games through its running attack. The Bears will look to slow Dye while continuing to rely on Chambers.

With both teams having played close games in recent seasons, the contest may again be decided late. The previous meetings suggest a tight finish, with each decided by single-possession margins.

The game will be streamed on ESPN+. Radio broadcasts will air on The Bear 91.3 and The Point 94.1. Live statistics will be available online.