Game Overview
Date & Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Kickoff 6:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium, Rocky Mount, NC
Surface: Natural Grass
Broadcast: FloSports (national stream)
Weather Report (Rocky Mount, NC – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly clear skies, warm evening
Temperature: ~82°F (28°C) at kickoff, dropping into the mid‑70s by the 4th quarter
Wind: Light, ~5–7 mph from the southeast
Precipitation:
Impact: Ideal conditions for both passing and kicking games
Injury Report
Averett: No major injuries reported entering opener
N.C. Wesleyan: No major injuries reported entering opener
Recent Team Form (2024 Season End)
Averett – Last 5 Games
L 6–35 @ Ferrum
W 28–21 vs Guilford
L 14–41 vs Shenandoah
L 21–42 @ Hampden‑Sydney
L 10–49 vs Randolph‑Macon
N.C. Wesleyan – Last 5 Games
L 14–35 @ Maryville
W 30–24 vs Brevard
W 23–21 @ Greensboro
W 34–31 @ Southern Virginia
L 9–31 vs LaGrange
Key Player Matchups
Averett QB vs. N.C. Wesleyan Secondary
Averett’s passing game was inconsistent in 2024; efficiency will be key against a Bishops defense that allowed 24.8 PPG last season.
N.C. Wesleyan RB Corps vs. Averett Front Seven
The Bishops’ ground game averaged over 150 YPG in 2024; Averett allowed 180+ rush YPG.
Special Teams Impact
Field position could be decisive; both teams had multiple games in 2024 where special teams swings changed momentum.
Series History
All-Time: N.C. Wesleyan leads 12–7
First Meeting: 2004 – N.C. Wesleyan 17, Averett 16
Last Meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 – Averett 41, N.C. Wesleyan 29 (Danville, VA)
Streaks: N.C. Wesleyan had a nine‑game win streak from 2007–2015; Averett has won 3 of the last 5.
At Rocky Mount: N.C. Wesleyan holds a 5–4 home record vs. Averett.
Betting Trends
Averett
2–3 ATS in last 5 games of 2024
Over in 3 of last 5 games
1–4 SU in last 5 road games
N.C. Wesleyan
4–1 ATS in last 5 home games of 2024
Over in 4 of last 6 games
3–2 SU in last 5 overall
Suggested Wagering Model
Model Inputs:
Home‑field advantage for N.C. Wesleyan in season opener under the lights
Averett’s defensive struggles vs. run in 2024 vs. Bishops’ balanced offense
Both teams’ tendency toward high‑scoring games in recent matchups (average combined points last 5 meetings: 58.2)
Game Odds
Averett Cougars 51.5
N.C. Wesleyan Battling Bishops – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, September 3, 2025
