CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas (3-9) was defeated 49-28 by Abilene Christian (8-4) at Estes Stadium. Caleb Koger made his first start at Quarterback for the injured Austin Myers and threw for four touchdowns and 326 yards.

Central Arkansas began the first quarter with a strong start as Caleb Koger connected with Malachi Henry for a 53-yard touchdown pass, giving the home team an early lead at 13:29. Caleb Jones followed with a successful extra point, extending the lead to 7-0. Despite an interception thrown by Koger later in the quarter, the Bears maintained control, benefiting from a defensive stop on a fourth down attempt by the Wildcats. As the quarter progressed, Abilene Christian managed to respond with a 32-yard field goal by Brandon Perez, narrowing the score to 7-3. Central Arkansas finished the quarter with a narrow lead.

Central Arkansas extended their lead early in the second quarter with a touchdown from a 10-yard pass by Koger to Tyrell Pollard, which was followed by a successful extra point by Jones, making it 14-3. Later in the quarter, Koger connected with Henry for a crucial 51-yard touchdown pass, further widening the margin to 21-10 after another successful extra point by Jones. Despite a late scoring drive by the Wildcats, which included a touchdown and a field goal, the Bears maintained control. The half concluded with Central Arkansas leading 21-13.

Central Ark. faced a challenging third quarter as Abilene Christian took control. The quarter saw an early touchdown by Stone Earle on a 1-yard rush at 10:22, tying the game at 21-21. The Wildcats continued to pressure the Bears, as Tyson Williams' 71-yard punt return and a subsequent touchdown run by Earle extended their lead. Central Ark.'s offense struggled to gain momentum, with Koger's interception and a fumble further complicating their efforts. Despite some defensive stops, the Bears could not prevent the Wildcats from scoring two additional touchdowns, resulting in a 42-21 score by the end of the quarter.

Central Ark. seized momentum early in the fourth quarter by halting Abilene Christian's drive at their own 5-yard line, thanks to a crucial tackle by Dillon Williams. On the ensuing possession, the Bears marched down the field, highlighted by a 17-yard pass from Koger to Pollard and a 22-yard completion to Ty Durham. This drive culminated in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Koger to Triston Edwards, narrowing the deficit to 42-28 with 6:59 remaining. The Wildcats responded swiftly with a touchdown drive, extending their lead to 49-28.

Koger completed 24 of 38 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns. Henry was a standout receiver, catching seven passes for 142 yards, including two touchdowns. Edwards contributed with two receptions for 18 yards and one touchdown. On defense, Williams led with 16 total tackles, while Marcus Washington added eight tackles to the team's effort.

Central Arkansas ends the season at 3-9 overall and 2-6 in conference play following the loss. Abilene Christian improved to 8-4 overall and 7-1 in conference competition with the win.