Venue: Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field, Kearney, Nebraska
Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM ET
Weather Forecast (Kearney, NE)
Conditions: Partly sunny, breezy
Temperature: ~74°F (23°C) at kickoff, cooling to 67°F (19°C) by the fourth quarter
Winds: 10–14 mph from the northwest
Precipitation:
Impact: Passing games may be slightly affected by crosswinds; otherwise, ideal football weather
Injury Report
Emporia State Hornets:
QB1 (ankle soreness) – Probable
RB2 (hamstring) – Questionable
LB1 (shoulder) – Out
Nebraska–Kearney Lopers:
WR2 (groin) – Game-time decision
DB1 (concussion protocol) – Out
OL starter (knee) – Probable
Key Player Matchups
Emporia State QB1 vs. UNK Secondary – Hornets’ passing game is their strength; Lopers’ DBs must step up with a starter sidelined.
UNK QB1 vs. ESU Pass Rush – Lopers’ offense thrives on balance; Emporia’s defensive front must disrupt rhythm.
RB Committee (ESU) vs. UNK Front Seven – Hornets’ ground game has been inconsistent; UNK must control the trenches.
WR1 (UNK) vs. ESU Corners – With WR2 questionable, WR1 will be the focal point; Emporia must double him to avoid explosive plays.
Series History
All-Time Meetings: Longstanding MIAA rivalry.
Most Recent: Emporia State defeated UNK 42-35 on Oct. 26, 2024.
Trend: Emporia has had the upper hand in recent years, but games have been close and high-scoring.
Betting Trends
Emporia State is 5-2 ATS in last 7 MIAA games.
Nebraska–Kearney is 4-2 ATS in last 6 home games.
The Over has hit in 5 of ESU’s last 7 games.
Emporia is 2-0 SU in last 2 vs. UNK.
Historical Betting Results
2024: Emporia State -2.5, won 42-35 → Cover, Over
2023: Emporia State -3.5, won 31-28 → Cover, Over
2022: UNK -1.5, won 27-24 → Cover, Under
Game Odds
Emporia State Hornets – 3.5
Nebraska–Kearney Lopers 54.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
