Donovyn Omolo’s 3 TD passes power Central Arkansas in 36-24 win over UT Martin

Martin, Tenn. (AP) — Central Arkansas' Donovyn Omolo shone in his NFC Division opener with three touchdown passes, guiding the Bears to a 36-24 triumph over UT Martin. The sophomore, who swapped Central Missouri for his birthplace squad, completed 20 of 27 passes for 243 yards and added 118 rushing yards. The Bears' defense complemented Omolo, outperforming UT Martin’s offense with 361 yards compared to the Skyhawks' 296.

Arlie Lee netted two of Omolo's TDs, including a 51-yard connection that made it 26-17 in the third quarter. Omolo threw one interception, a 56-yard pick-six by Trey Cotton. Jalen Washington sealed the game with a 27-yard touchdown run with just over three minutes left, putting the Bears ahead 29-24. UT Martin's Julian Calvez completed 147 yards and was intercepted twice.

The Skyhawks, currently ranked No. 23 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, suffered their third consecutive season opener loss. UT Martin and Central Arkansas' previous encounter was in 2014, with the Bears leading the series 10-5. The Bears next play against West Florida on September 5.