Sam Houston State Vs. Central Arkansas: Bearkats Kick Off Southland Conference Play On The Road

Sam Houston State, fresh off an appearance in the FCS National Championship game one season ago, will travel to Conway, Ark., to take on the Bears of Central Arkansas in each team's Southland Conference opener Sept. 22.

The Bearkats lost 17-6 to North Dakota State in the title game last year, but return many of their top players, including running back Timothy Flanders, who had 1,662 yards on the ground and 22 touchdowns.

The Bearkats, ranked No. 3 in the FCS, have a split series 3-3 record against Central Arkansas, last year's runner-up to Sam Houston State in the Southland Conference. The Bearkats were undefeated in conference play in 2011, beating the Bears 31-10.

Sam Houston State was picked as the preseason favorite to win the conference again, which would make their fifth Southland Conference championship in school history.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.

Local radio KSAM 101.7 FM will broadcast all Sam Houston State games, and that broadcast will be available online at www.gobearkats.com. KUBE-TV in Houston will carry this game locally.