KEY MATCHUPS:
The University of Central Arkansas offense, which returns virtually intact, vs. the Henderson State defense, which is rebuilding. The UCA secondary vs. the HSU receiving corps, led by converted quarterback Garrett Manning.
HSU PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Manning, quarterback Roch Charpentier, running back Bernard Palmer (on course to be the all-time leading rusher at HSU) and defensive back Devon Hughes, who led NCAA Division II in pass breakups last season.
NOTABLE:
Both teams return dynamic offenses ... UCA quarterback Nathan Brown is a preseason All-America and on track to be the most prolific passing quarterback in state history.
INTERESTING:
The teams, who have played since 1919, haven't met since 2006, when UCA took a 39-6 victory. The Reddies are much improved, coming off a 7-3 season in which they won their last three games. They are rated a major contender in the Gulf South Conference this season ... Three HSU players, offensive linemen Kadeem Ray and Matt Holmes and wide receiver Chris Smith, started their careers at UCA.
UCA COACH CLINT CONQUE SAYS:
"Some of our fans approached me saying we're gonna win about 60-0. This will be a lot tougher than that. We're expecting a tough football game. Henderson has a big offensive line, a good quarterback, some good wide receivers and a very explosive offense. We're expecting a four-quarter game hot and heated."
HSU COACH SCOTT MAXFIELD SAYS:
"Our offense will have to carry us early. UCA has 63 scholarships; we have 36, so their depth and quality of players in that depth is probably a lot higher than us. It will be a monumental upset if we can go to Conway and beat them."
THE REDDIES'
BEST CHANCE TO WIN:
They must control the football, minimize the big, home run plays from the UCA offense and take the game into the fourth quarter.
THE BEARS' BEST CHANCE TO WIN:
Establish domination early and use their superior depth throughout. The Bears may have a major advantage in the kicking game and could break the game open early with a big play there. The Bears' defense must be able to throw quarterback Roch Charpentier, and consequently an experienced HSU offense, out of rhythm.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
An aggressive UCA defense that is stronger and faster than HSU. The Bears have the best overall team; they have to avoid the opening-night distractions and the mistakes that could give the Reddies an opening for an upset.
