CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Central Arkansas fell to Austin Peay, 41-38, at Fortera Stadium, despite a strong third-quarter rally where the Bears scored 17 unanswered points.

The game started with Central Arkansas electing to defer after winning the toss, setting the stage for a strong start. Central Arkansas capitalized on a turnover on downs by Austin Peay at midfield, as Austin Myers connected with Malachi Henry for a 50-yard touchdown pass at 12:23. Caleb Jones added the extra point to give Central Ark. a 7-0 lead.

Central Ark. extended their advantage later in the first quarter when Cameron Young rushed for a 2-yard touchdown at 3:57, following a 53-yard run by Landen Chambers. This performance was part of another 100-yard rushing game for Chambers, marking his eighth of the season and seventh in a row. The ensuing extra point by Caleb Jones put Central Ark. ahead 14-3 at the end of the first period.

Central Arkansas faced a challenging second quarter as Austin Peay capitalized on a turnover, taking the lead with a touchdown pass from Chris Parson to Nate Garnett Jr. at 13:05. The turnover occurred when Austin Myers fumbled the ball, recovered by Davion Hood at the Central Ark. 35-yard line. Following this, Austin Peay extended their advantage with a touchdown run by Kaden Williams and a successful field goal, closing the half with a 27-14 lead over Central Arkansas. Despite efforts from Landen Chambers and Austin Myers, Central Arkansas was unable to score in the second period.

Central Arkansas mounted a comeback in the third quarter, starting with a 29-yard field goal by Caleb Jones at 9:26, narrowing the gap to 27-17. The momentum shifted further when Daylon Land recovered a fumble at the Austin Peay 43-yard line. Just nine seconds later, Myers connected with Tyrell Pollard for a 43-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 27-24.

Central Ark. continued their offensive push, culminating in a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Chambers with 1:05 remaining, giving them a 31-27 lead. The quarter ended with Central Ark. in front, as they scored 17 unanswered points to take control.

Central Ark. regained momentum in the fourth quarter when Gavin Smith recovered a fumble at the Austin Peay 24-yard line, setting up another scoring opportunity. Myers capitalized on this turnover with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ty Durham at 9:19, followed by a successful extra point by Caleb Jones, putting Central Ark. ahead 38-34.

However, Austin Peay responded with a touchdown drive, reclaiming the lead at 41-38 with 7:25 remaining. Despite Central Ark.'s efforts to stage a final comeback, their last drive resulted in a turnover on downs with 1:54 left on the clock. The game ended with Austin Peay prevailing with a final score of 41-38.

Landen Chambers rushed for 155 yards on 19 carries and added a touchdown. Myers completed 19 of 35 passes for 213 yards and threw three touchdowns, leading the passing attack. Henry caught nine passes for 107 yards, scoring one touchdown. On the defensive side, Dillon Williams contributed with eight tackles. 

Central Ark. is 3-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play. Austin Peay holds a 6-4 overall record and is 4-3 in conference competition.

In their next game, Central Arkansas will face Southern Utah on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Cedar City, Utah.