D3-CFB Game Preview: Ithaca Bombers (0-1) vs. Alfred Saxons (1-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET

Venue: Merrill Field at Yunevich Stadium, 1 Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802

Broadcast: Likely Empire 8/Liberty League streaming coverage via school athletics sites; check local listings.

Weather Forecast (Alfred, NY)

Kickoff Temp: ~70°F (21°C)

Conditions: Partly cloudy, light northwest wind (5–7 mph)

Impact: Mild, dry conditions — no significant effect on passing or kicking games.

Injury Report

(Division III programs release limited public injury data; statuses often confirmed on game day)
Ithaca Bombers:

No confirmed public injuries; starting QB and key WRs expected to be active after Week 1 loss to Johns Hopkins.

Alfred Saxons:

No confirmed public injuries; expected to return most starters from Week 1.

Recent Form

Ithaca: L-W-W-W-W — Averaging 31.2 PPG, defense allowing 18.4 PPG.
Alfred: W-L-L-W-W — Averaging 24.0 PPG, defense allowing 21.6 PPG.

Series History

All-Time: Ithaca leads the modern-era series comfortably; Alfred’s last win came in 2016.

Trend: Ithaca has won 5 of the last 6 meetings, often by multiple scores.

Last Meeting: 2019 — Ithaca won 59–20 in Alfred.

Key Player Matchups

QB Battle:

Ithaca: Returning starter with strong 2024 efficiency; threw 2 TDs in Week 1 loss.

Alfred: Veteran QB with dual-threat ability; thrives in play-action.

Skill Positions:

Ithaca WR1 vs. Alfred CB1 — Bombers’ top target is a deep-ball threat.

Alfred RB1 vs. Ithaca front seven — Saxons’ run game could control tempo.

Defensive Spotlight:

Ithaca pass rush vs. Alfred OL — pressure could force turnovers.

Betting Trends (Historical/Model-Based)

Ithaca has covered a two-score spread in 4 of last 5 meetings.

Over has hit in 3 of last 5 matchups.

Alfred is 6-2 in last 8 home openers (straight up).

Game Odds

Ithaca Bombers                – 13.5

Alfred Saxons                    51.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025