Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

UCA left no room for doubt in its home opener Saturday night, beating Bacone College 70-3.

It was the most points scored in the 13-year Clint Conque era, and the most scored by a Bears team since 1976 when UCA scored 79 against Central Methodist.

Conque called the performance a “pretty complete game.”

The Bears also saw big improvements in two areas they have struggled thus far in 2012.

UCA’s defense, which had given up a combined 800 yards through the air to Ole Miss and pass-happy Murray State, allowed only 78 yards passing, and 109 total to the Warriors. The secondary accounted for four turnovers in the game. Karl Brady forced a fumble in the first quarter, which led to a Bears score. Josh Jones picked off two throws and

Marvin Mitchell picked off another in the third quarter.

Outside linebacker Blake Childress led the team in tackles with eight, including one for a loss.

The Bears’ rushing attack that managed only 30 yards last week against Murray State, ran for 353 yards and four touchdowns in the win against their NAIA opponent on Saturday night. Sophomore tailback Willie Matthews led the Bears in rushing with 153 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

The Bears were able to rack up a season-high 573 total yards, averaging 8.4 yards a play.

“I thought our players answered the bell,” Conque said. “Outside of a couple of series in the first half, and a few breakdowns in the second half with some reserves.”

Wynrick Smothers started the onslaught for the Bears with a 44-yard scamper early in the first quarter.

Smothers finished the game 16 of 19 for 179 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half. He added 83 yards on the ground, including his 44-yard touchdown, on six rushes. His lone mistake of the night came on an errant throw on the goal line that ended up an interception.