D3-CFB Game Preview: Buena Vista Beavers (0-0) vs. Benedictine (IL) Eagles (0-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Village of Lisle–Benedictine University Sports Complex – Lisle, Illinois

Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT

Broadcast: Benedictine Eagles Sports Network (video), Buena Vista Beavers Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites

Capacity: ~3,000

Weather Forecast (Lisle, IL – Kickoff)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm

Temperature: ~79°F (26°C) at kickoff, climbing into the low 80s by the second half

Wind: SW at 5–8 mph

Precipitation: <10%

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

Injury Report

Buena Vista

No major preseason injuries reported.

QB Ethan McIntyre expected to start after splitting time in 2024.

RB Eman Alaniz (79 all‑purpose yds, 1 TD vs. Benedictine in 2024) healthy.

WR Tyler Smith (top returning receiver) available.

Defense returns LB Logan Mueller (team leader in tackles).

Benedictine

No significant absences reported.

QB Ryan Sample back after throwing 4 TD passes in last year’s meeting.

RB Jalen Griffin (90+ rush yds vs. BVU in 2024) healthy.

WR Darius Nolen (2 TD catches last year) available.

Defense anchored by LB Evan Green.

Team Records & 2024 Recap

Buena Vista: 3‑7 overall, 2‑6 American Rivers Conference; averaged 20.4 PPG, allowed 38.9 PPG.

Benedictine: 6‑4 overall, 4‑3 NACC; averaged 28.6 PPG, allowed 19.7 PPG.

Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)

Buena Vista

L vs. Dubuque 56‑21

W @ Luther 40‑13

L vs. Coe 35‑13

L @ Simpson 24‑16

L vs. Wartburg 70‑21

Benedictine

W @ Concordia (WI) 49‑14

L @ Aurora 56‑20

W @ Eureka 42‑0

L vs. Wisconsin Lutheran 10‑7

L vs. St. Norbert 14‑0

Key Player Matchups

RB Eman Alaniz (BVU) vs. Benedictine Front Seven

Alaniz scored BVU’s only TD last year; must find running lanes against a stout Eagles defense.

QB Ethan McIntyre (BVU) vs. Benedictine Secondary

McIntyre’s decision‑making vs. a defense that forced multiple turnovers in 2024 meeting.

QB Ryan Sample (BEN) vs. BVU Pass Defense

Sample’s 4‑TD day last year exposed BVU’s coverage; Beavers must generate pressure.

WR Darius Nolen (BEN) vs. BVU CB2

Nolen’s size and red‑zone production could be decisive again.

Special Teams

Field position battle looms; Benedictine’s coverage units were excellent in 2024.

Series History

All-Time: Benedictine leads 1‑0

Only Meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 — Benedictine 34, Buena Vista 7 in Storm Lake, IA

BVU led 7‑0 after first drive; Benedictine scored 34 unanswered.

Eagles outgained Beavers 460‑188; BVU had just 13 total yds in the second half.

Betting Trends

Buena Vista: 2‑8 ATS in last 10; OVER in 6 of last 8.

Benedictine: 6‑4 ATS in 2024; UNDER in 6 of last 9.

Head-to-Head: Benedictine covered easily in 2024; total stayed UNDER (41 points vs. 51.5 line).

Game Odds

Buena Vista Beavers                       51

Benedictine (IL) Eagles                  – 12.5

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