Game Details
Francis G. Welch Stadium
Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM CT.
Betting Trends
Hornets went 7–4 overall and 5–4 in the MIAA in 2024, boasting a strong home record under Coach Garin Higgins.
Beavers finished 5–6 overall and 4–6 in the NSIC last fall, with road openers under Ian Shields going 2–3 since 2021.
Key Storylines
This marks the first-ever meeting between Emporia State and Minot State, part of a home-and-home series stretching into 2026.
Emporia State returns a veteran roster that averaged 32.1 points per game in 2024, aiming to build on a fifth-place MIAA finish.
Minot State looks to improve on its best campaign in school history last fall, integrating nine newcomers and reloading a defense that gave up just 21 points per contest in losses.
Players to Watch
Minot State Beavers
Cole Matthews, QB: Senior dual-threat who threw for 1,500 yards and rushed for 400 yards in 2024.
Derrick Johnson, RB: Workhorse back with 750 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns.
Elijah Harris, WR: Possession receiver hauling in 45 catches for 600 yards.
Emporia State Hornets
Alec Jansen, QB: Senior passer who lit up defenses for 2,400 yards and 20 TDs.
Johnathan Brown, RB: Lead rusher with 1,000 yards and 12 scores.
Oscar Thomas, WR: Deep-ball threat with 60 catches and 850 receiving yards.
Tactical Breakdown
Offense
Minot State runs a spread-run attack, blending zone-read concepts with built-in RPOs and play-action to keep defenses off balance. Emporia State operates a high-tempo spread, using quick screens, jet motion, and tempo shifts to exploit mismatches.
Defense
Beavers deploy a 3-3-5 nickel package, prioritizing speed and disguise to force turnovers. Hornets favor a 4-2-5 front, mixing zone blitzes with man coverage to pressure the quarterback.
X-Factors
Turnover Margin: Early takeaways could flip field position in a tight opener.
Special Teams: Wind in the Flint Hills can turn punts and field goals into game-deciding plays.
Third-Down Defense: Which unit can get off the field will dictate possession time and pace.
Game Odds
Minot State Beavers 50.5
Emporia State Hornets – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
