NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Pikeville (KY) Bears (0-3) vs. Maryville (TN) Scots (2-0)

0
63

Venue & Game Details

  • Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM ET
  • Venue: Honaker Field at Lloyd Thornton Stadium, Maryville, Tennessee
  • Capacity: ~5,000
  • Event: Non-conference matchup between NAIA and NCAA DIII programs

Weather Forecast (Maryville, TN)

  • Kickoff Temperature: ~24°C (75°F), cooling into the upper 60s by late afternoon
  • Conditions: Mostly sunny with scattered clouds
  • Wind: 8–12 km/h from the southwest
  • Precipitation:
  • Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal weather-related disruptions expected

Injury Report

  • Pikeville Bears:
    • QB group healthy; starter expected to play after steady early-season form.
    • RB rotation intact, no major reported injuries.
    • Secondary missing one rotational player (undisclosed).
  • Maryville Scots:
  • QB Cade Smith healthy after strong outings in Weeks 1–2.
  • WR corps intact, including top target who has averaged over 80 yards per game.
  • Defensive line slightly banged up but starters expected to play.

(Note: NAIA and DIII programs release limited injury info; updates closer to kickoff may adjust this.)

Key Player Matchups

  • Pikeville QB vs. Maryville Secondary
    • Pikeville’s passing game has been efficient but turnover-prone.
    • Maryville’s secondary forced 3 INTs in their first two games.
  • Maryville QB Cade Smith vs. Pikeville Defensive Front
    • Smith has thrown for multiple TDs in both early-season wins.
    • Pikeville’s front seven must generate pressure to disrupt his rhythm.
  • Special Teams Edge
  • Pikeville’s kicker has been reliable from mid-range.
  • Maryville’s return game has consistently provided strong field position.

Recent Team Form

  • Pikeville Bears (NAIA, Mid-South)
    • W 28–8 vs. Point University (Aug 28)
    • W 22–7 @ Thomas University (Sept 13)
    • L 19–26 vs. #13 Southeastern (Sept 20)
    • Strengths: Balanced offense, opportunistic defense.
    • Weaknesses: Inconsistent red-zone efficiency.
  • Maryville Scots (NCAA DIII, SAA)
  • W 40–14 @ Hendrix (Sept 6)
  • W 48–24 @ Ohio Wesleyan (Sept 13)
  • Strengths: Explosive passing game, balanced attack.
  • Weaknesses: Defense has allowed late-game scoring runs.

Conference vs. Conference

  • Pikeville: NAIA Mid-South Conference
  • Maryville: NCAA Division III, Southern Athletic Association (SAA)
  • This is a non-conference crossover game, giving both programs a chance to test themselves outside league play.

Series History

  • All-time series: Limited history between the two programs.
  • Last meeting: 2024 – Maryville defeated Pikeville 31–21 in Barbourville, KY.
  • Trend: Maryville has had the upper hand in recent matchups, especially with its passing game.

Betting Trends

  • Pikeville:
    • 2–1 ATS in 2025
    • 1–4 ATS in last 5 non-conference games
    • 3 of last 4 games have gone Under
  • Maryville:
  • 2–0 ATS in 2025
  • 4–1 ATS in last 5 home games
  • 3 of last 4 games have gone Over

Historical Betting Results

  • 2024: Maryville -3.5 covered in a 31–21 win (Over cashed).
  • 2023: Pikeville +6.5 upset Maryville 27–24 (Over cashed).
  • 2022: Maryville -7.5 covered in a 34–17 win (Under cashed).

Game Odds

Pikeville (KY) Bears         52

Maryville (TN) Scots       – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025