Central Arkansas knocks off Sam Houston St. 49-31

Published Nov. 23, 2013 9:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

Ryan Howard threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns to lead Central Arkansas to a 49-31 win over Sam Houston State Saturday.

Central Arkansas (7-5, 4-3 Southland) finishes the conference season tied for third with the Bearkats (8-4, 4-3 Southland) behind both Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese State.

The loss kept Sam Houston State winless on the road. The Bearkats were 7-0 at home this season and picked up a win over Stephen F. Austin in the Piney Woods Shootout in Houston.

Willie Matthews had eight catches for 55 yards and two touchdowns for Central Arkansas and Dezmin Lewis caught five passes for 74 yards and two scores.

Although he did not start after suffering a shoulder sprain last week, Brian Bell came off the bench to pass for 327 yards and four touchdowns, completing his career as the Bearkats all-time leader in passing and total offense.