Venue & Game Details
Location: Legacy Field at Carlson Stadium – Decorah, Iowa
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT
Broadcast: Luther Norse Sports Network (video), Millikin Big Blue Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites
Capacity: ~5,000
Weather Forecast (Decorah, IA – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, mild
Temperature: ~60°F (16°C) at kickoff, warming into the upper 60s by the second half
Wind: NE at 5–8 mph
Precipitation: <10%
Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; minimal wind effect on passing or kicking
Injury Report
Millikin
No major preseason injuries reported.
QB Nicco Stepina expected to start after splitting time in 2024.
RB Darius Carter (team’s leading rusher) healthy.
WR Jalen Smith (top returning receiver) available.
Defense anchored by LB Ethan Cole.
Luther
No significant absences reported.
QB Gabe Johnson back after starting multiple games in 2024.
RB Ethan Stenseth (team’s leading rusher) healthy.
WR Noah Lensing (top returning receiver) available.
Defense led by LB Ben Smith.
Team Records & 2024 Recap
Millikin: 0‑10 overall, 0‑9 CCIW; averaged 15.8 PPG, allowed 46.5 PPG.
Luther: 1‑9 overall, 1‑7 American Rivers Conference; averaged 14.9 PPG, allowed 41.2 PPG.
Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)
Millikin
L @ Elmhurst 35‑7
L vs. Wheaton (IL) 64‑10
L @ Washington (MO) 70‑21
L vs. Carthage 24‑20
L @ Illinois Wesleyan 51‑8
Luther
L @ Simpson 29‑15
L vs. Buena Vista 40‑13
L @ Wartburg 49‑10
L vs. Nebraska Wesleyan 40‑14
L @ Central 56‑3
Key Player Matchups
QB Nicco Stepina (MIL) vs. Luther Secondary
Stepina’s ability to avoid turnovers will be critical against a defense that struggled but did force timely interceptions in 2024.
RB Darius Carter (MIL) vs. Luther Front Seven
Carter’s inside running vs. a unit that allowed over 200 rush yds/game last season.
QB Gabe Johnson (LUT) vs. Millikin Pass Rush
Johnson’s mobility could help neutralize a Big Blue front that needs to improve sack production.
WR Noah Lensing (LUT) vs. Millikin CB2
Lensing’s route running and contested‑catch skills could be a chain‑mover.
Special Teams
Both teams had inconsistent kicking games in 2024; field position could swing momentum.
Series History
All-Time: First meeting between the programs.
Betting Trends
Millikin: Lost 20 straight; 3‑7 ATS in 2024; OVER in 6 of last 8.
Luther: Lost 7 straight; 4‑6 ATS in 2024; OVER in 5 of last 8.
Both teams: Defenses allowed 40+ PPG in 2024; potential for higher‑scoring stretches despite offensive struggles.
Game Odds
Millikin Big Blue 49
Luther Norse – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
