D3-CFB Game Preview: Coe Kohawks (0-0) vs. Cornell Rams (0-0)

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Game Overview

Date & Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Kickoff 5:00 p.m. CT

Venue: Van Metre Field at Ash Park, 600 First Street SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314

Surface: FieldTurf

Broadcast: ESPN+ / Local Radio (KMVL)

Weather Report (Mount Vernon, IA – Kickoff)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm

Temperature: ~81°F (27°C) at kickoff, cooling into the low 70s by the 4th quarter

Wind: Light, ~6–8 mph from the southwest

Precipitation:

Impact: Ideal early‑season conditions for both passing and kicking games

Injury Report

Coe: No major injuries reported entering opener under head coach Tyler Staker

Cornell: No major injuries reported; head coach Vince Brautigam returns a healthy roster

Recent Team Form (End of 2024)

Coe – Last 5 Games

L 26–31 vs. Bethel (NCAA Playoffs)

W 47–10 vs. Simpson

W 35–13 @ Buena Vista

L 7–14 vs. Wartburg

W 50–0 @ Nebraska Wesleyan

Cornell – Last 5 Games

W 26–7 vs. Grinnell

L 14–42 @ Illinois College

W 44–14 vs. Knox

L 14–33 @ University of Chicago

L 28–38 vs. Monmouth

Key Player Matchups

Coe QB vs. Cornell Secondary

Coe’s passing game averaged over 230 YPG in 2024; Cornell allowed 200+ pass YPG in MWC play.

Expect Coe to test Cornell’s corners early with vertical routes and play‑action.

Cornell QB vs. Coe Pass Rush

Cornell’s offense will need quick reads to neutralize a Kohawk front that pitched two shutouts last season and held opponents under 14 points in five games.

Coe RB Corps vs. Cornell Front Seven

Coe averaged 180+ rush YPG in 2024; Cornell allowed over 150 rush YPG.

Establishing the run could open up deep shots for Coe’s passing game.

Special Teams Impact

Coe’s return units were among the ARC’s best; Cornell must avoid giving up hidden yardage in the kicking game.

Series History

All-Time: Coe leads 28–6 since 1990

Current Streak: Coe has won 24 straight (2000–2024)

Last Meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 – Coe 55, Cornell 10 (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Largest Margin of Victory: Coe 77–7 (2011)

Smallest Margin of Victory: Coe 66–63 (2003)

Notable: This is one of the oldest rivalries west of the Mississippi, dating back to 1891.

Betting Trends (Based on Recent Seasons)

Coe

8–2 ATS in last 10 games vs. Cornell

Over in 3 of last 5 games overall

4–1 SU in road games in 2024

Cornell

2–3 ATS in last 5 games of 2024

Over in 3 of last 5 games

0–5 SU vs. ARC opponents since 2015

Head-to-Head

Coe has scored 38+ points in each of the last 10 meetings

Average combined points last 5 meetings: 69.4

Suggested Wagering Model

Model Inputs:

Coe’s dominance in series history and returning offensive production

Cornell’s defensive struggles vs. high‑powered ARC offenses

Early‑season conditioning and depth advantage for Coe

Weather: neutral impact

Game Odds

Coe Kohawks                     – 27.5

Cornell Rams                     54.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, September 3, 2025