Kickoff: 11:00 AM CT
Venue: Amos Alonzo Stagg Field, Chicago, Illinois (Capacity: ~1,650)
Broadcast: ESPN+ / Midwest Conference Network
Weather Forecast (Chicago, IL)
Temperature: ~71°F (22°C) at kickoff, cooling into the mid-60s by the 4th quarter
Conditions: Partly cloudy, light winds (6–9 mph)
Impact: Ideal early fall football weather; no disruptions expected.
Injury Report
Illinois College (MWC):
QB Tyson Elliott (ankle) – Probable.
RB Jordan Reyes (hamstring) – Questionable.
LB Ethan Wallace (shoulder) – Out.
Chicago Maroons (MWC):
QB Craig Knoche (starter, 1st career win vs. Cornell IA) – Healthy.
RB Chris Thomas (knee) – Probable.
WR Evan Miller (concussion protocol) – Doubtful.
Key Player Matchups
QB Tyson Elliott (Illinois College) vs. Chicago Secondary
Elliott has been excellent, throwing for 455 yards and 6 TDs on 44-of-58 passing through two games. His ability to stretch the field will test the Maroons’ defensive backs.
WR Kyle Leonard (Illinois College) vs. Chicago Corners
Leonard, the reigning MWC Offensive Player of the Week, has 16 catches for 189 yards and 4 TDs. He’s Elliott’s go-to target in the red zone.
QB Craig Knoche (Chicago) vs. Illinois College Pass Rush
Knoche earned his first career win last week; Illinois College’s front seven will look to pressure him into mistakes.
Chicago Defense vs. Illinois College Passing Attack
The Maroons have held opponents to 20 points or fewer in both games this season. If they can limit Elliott and Leonard, they’ll have a chance to control tempo.
Recent Team Form
Illinois College Blueboys (2–0, MWC)
9/4/25: W 28–9 vs. Greenville
9/13/25: W 28–25 (OT) vs. Lake Forest (RV)
Trend: Offense averaging 28 PPG; defense allowing 17 PPG. Passing game is elite, but rushing attack has struggled (195 yards on 65 carries, 3.0 YPC).
Chicago Maroons (1–1, MWC)
9/6/25: L 20–7 vs. WashU
9/13/25: W 28–12 vs. Cornell (IA)
Trend: Defense has been stout, holding both opponents under 21 points. Offense still finding rhythm under Knoche.
Series History
Chicago leads the all-time series 7–5.
In the modern era, Chicago holds a 5–2 advantage.
Illinois College, however, has won the last two meetings:
2024: IC 50–37
2023: IC 41–20
Betting Trends
Illinois College:
4–1 ATS in last 5 games.
3 of last 5 games have gone over the total.
5–0 SU in last 5 games overall.
Chicago:
2–3 ATS in last 5 games.
4 of last 5 games have gone under the total.
3–2 SU in last 5 home games.
Head-to-Head: Illinois College has covered in the last two meetings.
Historical Betting Results
Illinois College: Profitable ATS as a small favorite; overs common due to high-powered passing game.
Chicago: Mixed ATS at home; unders frequent due to defensive emphasis.
MWC Trends: Road favorites cover ~56% of the time in September conference play.
Game Odds
Illinois College Blueboys – 6.5
U-Chicago Maroons 51.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
