Central Arkansas dominates Austin Peay 45-17 in UAC opener

In a decisive United Athletic Conference opener on Saturday, Central Arkansas showcased their dominance over Austin Peay with a 45-17 victory. The game began with a competitive spirit as Jaden Barnes of Austin Peay scored on a 36-yard run, leveling the score at 10-10 early in the second quarter. However, Central Arkansas quickly regained control, scoring four consecutive touchdowns to pull ahead significantly. Darius Hale initiated the scoring spree with a remarkable 51-yard touchdown run, followed by a touchdown pass from Will McElvain to ShunDerrick Powell, giving the Bears a comfortable 24-10 lead at halftime. The second half saw Central Arkansas continue their offensive onslaught, with Hale adding a 4-yard touchdown run and Powell contributing two more rushing touchdowns, including a spectacular 63-yard dash. Austin Peay managed to score again late in the game with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Austin Smith to Jaden Barnes, but it was not enough to close the gap. Powell's impressive performance, carrying the ball 22 times for 173 yards, was instrumental in the Bears' victory. McElvain also played a crucial role, completing 13 of 18 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown, despite throwing one interception. The Bears' defense and special teams contributed significantly, highlighted by Trejan Bridges' 59-yard punt return for a touchdown, which set the tone for the game. This win improved Central Arkansas's record to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, establishing them as a formidable contender in the United Athletic Conference as they look to build on this momentum in upcoming games.