Central Arkansas' offense didn't dilly-dally Saturday at Estes Stadium in Conway.
UCA opened its second scrimmage with a six-play drive that was capped by Dezmin Lewis' 35-yard touchdown reception on a day when the first-team offense had the upper hand for one of the first times since fall camp opened.
The Bears ran about 80 plays in its hour-long scrimmage and didn't commit any turnovers. Coach Steve Campbell said he liked the tempo his offense is playing at with two weeks left before the season opener at Texas Tech.
"When we play fast, we have a chance to be pretty good," said Campbell, who is in his first season at UCA's coach after replacing Clint Conque. "That's our whole deal, to keep the tempo going. It's important that you execute on first down so that you can play fast. Whenever you're staying ahead of the chains on first down, it's easier to play fast."
Quarterbacks Ryan Howard, who has been slowed by a hamstring injury, and Taylor Reed continued to work with the top offense. Reed threw the touchdown pass to Lewis to start the scrimmage,.
Campbell has yet to announce a starter for the season opener.
"I've been real pleased with the quarterback play," Campbell said. "Ryan's been a little slowed down, but he bounced back and looked really good today. Taylor Reed has had an outstanding camp, and Hayden Hildebrand is getting better every day."
Campbell said the Bears will begin preparations next week for Texas Tech. Other than three injuries on the offensive line, Campbell said he's pleased with his team's health.
"We come out of camp through two weeks, thank goodness, with no surgeries needed," Campbell said."We're pleased with that. Now, it's time to turn our attention to Texas Tech."
Sports on 08/17/2014