UCA visits Lamar for final nonconference game, 6 p.m. Saturday

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas closes its nonconference slate on the road Saturday, traveling to Lamar for a 6 p.m. kickoff at Provost Umphrey Stadium in Beaumont, Texas. The Bears enter at 1–3 (0–1) and meet a Cardinals team that is 2–1 (0–0) in what will be the 12th all-time meeting between the programs.

UCA has controlled the series historically, owning a 10–1 advantage and winning the last three matchups. That run includes a 34–14 result in Conway a season ago. The programs shared conference affiliation previously in the Southland, squaring off nine times while both were members of the league.

The Bears lean into a productive backfield led by Landon Chambers, who has rushed for 315 yards at 5.3 yards per carry with two touchdowns through four games. Quarterback Luther Richesson has started each contest, totaling 714 passing yards and six touchdowns. Malachi Henry leads UCA in receiving yards with 212, while Tyrell Pollard tops the roster with three receiving scores.

On the other side, Lamar has utilized two quarterbacks—Robert Coleman and Aiden McCown—who have combined for 234 passing yards and no touchdowns to date. The ground game has produced the Cardinals’ top individual yardage in 2025 so far, with Ladamian McDowell at 129 rushing yards. Receiver Kyndon Fuselier leads Lamar with 69 receiving yards, and defensive back Kristian Pugh paces the Cardinals with 16 total tackles.

Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ and follow radio coverage on The Bear 91.3 and The Point 94.1; live statistics will also be available online. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. in Beaumont.

Series history favors UCA

UCA’s track record in the series is decisive: 10 wins in 11 tries, with a current three-game streak. That context frames Saturday as another measuring opportunity for a Bears team seeking traction after a demanding September. In last year’s meeting, UCA created separation on its home field and finished with a 20-point margin. Translating that formula away from home will be central to the Bears’ plan this time around.

The shared Southland past supplies a familiar scouting framework. Nine of the 11 previous games came in that conference window, giving both staffs a substantial film and tendencies history to draw upon, even as rosters and schemes evolve year to year. Familiarity, though, cuts both ways; limiting explosive plays and winning field position may carry added weight in a series where each side has seen many of the other’s core concepts.

Bears leaders through four games

Chambers’ early-season efficiency (5.3 yards per carry) offers a clear identity piece for Central Arkansas, especially on the road where sustaining drives can quiet momentum swings. Richesson’s six touchdown passes in four starts reflect a stable presence under center, supported by Henry’s downfield production (team-best 212 receiving yards) and Pollard’s red-zone utility (three touchdown receptions). That balance gives the Bears flexibility to toggle tempo and personnel groupings based on game flow.

Defensively, UCA lists Ashtyn Williams and Dude Person at the top of its tackles chart with 24 and 22 stops, respectively. Their production hints at how the Bears fit the run and rally to the ball—emphases that loom large against a Lamar offense still searching for continuity in the passing game. Open-field tackling and early-down wins should help Central Arkansas dictate third-and-medium distances.

Cardinals overview and coverage

Lamar’s quarterback rotation between Coleman and McCown underscores an ongoing evaluation at the position. With the passing production still modest (234 combined yards, no touchdowns), the Cardinals have leaned on McDowell’s carries and situational targets to Fuselier. Pugh’s team-leading 16 tackles point to an active secondary presence that can limit yards after the catch—an area where UCA’s receivers will need to finish plays through contact.

From a logistical standpoint, the viewing and listening options are straightforward: the game streams on ESPN+, with radio calls on The Bear 91.3 and The Point 94.1, plus live stats available digitally. The Saturday evening slot also compresses adjustments, making early scripted drives and special-teams field position pivotal in a matchup where recent history favors the visitors.

Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium, Beaumont, Texas. Watch: ESPN+. Radio: The Bear 91.3; The Point 94.1. Live stats: available online.

Key takeaways

• UCA holds a 10–1 all-time lead over Lamar and has won three straight in the series.

• Bears’ offensive leaders: Landon Chambers (315 rush yards), Luther Richesson (714 pass yards, 6 TDs), Malachi Henry (212 rec yards), Tyrell Pollard (3 TDs).

• Kickoff is 6 p.m. Saturday in Beaumont; game streams on ESPN+ with radio on The Bear 91.3 and The Point 94.1.