Central Arkansas Bears @ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CARK | 0 | 14 | 0 | 21 | 35 |
WKU | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
Blackman helps C. Arkansas rally to 35-28 win over WKU
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Carlos Blackman threw his only pass of the night, an 80-yard scoring strike to Lujuan Winningham, and followed it with a 1-yard rushing score as Central Arkansas rallied to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns to knock off Western Kentucky 35-28 in the opening game of the season for both schools on Thursday night.
The Bears trailed 28-14 going into the final quarter. Breylin Smith hit Winningham from the 20 for a TD to close to 28-21 before Central Arkansas took its first lead of the game after Blackman's rushing score.
WKU drove to UCA's 33 in the final minute, but Isaiah Macklin broke up a fourth down pass attempt and the Bears took over with 50 seconds remaining.
Smith passed for 324 yards and three scores. Winningham caught eight passes for a career-best 222 yards and three TDs.
Gaej Walker, who sprinted 68 yards for a score on Western Kentucky's first offensive play of the season, finished with 152 yards rushing.
Game Information
Bowling Green, KY
2025 Standings
| United Athletic Conference | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene Christian | 7-1 | 9-5 |
| Tarleton State | 7-1 | 12-2 |
| Southern Utah | 6-2 | 7-5 |
| West Georgia | 5-3 | 8-3 |
| Austin Peay | 4-4 | 7-5 |
| Eastern Kentucky | 3-5 | 5-7 |
| Central Arkansas | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Utah Tech | 1-7 | 2-10 |
| North Alabama | 1-7 | 2-10 |
| Conference USA | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State | 7-1 | 10-4 |
| Jacksonville State | 7-1 | 9-5 |
| Western Kentucky | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| Louisiana Tech | 5-3 | 8-5 |
| Missouri State | 5-3 | 7-6 |
| Florida International | 5-3 | 7-6 |
| Delaware | 4-4 | 7-6 |
| Liberty | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Middle Tennessee | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| New Mexico State | 2-6 | 4-8 |
| UTEP | 1-7 | 2-10 |
| Sam Houston | 1-7 | 2-10 |
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