D3-CFB Game Preview: Carthage Firebirds (0-0) vs. Lakeland Muskies (0-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Kickoff Time: 4:00 p.m. CDT

Venue: Taylor Field, Plymouth, Wisconsin

Competition: NCAA Division III – Non-Conference

Weather Forecast (Plymouth, WI)

Conditions: Mostly sunny with light clouds

Temperature at Kickoff: ~77°F (25°C)

Wind: 5–8 mph from the southwest

Impact: Ideal offensive conditions; minimal wind impact on passing or special teams.

Injury & Availability Report

Lakeland Muskies

Questionable: WR1 (ankle sprain, limited practice), starting LB (shoulder soreness).

Out: Backup CB (knee).

Carthage Firebirds

Questionable: RB1 (hamstring tightness), starting DE (groin strain).

Out: None reported from preseason camp.

Recent Form & Trends

Carthage: Won 2 of last 3 road games in 2024, including a 24–20 win at Millikin.

Lakeland: Closed 2024 with a 35–28 win over Rockford; offense averaged 28.6 PPG in wins.

Series History

Last Meeting: Sept. 2, 2023 – Carthage won 27–20 in Kenosha, WI.

Recent Head-to-Head: Carthage leads 2–0 in modern era matchups.

Key Player Matchups

Carthage QB vs. Lakeland Secondary – Firebirds’ passing game averaged 220 YPG in 2024; Muskies allowed 235 YPG through the air.

Lakeland RB Committee vs. Carthage Front Seven – Muskies’ ground game averaged 4.1 YPC; Carthage allowed 3.8 YPC last season.

Special Teams Edge – Carthage’s kicker hit 85% of FG attempts in 2024; Lakeland’s punt return unit averaged 11.2 yards per return.

Betting Trends

Carthage is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 non-conference games.

Lakeland is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 home games.

The Over has hit in 4 of Carthage’s last 6 games.

Game Odds

Carthage Firebirds          – 3.5

Lakeland Muskies            49.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025