North Alabama Lions at Central Arkansas Bears
· NCAA - Football
Will McElvain throws 3 TD passes, Malachi Henry catches 2, and Central Arkansas tops North Alabama
The FCS No. 10 Bears (6-2, 4-1 United Athletic Conference) won their homecoming game on the strength of McElvain's arm as he completed 21 of 31 passes for 250 yards. The touchdowns to Henry were the receiver's only catches, one for 69 yards and the other for 21.
Although McElvain's first-quarter touchdown toss of 33 yards to Jordan Owens gave the Bears a 10-0 lead, North Alabama rallied and took a 13-10 halftime lead. First, Jalen Fletcher scored on an 8-yard run then Tanaka Scott caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from TJ Smith. The Lions failed on a two-point try after the second touchdown.
McElvain rallied the Bears in the second half, hitting Henry with the 21-yard score early in the third quarter for a 17-13 lead, then connecting with Henry on the 69-yard play early in the fourth for a 24-13 lead.
Smith scored on a 1-yard run with 3 minutes remaining. The Lions forced a punt, but Smith was intercepted with half a minute remaining.
Smith completed 14 of 30 passes for 191 yards. He had one touchdown and was intercepted twice.
North Alabama had the advantage with 353 totals yards to 306, but the Lions (3-6, 3-2) had five turnovers.
How To Watch
How can I watch North Alabama Lions vs. Central Arkansas Bears?
- TV Channel: Lions at Bears 2021 College Football, week 9, is broadcasted on ESPN+.
- Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.
Scoring Summary
 |
FG | 1st Period 2:56 | Jake Gaster 30 Yd Field Goal |
|
TD | 2nd Period 12:18 | Jordan Owens 33 Yd pass from Will McElvain (Jake Gaster Kick) |
 |
TD | 2nd Period 11:22 | Jalen Fletcher 8 Yd Run (Scott Payne Kick) |
|
TD | 2nd Period 5:02 | Tanaka Scott 11 Yd pass from TJ Smith (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed) |
|
TD | 3rd Period 11:35 | Malachi Henry 21 Yd pass from Will McElvain (Jake Gaster Kick) |
|
TD | 4th Period 13:47 | Malachi Henry 69 Yd pass from Will McElvain (Jake Gaster Kick) |
|
TD | 4th Period 2:56 | TJ Smith 1 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed) |
Statistics
 UNA |
 CARK |
|
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 1st Downs | 15 |
| 6-13 | 3rd down efficiency | 2-13 |
| 0-2 | 4th down efficiency | 0-0 |
| 353 | Total Yards | 306 |
| 246 | Passing | 250 |
| 17/34 | Comp/Att | 21/31 |
| 7.2 | Yards per pass | 8.1 |
| 107 | Rushing | 57 |
| 39 | Rushing Attempts | 27 |
| 2.7 | Yards per rush | 2.1 |
| 4-55 | Penalties | 9-107 |
| 5 | Turnovers | 0 |
| 3 | Fumbles lost | 0 |
| 2 | Interceptions thrown | 0 |
| 30:01 | Possession | 29:59 |
Game Information
Location: Conway, AR
Attendance: 8,794 · Capacity:
College Football News
Iowa State, Matt Campbell finalize extension through 2032
Iowa State and coach Matt Campbell have finalized a contract extension through 2032 after the winningest coach in program history led the Cyclones to their first-ever 11-win season in 2024.
CFP 2025: 32 teams can make the College Football Playoff
Using ESPN Analytics, Heather Dinich breaks down the 32 teams that can make the playoff.
Fade Texas? Four College Football Playoff bets to consider
Pamela Maldonado breaks down four bets that offer excellent value to make/miss the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State's Ryan Day explains what will decide QB competition
Ohio State coach Ryan Day has yet to name a starter at quarterback as the defending national champions seek to replace the departed Will Howard.
Stanford hires former Nike CEO John Donahoe as AD
Stanford has hired former Nike CEO John Donahoe as the school's new athletic director.