QBs shine in spotlight during offensive freenzy

It's no secret the success of the University of Central Arkansas and Sam Houston State offenses revolves around the play of the quarterback.

Neither disaappointed Saturday night during the Bears' 48-46 homecoming win at First Security Field at Estes Stadium. Both field generals UCA's Nathan Brown and Sam Houston State's Rhett Bomar threw for three touchdowns.

Bomar, though, had more passing yards (361 to Brown's 269). Still, it was evident both were among the top quarterbacks in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision and serious NFL prospects with their all-around abilities.

That matchup provided somewhat of an intriguing in-game battle. As it turned out, 94 points were scored behind 630 total passing yards.

"I enjoy the pressure it puts on the offense," Brown said of the quarterback battle. "You've got to score every time you're out there."

Such pressure often has the makings of a high-scoring contest.

"It was two really good offenses," Bomar said. "When you've got great offenses like that, then it might be a shootout."

A sign of an efficient quarterback is one who spreads the ball around. Bomar hit seven different targets, and Brown completed passes to six.

The one area the quarterbacks weren't very even in, though, played a significant factor in the outcome.

Bomar was sacked four times, including at key junctures, while Brown was only dropped once. Even in that, Brown was impressed with his counterpart.

"Not that I didn't respect him already, but Rhett really earned my respect (Saturday)," Brown said. "He kept getting up after getting knocked down hard. He's a great guy and a great football player.

That kind of respect is shared by the Bearkats signal caller.

"Nate's a great player," Bomar said. "He's fun to watch. He's also got a bright future ahead of him."

One of the main defenders causing problems for Bomar, helping UCA hang on for the win, was defensive end Larry Hart. The 6-foot-1, 242-pound junior had 1 1/2 sacks and three tackles for a loss but pressured Bomar numerous more times.

"You have to treat everybody with respect," Hart said, "but you've got to play hard when you're playing a quarterback who does as well as he does."

Both quarterbacks have played well during their college careers. That was no doubt evident Saturday night.

It came down to an incompletion, though, as UCA's Derrick Boyd batted away a pass on a 2-point conversion try to seal the win.

"I wish we could have gotten that 2-pointer there at the end," Bomar said. "Their defense is a solid group. They're relentless."

Despite being opponents once a year, Brown and Bomar both share a friendship. It's a bond they hope to carry on as a future in the NFL is likely.

"We've been friends for quite awhile," Brown said. "We both try to keep up with how the other one is doing. We just have a lot of respect for each other."