NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Carroll Fighting Saints (1-1) vs. Dickinson State Blue Hawks (2-0)

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Venue & Logistics

  • Venue: Biesiot Activities Center, Dickinson, North Dakota (home of the Blue Hawks)
  • Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM CDT
  • Broadcast: DSU Athletics Live Stream, Rewind 94.9 FM (Carroll radio), Frontier Conference Network

Weather Forecast (Dickinson, ND)

  • Conditions: Mostly sunny with scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 73°F (23°C) at kickoff, cooling to 66°F (19°C) by the fourth quarter
  • Winds: 12–15 mph from the northwest
  • Precipitation:
  • Impact: Ideal football weather; wind could slightly affect special teams and deep passing

Injury Report

  • Carroll Fighting Saints:
    • QB1 Kaden Huot (shoulder soreness) – Probable
    • RB2 (ankle) – Questionable
    • LB1 (hamstring) – Out
  • Dickinson State Blue Hawks:
  • QB1 (wrist) – Probable
  • WR2 (groin) – Game-time decision
  • DB1 (concussion protocol) – Out

Key Player Matchups

  • QB Kaden Huot (Carroll) vs. DSU Secondary – Huot has shown flashes of big-play ability but must avoid turnovers after a costly interception vs. Montana Tech.
  • RB Committee (Carroll) vs. DSU Front Seven – Carroll’s ground game is averaging over 150 yards per game; DSU’s linebackers must contain it.
  • WR1 (DSU) vs. Carroll Corners – With DB1 out, Carroll’s secondary depth will be tested against DSU’s top receiver.
  • Special Teams: Carroll’s kicking game has been inconsistent; DSU has a reliable kicker who could swing a close contest.

Recent Team Form (2025 Season to Date)

  • Carroll Fighting Saints (1-1):
    • W vs. Eastern Oregon 28-14 (Aug. 30)
    • L vs. #11 Montana Tech 30-19 (Sep. 6)
    • Balanced attack but plagued by penalties and turnovers; defense has been opportunistic.
  • Dickinson State Blue Hawks (1-0):
  • W vs. Valley City State 30-15 (Aug. 28)
  • Bye week before Carroll matchup
  • Strong defensive showing in opener; offense efficient in red zone.

Series History

  • All-Time Meetings: Carroll leads 6-2 (dating back to early 2000s NAIA playoff and non-conference matchups)
  • Most Recent: Carroll 27, Dickinson State 14 (2023)
  • Context: Carroll has historically dominated, but DSU has been a consistent NAIA playoff qualifier and is tough at home.

Betting Trends

  • Carroll is 4-1 ATS in last 5 vs. Dickinson State.
  • Dickinson State is 6-2 ATS in last 8 home games.
  • The Under has hit in 5 of the last 7 Carroll games.
  • Carroll is 5-0 straight up in last 5 vs. DSU.

Historical Betting Results

  • 2023: Carroll -6.5, won 27-14 → Cover, Under
  • 2022: Carroll -3.5, won 24-17 → Cover, Under
  • 2021: Carroll -7.5, won 31-21 → Cover, Over

Game Odds

Carroll Fighting Saints                    – 4.5

Dickinson State Blue Hawks        48

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025