FLORENCE, Ala. (Interstat) — In a game that defied pregame projections, the Central Arkansas Bears delivered a commanding performance on the road, overwhelming the North Alabama Lions 49 to 21 on Saturday at Braly Stadium.

The Bears, who entered the contest as slight favorites according to Interstat’s metrics, which gave them a 59.10 percent probability to win and projected a 42-37 score, left no doubt from the outset. Central Arkansas improved its season record to 2-4, while North Alabama fell to 1-4.

The story of the game was the dominant rushing attack of Central Arkansas, spearheaded by running back Landen Chambers. The Keller, Texas, native was virtually unstoppable, carrying the ball 24 times for 184 yards and three touchdowns. His workhorse effort set the tone for an offense that found its rhythm early and never relented.

Central Arkansas opened the scoring on its first offensive possession. After a short North Alabama punt gave the Bears favorable field position, Chambers capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run just over two minutes into the game.

North Alabama responded with a sustained drive of its own. The Lions methodically moved the ball down the field, with running back Jayvian Allen providing the primary spark. The drive was culminated by a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ari Patu to wide receiver Noah Gregg, tying the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter.

The second quarter, however, belonged entirely to the Bears, who exploded for 28 points and effectively put the game out of reach. The onslaught began when quarterback Austin Myers connected with Tyrell Pollard on a deep pass that resulted in a 76-yard touchdown, immediately answering North Alabama’s score.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Lions fumbled, and Central Arkansas’ Jacoby McQuiller recovered. The Bears capitalized swiftly, with Chambers plunging in for his second touchdown from 19 yards out. After the Bears’ defense forced a punt, the offense went back to work. Myers, who finished 11 of 22 for 232 yards and three touchdowns, found Malachi Henry for a 37-yard scoring strike just before halftime to extend the lead. Henry, from Van Buren, Arkansas, was Myers’ top target, hauling in five catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

Sandwiched between those scores was another Chambers touchdown run, his third of the day, from 11 yards out. The 28-point quarter gave Central Arkansas a 35-7 lead at the intermission.

The Bears’ defense played a crucial role in the blowout, consistently disrupting North Alabama’s offensive efforts. Defensive back Mark Dorsey recorded a sack that forced a fumble and also grabbed an interception. Teammate Sean Smith also picked off a pass, as the Bears forced multiple turnovers.

North Alabama cycled through three quarterbacks in an attempt to find offensive consistency. Starter Ari Patu of Folsom, California, completed 12 of 19 passes for 111 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions before being replaced. Destin Wade saw the most action in relief, completing 7 of 23 passes for 86 yards and a late touchdown, while also leading the team in rushing with 10 carries for 8 yards.

The Lions’ brightest spot was running back Jayvian Allen, who amassed 154 all-purpose yards, rushing 13 times for 69 yards and catching six passes for 85 yards.

Central Arkansas added a touchdown in the third quarter on a 13-yard run by Cam Young, and another in the fourth on Myers’ second touchdown pass to Henry, this time from 13 yards out.

North Alabama managed a final touchdown in the fourth quarter when Destin Wade connected with Justin Pegues on a 7-yard pass, but it was far too little, too late for the home team.

The victory gives Central Arkansas momentum as it heads into a bye week before traveling to face West Georgia on Oct. 25. North Alabama looks to rebound quickly, as it is set to host Eastern Kentucky next Saturday, Oct. 18.