Bears to face one of top FCS teams in the country
One of the Southland Conference’s youngest rivalries has become the most exciting.
In the four games of the series, dating back when the University of Central Arkansas first joined the SLC, the Bears have defeated Stephen F. Austin, 37-35, 35-23, and 49-41 and last year, 33-30. The 37-35 victory occurred in Nacogdoches when UCA mounted a second-half comeback after a thunderstorm delay at halftime.
“I was defensive coordinator at that time, but from that game, you could tell this game was probably going to be something every year,” SFA coach J.C. Harper said. “I think a lot of that is due to coach (Clint Conque) and his staff and how they have brought UCA from a new member in the league to where they are now. Where they are now makes it a really tough spot on the schedule.”
The Lumberjacks (4-1), with their only loss to Texas A&M, are ranked in the top five in the country in both NCAA Football Championship Subdivision polls.
The Bears, who lost their SLC opener at home to Northwestern State last week, face a pivotal road game. A second straight loss could practically put them out of the title race.
“We’re feeling bad after our loss last week, but beating the No. 4 team in the country can make you feel better in a hurry,” Conque said. “They have one of the best quarterbacks in the country (Jeremy Moses), a very stout offensive line and one of the best defenses in the country,”
Moses, who has been a starter since the UCA game his freshman season, has already broken a couple of Nathan Brown’s SLC passing records when the quarterback was at UCA. The Lumberjacks’ high-scoring spread offense is averaging 45 passes and game.
“The big thing about Moses is his presence on the field and how he makes everybody better around him,” Conque said. “He will get the ball out quick and get it to the right people. There’s not any look you can give him that he hasn’t already seen.”
But Conque believes SFA’s defense is underrated.
“They don’t get as much credit because of their offense,” Conque said. “This will be the best defense we have faced at this poit, including Tulsa. Their defensive line can bring pressure when they want to bring pressure. They can manufacture their own pressure, which is a big thing. Their linebackers are fast and active and their defensive backs always seem to be in the right spots and they tackle very well.”
The game is the first of two straight road games to Louisiana for the Bears. They will play next week at Nicholls in Thibodaux, La.
UCA (3-2, 0-1) at SFA (4-1, 1-0)
Time: 2:05 p.m.
Place: Homer-Bryce Stadium, Nacogdoches, Texas
Coaches: Clint Conque, UCA, 11th season, 76-45; J.C. Harper, SFA, fourth season, 18-23
Radio: KKPT (94.1 FM, The Point); KUCA (91.3 FM)
TV: SLC TV Network that includes KABZ in Little Rock (Channel 9, Conway Cable)
Series: UCA leads 3-1
Notable: The Lumberjacks, the defending SLC co-champions, are ranked fourth and fifth in the nation in the two FCS polls. The Lumberjacks have played road games this year at Texas A&M, at Northern Iowa and at McNeese State.
Quotable: “Stephen F. is very good, very good,” said McNeese State coach Matt Viator.
“We always feel we have a chance to win with our offense,” said McNeese State coach J.C. Harper.
“Their defense is underrated,” said UCA coach Clint Conque.
