D3-CFB Game Preview: Nichols Bison (0-0) vs. MIT Engineers (0-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Henry G. Steinbrenner ’27 Stadium – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET

Broadcast: MIT Engineers Sports Network (video), Nichols Athletics Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites

Capacity: ~4,000

Weather Forecast (Cambridge, MA – Kickoff)

Conditions: Partly sunny, warm

Temperature: ~79°F (26°C) at kickoff, cooling into the low 70s by the fourth quarter

Wind: SSW at 8–12 mph

Precipitation: <10%

Impact: Light wind could slightly affect special teams; otherwise excellent playing conditions

Injury Report

Nichols

No major preseason injuries reported; starting QB and RB rotations intact.

WR corps healthy, including deep threat who led team in yards per catch in 2024.

MIT

No significant absences; returning starting QB and top RB available.

OL depth improved after injuries late in 2024.

Team Records & 2024 Recap

Nichols: 2‑8 overall, CCC; averaged 34.8 PPG but allowed 40.8 PPG.

MIT: 3‑7 overall, NEWMAC; averaged 14.0 PPG and allowed 31.4 PPG.

Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)

Nichols

L vs. Western New England 28‑56

L @ Curry 41‑47

L @ Endicott 10‑50

L vs. Univ. of New England 30‑51

W vs. Husson 31‑16

MIT

L vs. WPI 12‑34

W vs. Norwich 27‑0

L @ SUNY Maritime 14‑20

L vs. Springfield 0‑48

L @ Merchant Marine 14‑28

Key Player Matchups

Nichols QB vs. MIT Secondary

Nichols’ passing game is the team’s offensive strength; MIT’s DBs must limit explosive plays.

Nichols RB1 vs. MIT Front Seven

Power running vs. a defense that allowed over 180 rush yds/game in 2024.

MIT QB vs. Nichols Pass Rush

Engineers’ QB efficiency will be tested by a Bison defense that struggled overall but can generate pressure.

MIT RB1 vs. Nichols Linebackers

Establishing the run is key for MIT to control tempo.

Special Teams

Nichols’ return game vs. MIT’s coverage units could swing field position.

Series History

All-Time: MIT leads 15‑10

Last Meeting: Nov. 12, 2016 — Nichols 36, MIT 35 (2OT) in Dudley, MA

Current Streak: Nichols 1 win

Largest Margin: Nichols 35‑7 (2004)

Smallest Margin: Nichols 36‑35 (2016)

Betting Trends

Nichols: 4‑1 ATS in last 5 vs. MIT (2006–2016); OVER in 3 of last 4 games in 2024.

MIT: 1‑4 in last 5 overall; UNDER in 3 of last 5 games in 2024.

Head-to-Head: Home team has won 6 of last 8 meetings.

Game Odds

Nichols Bison                     – 3.5

MIT Engineers                   56

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025