Oklahoma State Football: Previewing Central Arkansas

Aug 30, 2014; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders nose tackle Jackson Richards (43) attempts to tackle Central Arkansas Bears quarterback Taylor Reed (15) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Offense

The Bears are a fairly fast-paced team, and it looks like they are continuing that trend into this season — UCA totaled 103 snaps last week against Samford.

UCA’s offense is a pass-centered attack led by senior quarterback Taylor Reed. Reed, who began his college career in Memphis before transferring to Central Arkansas in 2013, began last season as a starter, but played sparingly after the second week of the season. He had a productive outing against Samford, connecting on 43 of this 63 pass attempts for 312 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.

The Bears posses a very deep receiver corps, returning nearly every player that caught a pass last season, along with three of their top four receivers from 2014 — with the lone exception of seventh-round NFL draft pick Dez Lewis. Jatavious Wilson and Desmond Smith, the top two returning 2014 receivers, combined for 20 receptions and 157 yards against Samford.

Central Arkansas lost their leading rusher in Willie Matthews from 2014, but return Dominique Thomas and Blake Veasley, who combined for 81 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.

Look for the Bears to rely even more on their passing attack against the Cowboys.

Next: UCA Defense