Venue & Game Details
Location: Klein Field at Manitou – Northfield, Minnesota
Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT
Broadcast: St. Olaf Oles Sports Network (video), UNW Eagles Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites
Capacity: ~3,000
Weather Forecast (Northfield, MN – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, cool morning warming into mild afternoon
Temperature: ~58°F (14°C) at kickoff, rising to ~66°F by the second half
Wind: NW at 5–8 mph
Precipitation: <10%
Impact: Ideal football weather; minimal wind effect on passing or kicking
Injury Report
Northwestern (Minn.)
No major preseason injuries reported.
QB Ben Lyons returns after leading UNW to four straight wins to close the 2024 regular season.
RB Caleb Holien (UMAC Offensive Player of the Year candidate) healthy.
WR Ethan Magnuson (deep threat) available.
Defense anchored by LB Isaiah Lee.
St. Olaf
No significant absences reported.
QB Gavin Husby back after throwing 3 TDs in the 2024 finale vs. Augsburg.
RB Emmett Johnson (team’s leading rusher) healthy.
WR Will Hauge (MIAC All‑Conference) available.
Defense led by LB Jack Casey.
Team Records & 2024 Recap
Northwestern (Minn.): 8‑3 overall, 6‑0 UMAC champions; averaged 32.4 PPG, allowed 20.7 PPG.
St. Olaf: 4‑6 overall, 3‑5 MIAC; averaged 26.1 PPG, allowed 30.4 PPG.
Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)
Northwestern (Minn.)
L @ Wisconsin–La Crosse 59‑14 (NCAA First Round)
W @ Westminster (MO) 33‑21
W vs. Greenville 42‑34
W vs. Martin Luther 35‑7
W @ Crown 24‑10
St. Olaf
W vs. Augsburg 41‑26
L @ Saint John’s (MN) 55‑6
L @ Gustavus Adolphus 21‑10
L @ Augsburg 35‑34 (OT)
W vs. St. Scholastica 36‑33
Key Player Matchups
RB Caleb Holien (UNW) vs. St. Olaf Front Seven
Holien’s vision and burst vs. a defense that allowed over 150 rush yds/game in 2024.
QB Ben Lyons (UNW) vs. St. Olaf Secondary
Lyons’ efficiency and ability to extend plays vs. a unit that surrendered 30+ PPG last season.
QB Gavin Husby (STO) vs. UNW Pass Rush
Husby’s poise will be tested by an Eagles front that averaged 2.5 sacks/game.
WR Will Hauge (STO) vs. UNW CB2
Hauge’s route running and contested‑catch skills could be a chain‑mover.
Special Teams
Both teams have reliable kickers; field position could be pivotal in a close first half.
Series History
All-Time: St. Olaf leads 3‑1
Last Meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 — St. Olaf 39, Northwestern (MN) 21 in St. Paul
Oles led 22‑13 at halftime and pulled away with a 17‑point fourth quarter.
Trend: St. Olaf has won the last two meetings (2015, 2024) by an average margin of 12 points.
Betting Trends
Northwestern (MN): Won 5 of last 6; OVER in 3 of last 5.
St. Olaf: 2‑3 in last 5; OVER in 4 of last 6.
Head-to-Head: OVER has hit in 3 of the last 4 meetings.
Game Odds
Northwestern (MN) Eagles 54
St. Olaf Oles – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
