CEDAR CITY, Utah — Central Arkansas (3-8) was narrowly defeated by Southern Utah (6-5) with a final score of 28-21 at Eccles Coliseum. Despite the challenging rainy and windy conditions, the Bears capitalized on all three red zone opportunities, scoring two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.

Central Arkansas began the first quarter with a strong offensive drive. Austin Myers efficiently led the team downfield, completing key passes to Ty Durham and Malachi Henry, which set up a series of first downs. A critical Southern Utah pass interference penalty further advanced the Bears, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Myers to Henry with 8:02 left on the clock. Caleb Jones converted the extra point, giving the Bears a 7-0 lead. The quarter concluded with Southern Utah unable to capitalize on their ensuing possession, maintaining the Bears' lead.

Central Arkansas managed to tie the game late in the second quarter with a determined drive. After Southern Utah extended their lead with a touchdown by Joshua Dye, the Bears responded with a 75-yard drive capped by Landen Chambers' 4-yard touchdown run at 3:21 remaining, followed by Caleb Jones' extra point to level the score at 14-14. This marked the 8th consecutive game in which Chambers rushed for over 100 yards. A critical interception by Dillon Williams at the Bears' 1-yard line halted Southern Utah's drive, preventing them from taking the lead before halftime. As the quarter closed, the Bears maintained possession but were unable to capitalize further, leaving the score tied at halftime, 14-14.

Central Ark. opened the third quarter with a strong drive, highlighted by Austin Myers connecting with Ty Durham for a 55-yard pass to the Southern Utah 1-yard line. Landen Chambers then completed the drive with a 2-yard rush into the end zone, putting Central Ark. ahead 21-14 following a successful extra point by Caleb Jones. However, Southern Utah responded with a balanced attack, tying the game at 21-21 after Joshua Dye's 3-yard touchdown run and a successful extra point.

In a dramatic turn, Austin Myers' subsequent pass was intercepted by Mikey Allen, leading to another Southern Utah scoring drive, culminating in Bronson Barron's 1-yard touchdown run with just seconds remaining on the clock. The quarter ended with Southern Utah leading 28-21.

In the fourth quarter, Central Ark. displayed a resilient effort, primarily driven by Landen Chambers' rushing performance. Chambers gained significant yardage, including a 25-yard rush that advanced Central Ark. into Southern Utah territory. Austin Myers connected with Malachi Henry for a key 26-yard pass that pushed the team further downfield, but the drive ultimately stalled on a failed fourth-down attempt. Despite their efforts, Central Ark. could not overcome the deficit and the game concluded with a score of 28-21 in favor of Southern Utah.

Landen Chambers led the offense with 110 rushing yards on 19 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Ty Durham contributed with five receptions for 105 yards. Austin Myers completed 17 of 32 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown. On defense, Dillon Williams recorded nine tackles and intercepted a pass, returning it 56 yards.

In their next game, Central Arkansas will face Abilene Christian on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Estes Stadium in Conway, Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.