Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
UCA still on road, back in its own league
CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Bears stay on the road for their second game of the 2017 season today, but this one figures to be a better matchup.
The Bears go from playing Kansas State, the 19th-ranked FBS team, to Murray State, which like UCA competes in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Kickoff at Roy Stewart Stadium in Murray, Ky., is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Kansas State defeated UCA 55-19, but the Bears were within 17-16 midway in the second quarter before the Wildcats pulled away.
Murray State began its season with a 67-7 home-field victory over NCAA Division II Kentucky Wesleyan.
UCA Coach Steve Campbell said he did not believe the final score indicated how well UCA played at Kansas State, particularly on offense. UCA gained 421 total yards and picked up 28 first downs against a Kansas State defense that led the Big 12 Conference in total defense last season, giving up an average of 372.4 yards a game.
“There were a lot of positive things that came out last weekend,” Campbell said. “We knew they were at the top of their league in defense, and when we started breaking them down on film, we said, ‘Where are our yards going to come from?’ They are really really good on defense. I was very pleased with the way we were able to move the football.”
Senior quarterback Hayden Hildebrand completed 27 of 35 passes for 198 yards and 1 touchdown with 1 interception. Sophomore running back Carlos Blackman rushed 24 times for 114 yards.
“I was pleased with the way we were able to run the football, and Hayden was very, very efficient throwing it,” Campbell said. “There were a lot of positives for us offensively.”
A 96-yard return of the opening kickoff put Kansas State at the UCA 4 and set up a 1-yard touchdown run that gave Kansas State a 7-0 lead with 13:58 left in the first quarter. Kansas State also scored on a 70-yard second-quarter punt return.
“Kansas State is a team that will make you pay for your mistakes,” Campbell said.
“We made some mistakes in that game that really hurt our chances,” Hildebrand said. “Even if you took them away, I’m not saying we would’ve won the game, but the score definitely didn’t indicate where we stood with them. We moved the ball really well. I think there are a lot of good things to look forward to from our offense.”
Hildebrand said he wasn’t surprised by Blackman’s season-opening performance. Blackman led UCA in rushing last season with 616 yards, but Antwon Wells, in his final season of eligibility, led the team in rushing attempts and rushed for 580 yards. Hildebrand said Blackman relishes his role as UCA’s lead back assured.
“I think he’s more comfortable now,” Hildebrand said. “I think he knows he’s the first-string running back. He knows he’s as big and strong as anybody out there. He’s fast. He’s smart. He knows what he’s doing. The big difference between him this year and last year is just peace of mind. He knows what he can do. He’s a great running back, and when it’s all said and done, I think he’ll be one of the best ones to ever come through here.”
“Carlos has worked really hard in the weight room,” Campbell said. “I expect him to continue to improve each year, but you can see that he’s a very, very strong runner.”
Campbell said he expects significant challenges from each of UCA’s opponents this season, including Murray State.
“Murray State is very good offensively, and they have a lot of athleticism defensively,” Campbell said. “They have a
lot of guys who can run, and they show a lot of multiple looks that make you prepare. It’s not that they do anything we haven’t seen before, it’s just that they do everything we’ve seen before.”