Ty’ray Davis
Ty’ray Davis introduced himself as West Florida’s starting quarterback by helping the Argos upset No. 16 Southern Illinois.
His second assignment may be even more demanding.
Central Arkansas has three preseason All-United Athletic Conference defenders positioned at every level of its defense: lineman Trevion Traylor, linebacker Ashtyn Williams and defensive back Marcus Washington.
All three started every game last season. Together, they give the Bears the experience and versatility needed to challenge Davis when UWF visits Central Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. in Conway, Arkansas.
UCA coach Nathan Brown believes their presence gives the defense stability from front to back.
“We have leaned heavily on their experience and leadership during the offseason,” Brown said. “The part that gets me excited with all three of them getting recognized is the fact that it is at all three levels of our defense.”
WILLIAMS COULD BE THE CENTRAL FIGURE
Williams enters the matchup as the most immediate concern for UWF.
The 6-foot, 220-pound junior started all 12 games last season and ranked second on the team with 70 tackles. He added two tackles for loss and one pass breakup.
Williams opened the 2026 season by producing a game-high 16 tackles in Central Arkansas’ 36-24 road victory over No. 22 UT Martin.
His combination of range and tackling ability could make him the primary defender responsible for containing Davis.
Davis rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown against Southern Illinois. Several of those yards came after the original play broke down, allowing Davis to turn pressure into positive gains.
Central Arkansas now has an entire game of film showing how UWF uses Davis as a runner and how dangerous he can be when he escapes the pocket.
If the Bears keep Williams near the middle of the field or use him as a quarterback spy, Davis may have fewer open running lanes than he found in the opener.
TRAYLOR CAN PUT UWF BEHIND SCHEDULE
The battle against Traylor will begin before Davis reaches the second level.
The 6-foot defensive lineman started all 12 games last season and recorded 41 tackles. He led Central Arkansas with eight tackles for loss while adding one sack, a fumble recovery, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.
His ability to create negative plays could become especially important against a UWF offense that completed only seven of 19 passes in its opener.
The Argos cannot afford to spend the night in third-and-long situations. Those downs would allow Traylor to attack the pocket while Williams closes potential escape lanes behind him.
UWF’s offensive line helped the Argos produce 225 rushing yards against Southern Illinois. That group must provide similar production while preventing Traylor from disrupting plays before they develop.
Success on first and second down would allow UWF to maintain balance and keep Central Arkansas from concentrating entirely on Davis.
WASHINGTON PATROLS THE SECONDARY
Washington completes Central Arkansas’ experienced defensive core.
The senior defensive back recorded 62 tackles, five pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one quarterback hurry last season. He added five tackles in the victory over UT Martin.
Washington’s experience will be important when Davis extends plays.
Davis completed touchdown passes to Kyle Carroll and Tysha Mansell against Southern Illinois. Although he finished with only seven completions, he repeatedly demonstrated that UWF does not need a high-volume passing performance to produce important plays through the air.
The Argos will likely need more production from their receivers against Central Arkansas. Washington and the UCA secondary will attempt to take away Davis’ first option and force him to hold the ball long enough for the pass rush to arrive.
Central Arkansas intercepted two passes against UT Martin. The first came on the Skyhawks’ opening possession, while the second ended their final opportunity.
UWF protected the ball against Southern Illinois and benefited from four takeaways by its defense. Losing that turnover advantage in Conway would make the Argos’ second FCS victory considerably more difficult.
DAVIS WILL NOT BE AN UNKNOWN THIS TIME
Southern Illinois had limited film of Davis operating UWF’s offense as the starting quarterback.
Central Arkansas will not have that problem.
The Bears can study every designed run, scramble and passing concept the Argos showed in their opener. They also have three preseason all-conference defenders capable of attacking the areas Davis used most effectively.
Traylor can disrupt the pocket and create negative plays. Williams can track Davis when he attempts to escape. Washington can prevent improvised throws from becoming explosive gains.
The Bears held UT Martin to 296 total yards and forced two turnovers in their season opener. Their defense now gets its first home test against a UWF offense that proved it can punish mistakes but still has room to become more consistent.
Davis passed his first test by leading the Argos to a historic upset. His next challenge will reveal how quickly he and the UWF offense can adjust now that their opponents know exactly what they are preparing to stop.
