Central Arkansas' schedule is difficult early

Mar 21, 2012 - 8:10 PM Conway, AR (Sports Network) - Central Arkansas football will face a tough schedule in September and play six home games this season.

Coach Clint Conque's squad, which finished 9-4 and qualified for the FCS playoffs last year, will open the season on the road at Ole Miss (Sept. 1) from the Southeastern Conference and Murray State (Sept. 8) from the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Bears will face NAIA member Bacone College in their home opener on Sept. 15, but one week later will host 2011 Southland Conference champion and national runner-up Sam Houston State at Estes Stadium.

They close the month with another Southland game at Stephen F. Austin (Sept. 29).

Central Arkansas' other home games are against conference foes Nicholls State (Oct. 6), Lamar (Oct. 20) and Northwestern State (Nov. 3), and Eastern Illinois (Nov. 17) from the OVC.

In addition, the Bears will travel to McNeese State (Oct. 13) and Southeastern Louisiana (Oct. 27) for conference games.

2012 Central Arkansas Football Schedule

Sept. 1 - at Mississippi, TBA

Sept. 8 - at Murray State, TBA

Sept. 15 - vs. Bacone College, TBA

Sept. 22 - vs. Sam Houston State*, TBA

Sept. 29 - at Stephen F. Austin*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 - vs. Nicholls State*, TBA

Oct. 13 - at McNeese State*, 8 p.m.

Oct. 20 - vs. Lamar*, TBA

Oct. 27 - at Southeastern Louisiana*, TBA

Nov. 3 - vs. Northwestern State*, TBA

Nov. 17 - vs. Eastern Illinois, TBA

* - Southland Conference game