D3-CFB Game Preview: Denison Big Red (0-0) vs. Allegheny Gators (0-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Frank B. Fuhrer Field – Meadville, Pennsylvania

Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. ET

Broadcast: Allegheny Gators Sports Network (video), Denison Sports Network (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites

Capacity: ~3,500

Weather Forecast (Meadville, PA – Kickoff)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, mild

Temperature: ~61°F (16°C) at kickoff, warming into the upper 60s by the second half

Wind: NW at 5–8 mph

Precipitation: <10%

Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; minimal wind effect on passing or kicking

Injury Report

Denison

No major preseason injuries reported.

QB Trey Laughlin expected to start after splitting time in 2024.

RB C.J. Holmes (team’s leading rusher) healthy.

WR David Weimer (top returning receiver) available.

Defense anchored by LB Gus McGee and DB Ethan Stoner.

Allegheny

No significant absences reported.

QB Jack Johnson returns after starting most of 2024.

RB Tyler Balla (team’s leading rusher) healthy.

WR Declan O’Brien (top returning receiver) available.

Defense led by LB Dylan Reott.

Team Records & 2024 Recap

Denison: 6‑4 overall, 5‑3 NCAC; averaged 36.0 PPG, allowed 25.4 PPG.

Allegheny: 1‑9 overall, 1‑7 PAC; averaged 18.1 PPG, allowed 41.2 PPG.

Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)

Denison

W @ Ohio Wesleyan 28‑14

W vs. Oberlin 63‑0

L @ Wabash 24‑23

L vs. DePauw 53‑34

W @ Wooster 48‑30

Allegheny

L vs. Washington & Jefferson 45‑0

L @ Carnegie Mellon 63‑10

L vs. Waynesburg 44‑41

L @ Geneva 30‑13

L @ Thiel 21‑7

Key Player Matchups

RB C.J. Holmes (DEN) vs. Allegheny Front Seven

Holmes’ power running vs. a defense that allowed over 200 rush yds/game in 2024.

QB Trey Laughlin (DEN) vs. Allegheny Secondary

Laughlin’s efficiency and deep‑ball ability vs. a unit that surrendered 33 passing TDs last season.

QB Jack Johnson (ALL) vs. Denison Pass Rush

Johnson’s poise will be tested by a front that forced multiple sacks in 2024’s final stretch.

WR Declan O’Brien (ALL) vs. Denison CB2

O’Brien’s route running and contested‑catch skills could be Allegheny’s best shot at chunk plays.

Special Teams

Denison’s reliable kicking game vs. Allegheny’s aggressive return units.

Series History

All-Time Since 2006: Denison leads 9‑5

Current Streak: Denison has won 8 straight (2013–2021)

Last Meeting: Sept. 11, 2021 — Denison 31, Allegheny 0 in Granville, OH

Denison led 21‑0 at halftime; defense pitched a shutout.

Largest Margin: Denison 62‑26 (2017)

Smallest Margin: Denison 24‑21 (2013)

Betting Trends

Denison: 4‑1 in last 5 games; OVER in 3 of last 4.

Allegheny: Lost 9 straight; 2‑8 ATS in 2024; OVER in 5 of last 8.

Head-to-Head: Denison has covered in 6 of last 8 meetings; UNDER hit in 3 of last 4.

Game Odds

Denison Big Red               – 16

Allegheny Gators             53

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