LITTLE ROCK — WHEN 7 p.m. Central today WHERE Walton Stadium, Warrensburg, Mo, TV/RADIO KWKK-FM, 100.9, in Russellville INTERNET www.athletics.atu.edu RECORDS Arkansas Tech 1-0; Central Missouri 1-0 COACHES Arkansas Tech, Steve Mullins (59-37 at school); Central Missouri, Willie Fritz (83-40 at school) SERIES Tied 1-1 KEY STATS Arkansas Tech: 95 rushing yards per game, 249 passing yards per game, 22 points per game. Central Missouri: 73 rushing yards per game, 319 passing yards per game, 29 points per game.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Arkansas Tech Coach Steve Mullins is concerned by a CentralMissouri defense that should be better than the one the Wonder Boys faced against Northeastern (Okla.) State, which held Arkansas Tech to two points in the first half last week.
KEYS FOR ARKANSAS TECH Bumping up the run game. The Wonder Boys ran for 95 yards against Northeastern State, and Mullins says a team rushing total of at least 150 yards should be expected each game.
KEYS FOR MISSOURI SOUTHERN It doesn't matter that this is his third year as a starter. Wonder Boys quarterback Cole Barthel can be rushed, and when he is, the whole offense labors. With 10 returning starters on defense, the Mules have the tools to do just that.
Sports, Pages 22 on 09/04/2008