Bears looking to keep winning streak going against struggling Lions

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas (2-4, 1-1) makes the trip to Florence, Ala., to face the North Alabama Lions (1-4, 0-1) in a United Athletic Conference matchup, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

This marks the fourth meeting in the Division I era between these two programs.

The Bears have won all three previous Division I-era matchups — 24–19 in Conway last year, 27–14 in Florence in 2023, and 64–29 in Conway in 2022.

However, in the earlier era (from 1951 to 2005) when both programs played in the Gulf South Conference, the Lions hold a cumulative series edge of 15–5 in those 20 meetings.

Bears’ momentum and offensive balance

UCA enters off a 23–17 UAC victory over Utah Tech. In that win, Caleb Jones earned UAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

He contributed 11 points, going 2-of-2 on point-after attempts and hitting field goals from 28, 29, and 33 yards.

On the ground, Landen Chambers has been a workhorse.

Over his last three games, he has rushed for over 100 yards in each contest, carrying the ball 88 times for 450 total yards of offense.

The passing game is spread among several receivers. Austin Myers, making his first career start, threw for 223 yards on 31 attempts and tossed one touchdown.

Leading receivers to date are Malachi Henry (357 yards, 3 touchdowns), Tyrell Pollard (228 yards, 4 touchdowns), Arlie Lee (187 yards, 1 touchdown), and Ty Durham (184 yards, 1 touchdown).

Defensively, Ashtyn Williams and Dillon Williams each have 37 total tackles, including two tackles for loss apiece; Ashtyn has also recorded an interception. Gary Lewis leads the Bears in sacks with three on the season.

Lions seek UAC start reversal

North Alabama opened UAC play last week with a 52–23 loss at Abilene Christian.

Through the season, the Lions have used multiple quarterbacks. DC Tabscott saw significant snaps and has thrown for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

The coaching staff appears likely to start Ari Patu in this game; he carries 406 yards passing and four touchdowns in the season’s efforts.

At running back, Jayvian Allen has compiled 304 yards on 52 carries and scored four times.

Meanwhile, Justin Pegues leads the Lions in receiving with 253 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Demarcious Robinson leads or ties multiple categories with 41 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception.

Broadcast, series context, and outlook

Saturday’s game will be televised on ESPN+, with local radio coverage via Bear The Point 94.1, and fans can also follow live statistics online.

In the Division I era, UCA has dominated this matchup — a factor both teams are likely to consider heading into the contest.

The Bears will aim to continue their Division I winning streak in this series, while the Lions hope to gain traction in UAC play and shift the balance.

If UCA can sustain its balanced offensive attack with Chambers’ rushing production and Myers’ distribution through multiple receivers, it may press the Lions’ defense in critical situations.

North Alabama will look to steady the quarterback situation with Patu, lean on Allen on the ground, and rely on Robinson’s all-around capabilities to disrupt UCA’s rhythm.

Key takeaways

• UCA has won all three prior Division I games against North Alabama and will try to extend that trend.
• UCA’s offense is versatile, with a strong rushing contributor in Chambers and multiple reliable receivers.
• North Alabama’s defense will lean heavily on Demarcious Robinson’s all-purpose impact; the Lions hope to settle at quarterback with Ari Patu.