Kaden Anderson's 5 TD passes power Tarleton State to 49-35 win over Central Arkansas

STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — Kaden Anderson threw a career-high five touchdown passes, Tarleton State dominated the fourth quarter, and the Texans defeated Central Arkansas 49-35 to win their homecoming game on Saturday night with an eye toward the top of the Football Championship Subdivision polls.

Tarleton State, ranked No. 2 in the Stats Perform Top 25, is likely headed to the top of the FCS polls after North Dakota defeated No. 1 South Dakota State 21-10 earlier in the day.

The score was tied at 28 heading into the fourth quarter before Anderson led touchdown drives of 74, 89 and 99 yards to put the Texans ahead 49-28. In succession, Anderson hit Marquis Willis for an 18-yard touchdown, Anderson connected with B.J. Fleming from 14 yards, and Bryce Green exploded for a 72-yard touchdown run.

Anderson completed 21 of 29 passes for 279 yards. Two of his touchdowns went to Tanner Schmidt, who caught seven passes for 114 yards to lead the Texans (7-0, 2-0 United Athletic Conference).

Donovyn Omolo was 27-of-36 passing for 310 yards for Central Arkansas (2-5, 0-3). Arlie Lee caught six passes for 113 yards.

The score was tied at 7 and again at 14 before Anderson threw two touchdown passes to give Tarleton State a 28-14 halftime lead. Central Arkansas caught up in the third quarter with Omolo's 10-yard TD pass to Ty Durham and a 6-yard scoring run from Cameron Young.

Tarleton State had the edge in total yards, 507-491.

Tarleton State is 7-0 for the second time in its D1 era that began in 2020 and is 7-0 in back-to-back years.

Central Arkansas: vs. UT Rio Grande next Saturday.

Tarleton State: at West Georgia next Saturday.

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