D2-CFB Game Preview: Emory & Henry Wasps (2-1) vs. Tusculum Pioneers (1-2)

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Kickoff: 2:00 PM ET
Venue: Pioneer Field, Niswonger Sports Complex, Greeneville, Tennessee (Capacity: ~3,500)
Broadcast: ESPN+ / Local radio

Weather Forecast (Greeneville, TN)

Temperature: ~80°F (27°C) at kickoff, dipping into the low 70s by evening

Conditions: Mostly sunny, light winds (5–8 mph)

Impact: Excellent early fall football weather; no disruptions expected.

Injury Report

Emory & Henry (2–1, 1–1 SAC):

QB Kyle Short – Healthy, threw 2 TDs in near-upset vs. Lenoir-Rhyne.

RB Devon Curtis – Healthy, 198 rushing yards through 3 games.

WR Jaylen Johnson – Healthy, 2 TDs this season.

Tusculum (1–2, 0–2 SAC):

QB Richard Hunter – Healthy, earned first start last week vs. Anderson.

RB Lex Dinwiddie – Healthy, 253 rushing yards, 8.4 YPC (4th in SAC, 16th nationally).

RB John Celestin – Healthy, 168 yards, 1 TD.

WR Javon Richardson – Healthy, team-leading 66 receiving yards.

Key Player Matchups

RB Lex Dinwiddie (Tusculum) vs. E&H Front Seven

Dinwiddie is averaging 8.43 yards per carry, one of the best in Division II.

QB Kyle Short (E&H) vs. Tusculum Secondary

Short nearly led a 25-point comeback vs. #21 Lenoir-Rhyne; Tusculum must contain his late-game heroics.

WR Jaylen Johnson (E&H) vs. Tusculum Corners

Johnson’s red-zone efficiency could tilt the game if Tusculum’s secondary struggles.

Tusculum Offensive Line vs. E&H Pass Rush

The Pioneers were held to just 88 total yards last week vs. Anderson; protection must improve.

Recent Team Form

Emory & Henry Wasps (2–1, 1–1 SAC)

9/13: L 31–28 @ #21 Lenoir-Rhyne (rallied from 28–3 down)

9/6: W 24–17 vs. UVA Wise

8/30: W 35–14 vs. Bluefield State

Trend: Offense averaging 29 PPG; defense resilient but vulnerable to big plays.

Tusculum Pioneers (1–2, 0–2 SAC)

9/13: L 30–0 @ Anderson

9/6: L 28–21 vs. Lenoir-Rhyne

8/30: W 34–20 @ Bluefield State

Trend: Offense inconsistent; rushing attack strong, but passing game limited.

Series History

All-time series: Emory & Henry leads recent meetings.

2024: E&H won 23–21 in Greeneville.

2023: E&H won 27–24 in overtime.

Last two meetings decided by one possession, both in E&H’s favor.

Betting Trends

Emory & Henry:

4–1 SU in last 5 games.

3–2 ATS in last 5.

Overs hit in 3 of last 5.

Tusculum:

2–3 SU in last 5 games.

2–3 ATS in last 5.

Unders hit in 3 of last 5.

Head-to-Head: E&H has covered in both 2023 and 2024 thrillers.

Historical Betting Results

Emory & Henry: Profitable ATS in SAC play; overs common when offense finds rhythm.

Tusculum: Struggles ATS as a home underdog; unders frequent when offense stalls.

SAC Trends: Road favorites cover ~57% of the time in September conference games.

Game Odds

Emory & Henry Wasps                   – 4.5

Tusculum Pioneers                         47.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025