Game Details
Time: 9:00 AM ET
Location: Burke-Tarr Stadium, Jefferson City, TN
Broadcast: ESPN Gamecast
Team Form & Trends
West Virginia State Yellow Jackets
2024 Record: 6–5
Last 5 Games: L vs Charleston (17–52), L vs Glenville State (14–40), W vs Frostburg State (38–24), L vs UNC Pembroke (17–62), L vs Wheeling (33–35)
Key Strengths: Explosive offense with multiple 30+ point outings; dual-threat QB play and aggressive tempo.
Key Concerns: Defensive breakdowns in transition; allowed 40+ points in 3 of last 5 games.
Carson-Newman Eagles
2024 Record: 5–6
Last 5 Games: L vs Miles (13–14), L vs Wingate (13–28), W vs Tusculum (56–14), W vs Anderson (28–7), L vs Emory & Henry (10–17)
Key Strengths: Balanced attack with strong run game; stout red zone defense.
Key Concerns: Inconsistent quarterback play; struggled to close tight games.
Tactical Breakdown
WVSU will look to stretch the field early and force mismatches in the secondary.
Carson-Newman will aim to control tempo and wear down WVSU’s defense with sustained drives.
Players to Watch
West Virginia State
QB Tyrese Johnson: Dual-threat leader with 3,000+ total yards in 2024
WR Malik Grant: Deep threat averaging 18.2 yards per catch
LB Jalen Brooks: Defensive anchor with 92 tackles and 4 sacks
Carson-Newman
RB Marcus Fields: 1,200-yard rusher with 12 TDs
DE Isaiah Boone: Edge disruptor with 9.5 sacks
CB Darius McCall: Ballhawk with 5 INTs in 2024
Game Odds
West Virginia State Yellow Jackets 58.5
Carson-Newman Eagles – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
