Venue & Game Details
Kickoff: 1:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM ET
Venue: Stisser Field at the Knosher Bowl, Galesburg, Illinois
Surface: Natural Grass
Broadcast: Knox College Athletics Live Stream / Live Stats
Weather Forecast (Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly sunny
Temperature: ~77°F (25°C)
Humidity: ~54%
Wind: SW at 5–7 mph
Impact: Minimal — warm, dry conditions should favor both passing and kicking games.
Injury Report
Ripon Red Hawks
No major injuries reported after Week 1 loss to North Park (35–19).
QB1 and RB rotation healthy; OL depth intact.
Defensive starters available.
Knox Prairie Fire
No significant injuries reported after Week 1 loss at Eureka (14–13).
QB Clay McClelland (6-of-10, 79 yds, 1 TD in opener) healthy.
RB Taylor McAdams (80 yds on 18 carries) and WR Mario Byrd (35-yd TD catch) available.
Defense led by LB Aaron Estes (8 tackles, 1 sack) at full strength.
Key Player Matchups
QB Clay McClelland (Knox) vs. Ripon Secondary — McClelland’s efficiency and mobility will test a Ripon defense that allowed 3 passing TDs in Week 1.
RB Taylor McAdams (Knox) vs. Ripon Front Seven — McAdams’ ability to churn out yards could control tempo.
Ripon QB vs. Knox Pass Rush — Prairie Fire generated 2 sacks in opener; pressure could force mistakes.
WR Mario Byrd (Knox) vs. Ripon CB1 — Byrd’s speed and knack for big plays will be a focal point.
Special Teams — Knox K Fernando Torres hit FGs from 38 and 24 yards in Week 1; Ripon’s return game could flip field position.
Recent Form
Ripon Red Hawks
L 19–35 @ North Park — Offense moved the ball but defense gave up big plays.
2024: 5-5 overall, 4-5 MWC; ended season with wins over Lawrence and Beloit.
Knox Prairie Fire
L 13–14 @ Eureka — Led 13–0 at halftime before surrendering late TD and 2-point conversion.
2024: 3-7 overall, 2-7 MWC; notable win over Lawrence.
Series History
All-time meetings: Ripon leads recent series 3–0.
Last meeting: Oct. 12, 2024 — Ripon 24, Knox 17 in Ripon.
Trend: Ripon has won last three matchups, including a 33–6 win in 2022.
Betting Trends & Angles
Ripon: 4-2 ATS in last 6 MWC games (unofficial DIII tracking).
Knox: 3-7 ATS in last 10 games.
Totals: Under has hit in 4 of last 5 Knox games; Ripon has gone Over in 3 of last 4.
Situational: Knox home opener after narrow road loss; Ripon on road for second straight week.
Game Odds
Ripon Red Hawks – 6.5
Knox Prairie Fire 46.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025
