Kickoff: 1:00 PM CT
Venue: Vago Field, Aurora, Illinois (Capacity: ~1,800)
Broadcast: ESPN+ / NACC Network
Weather Forecast (Aurora, IL)
Temperature: ~74°F (23°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by the 4th quarter
Conditions: Partly sunny, light winds (5–9 mph)
Impact: Excellent early fall football weather; no disruptions expected.
Injury Report
Benedictine Eagles (NACC):
QB Jack O’Connor (ankle) – Probable.
RB Marcus Carter (hamstring) – Questionable.
LB Ethan Wallace (shoulder) – Out.
Aurora Spartans (NACC):
QB Tyler Smith (starter, 2 TDs, 2 INTs through 2 games) – Healthy.
RB Chris Johnson (knee) – Probable.
WR Evan Miller (concussion protocol) – Doubtful.
Key Player Matchups
QB Jack O’Connor (Benedictine) vs. Aurora Secondary
O’Connor’s ability to stretch the field vertically will test Aurora’s defensive backs.
RB Marcus Carter (Benedictine) vs. Aurora Front Seven
If active, Carter’s downhill running could help Benedictine control tempo.
QB Tyler Smith (Aurora) vs. Benedictine Pass Rush
Smith has been turnover-prone; Benedictine must pressure him to force mistakes.
RB Chris Johnson (Aurora) vs. Benedictine Linebackers
Johnson’s ability to grind out yards between the tackles will be key to sustaining drives.
Recent Team Form
Benedictine Eagles (2–0, NACC)
9/6/25: W 35–0 vs. Buena Vista
9/13/25: W 20–13 vs. Loras
Trend: Offense averaging 27.5 PPG; defense stout, allowing just 6.5 PPG.
Aurora Spartans (0–1, NACC)
9/6/25: L 41–0 vs. UW–Platteville
9/13/25: at Mount St. Joseph (result pending at preview time)
Trend: Offense shut out in opener; defense struggled against a WIAC opponent.
Series History
Aurora has historically dominated the rivalry.
Last meeting (2024): Aurora defeated Benedictine 56–20.
Aurora has won 8 of the last 10 meetings, often by double digits.
Benedictine’s last win in the series came in 2016.
Betting Trends
Benedictine:
3–2 ATS in last 5 games.
4 of last 5 games have gone under the total.
2–3 SU in last 5 road games.
Aurora:
4–1 ATS in last 5 games.
3 of last 5 games have gone over the total.
4–1 SU in last 5 home games.
Head-to-Head: Aurora has covered in 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Historical Betting Results
Benedictine: Struggles ATS as a road underdog; unders common due to defensive emphasis.
Aurora: Profitable ATS at home; overs frequent due to high-scoring offense.
NACC Trends: Home favorites cover ~59% of the time in September conference play.
Game Odds
Benedictine Eagles 49.5
Aurora Spartans – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
