Venue & Game Details
Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
Venue: Brian Kern Family Stadium on Blankley Field, Madison, South Dakota
Special Event: 10th Annual Ag Bowl — DSU is 6–3 all-time in Ag Bowl games, including a win over Dakota Wesleyan in 2024.
Weather Forecast (Madison, SD)
Conditions: Mostly clear skies, low humidity
Temperature at Kickoff: ~72°F (22°C)
Wind: 5–8 mph from the northwest
Impact: Ideal football weather — minimal wind effect on passing or special teams.
Injury & Availability Report
Dakota State Trojans
Questionable: WR1 (ankle sprain, limited practice), starting CB (hamstring soreness).
Out: Backup LB (shoulder).
Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves
Questionable: RB Trystin Myers (hamstring) — former Second Team All-A-R-C, returning for fifth season.
Out: None reported from preseason camp.
Recent Form & Trends
Dakota State: Opened 2025 with a narrow rivalry loss to Dakota Wesleyan, missing a potential game-winning FG in the final minute. Defense allowed just 16 points but offense struggled to finish drives.
Nebraska Wesleyan: Despite a 3–7 record in 2024, played competitively against top A-R-C teams; returns a veteran offensive line anchored by All-Region tackle Owen Anthony.
Series History
All-Time Series: Dakota State leads 1–0.
Last Meeting: Sept. 2, 2023 — DSU won 41–25 in Lincoln, NE, after leading 38–6 late in the third quarter.
Key Player Matchups
NWU Offensive Line vs. DSU Pass Rush – Prairie Wolves boast one of the most experienced OL units in the A-R-C, led by Owen Anthony and Jake Rhodes; DSU’s front seven must generate pressure to disrupt QB Connor White.
DSU RB Committee vs. NWU Front Seven – Trojans averaged 115.1 rush YPG in 2024; NWU’s defensive line, led by Hunter Hanke (Second Team All-A-R-C), will aim to control the trenches.
Special Teams Impact – DSU’s missed FG in Week 1 looms large; NWU’s special teams were a bright spot in 2024, with long snapper Sam Contreras earning All-Conference honors.
Betting Trends
Dakota State is 6-3 all-time in Ag Bowl games.
Nebraska Wesleyan is 1-4 in its last 5 season openers.
The Under has hit in 4 of DSU’s last 6 home games.
Game Odds
Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves 46.5
Dakota State Trojans – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
