By Joel Weckerly, Sports Editor

The battle of nationally-ranked teams ended in an ACU loss Thursday, as Central Arkansas continued its dominance over the Wildcats with a 30-12 victory in Conway, Ark.

Penalties and turnovers were ACU’s downfall; the Cats had three turnovers and seven penalties.

The Wildcats played well defensively but didn’t get much help from their offensive unit. Junior linebackers Shawn Taylor and Randall Webb led the defensive charge for ACU, but UCA starting quarterback Henry Young was too much for the Cats. After UCA had accumulated a 10-0 halftime lead, Young led the Bears out of the tunnel with three touchdown strikes. The senior finished with 139 yards passing.

ACU scored its points on Taylor’s fourth quarter 27-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 2-yard touchdown dive by junior running back Willie Williams later in the quarter. Williams and senior back Richard Whitaker combined for just 60 yards rushing.

ACU senior quarterback Colby Freeman was 12 of 21 passing for 127 yards and two interceptions. Backup Greg Wiggins was 6 of 8 for 91 yards in a fourth-quarter stint.

ACU falls to 0-1 on the year and plays host to Fort Lewis (Colo.) on Saturday, Sept. 13.