SPRINGIELD, Mo. (AP) - Wynrick Smothers threw two touchdowns, including a 75-yard bomb to Dezmin Lewis, as Central Arkansas held on to a slim halftime lead to beat Missouri State 17-13 on Saturday night.
Smothers, with 280 yards passing, also found Chase Dixon in the second quarter for an 8-yard touchdown, which followed an earlier field goal by Jace Denker. Central Arkansas (2-2) was looking to snap a two-game losing streak against Missouri State (0-4) and its lead held through a scoreless second half.
Missouri State mounted a late fourth-quarter comeback that was set up by a Dylan Cole interception. The drive stalled on the 12-yard line and Central Arkansas ground out the clock. Kierra Harris was held to 183 yards passing but found Dorian Buford for an 8-yard touchdown in the first quarter; the extra point missed. Vernon Scott rushed for a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter.