Venue & Broadcast
- Location: Dalzell Field, Dubuque, Iowa
- Kickoff: 1:00 PM CT
- Surface: Artificial turf
- Capacity: ~4,000
- Broadcast: Urban Edge Network / Heart Network live stream (check Clarke Athletics site for link)
Weather Outlook (early-week forecast)
- Temperature at kickoff: ~76°F (24°C)
- Conditions: Mostly sunny, light southwest wind (5–8 mph)
- Precipitation chance: <10%
- Impact: Ideal offensive conditions — minimal wind disruption for passing/kicking games.
Injury & Availability Report
(NAIA programs often release limited official injury info — monitor late-week updates)
- MidAmerica Nazarene: No confirmed starters ruled out after 47–28 win over Culver-Stockton; QB and WR units healthy, OL depth intact.
- Clarke: No major injuries reported after 37–22 loss to Mount Marty; defensive secondary expected to be at full strength.
- Key Note: Both teams expected to be near full strength barring late-week scratches.
Recent Form
MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers:
- W 37–13 vs. Nelson University — efficient offensive debut, defense forced multiple turnovers.
- W 47–28 vs. Culver-Stockton — balanced attack, explosive plays in passing game.
- Strength: High-tempo offense, opportunistic defense.
Clarke Pride:
- L 37–22 vs. Mount Marty — offense moved the ball but struggled to finish drives; defense allowed multiple chunk plays.
- Strength: Physical run game, aggressive linebacker play.
Series History
- All-time: MidAmerica Nazarene leads series; Clarke still seeking first win against the Pioneers since joining the Heart of America.
- 2024 Meeting: MNU won 41–17 in Olathe, controlling time of possession and forcing three turnovers.
- Trend: Pioneers have scored 35+ points in each of the last three meetings.
Key Player Matchups
- QB Duel:
- MNU QB — accurate on deep outs, thrives in RPO concepts.
- Clarke QB — mobile threat, extends plays outside the pocket.
- Ground Game:
- MNU RB rotation — shifty backs who can exploit light boxes.
- Clarke RB1 — downhill runner, excels in short-yardage situations.
- Defensive Edge:
- MNU’s front seven vs. Clarke OL — Pioneers’ pass rush could dictate tempo.
Betting Trends
- MNU is 6-2 ATS in last 8 road games.
- Clarke is 3-7 ATS in last 10 home games.
- Last 3 meetings have gone Over the total.
- MNU has covered in each of the last three head-to-head matchups.
Game Odds
MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers – 14.5
Clarke Pride 55.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025
