CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears would probably be happy with another game with 577 total yards of offense and 36 first downs like they had last Saturday against Samford. The only thing they would change would be the outcome after a furious fourth-quarter rally fell just short in a 35-29 loss at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.
    
    The Bears (1-1, 1-0) get another shot at victory on Saturday, at home again on "The Stripes" for the third straight week, when they return to Southland Conference play hosting the Northwestern State Demons at 6 p.m.

    UCA is atop the SLC standings after a 56-13 victory over Houston Baptist in the season opener two weeks ago. Northwestern State is 0-1 after dropping a 21-18 decision to Incarnate Word last Thursday in Natchitoches, La. The Demons are 0-2 overall, with a season-opening loss at FBS Baylor (55-7).

    The Bears dominated every category last week against the Bulldogs, particularly on defense where they held Samford's high-powered offense to -25 rushing yards and just 257 yards overall. UCA recorded six sacks and 11 total tackles for loss. Senior safety Brandon Porter recorded UCA's first interception of the season, while senior defensive linemen Terrence Partee and Jordan Toliver combined for 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.

    "We need to take those things we learned against Samford and now go and get ready to play an outstanding Northwestern State football team,' said UCA head coach Steve Campbell. "We're excited about playing them. The thing we told the guys is, 'hey, we're 1-0 in the Southland Conference, but there are  lot of teams that haven't played a conference game yet. So you're still right up top.'

    "This is the biggest game of the year because it's the next game. We need to get after it and let's go 2-0. You control your own destiny. It's in our hands what we do with it. I know we're excited about playing at home again on The Stripes.

    "I thought the Bear Walk was very good this past week. There was a ton of folks out there tailgating as we walked through and it really got the guys fired up. And that really got us off to a good start. We're excited to be playing in the confines of Estes Stadium.'   
    
    UCA leads the SLC and all FCS schools in rushing defense, allowing only 2.5 yards per game on the ground. The Bears are first in the SLC in total defense (249.5 yards) and third in scoring defense (24.0 points per game). 

    Offensively, the Bears are No. 2 in scoring offense, averaging 42.5 points per game, and No. 2 in total offense, with 565.5 yards per game. Carlos Blackman, a true freshman running back from Gosnell, Ark., is second in the league in rushing at 110.5 yards per game and is coming off a 123-yard effort against Samford. 
    
       Senior wide receiver Desmond Smith, who caught six passes for 133 yards last week, is now fifth in career receptions at UCA (168) and sixth in career receiving yards (2,146). Senior Jatavious Wilson leads the Bears and the conference in receptions (7.5 per game) and receiving yards (117.0 per game).

       NEXT WEEK: 
       The Bears will play their first road game of the season next Saturday when they travel to Jonesboro to take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves of the Sun Belt. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Centennial Bank Stadium.