Venue & Logistics
- Stadium: Wildcat Football Stadium, Marion, Indiana.
- Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM EDT.
- Capacity: ~2,500.
- Surface: Artificial turf.
- Broadcast: ESPN+ (NAIA Football coverage).
Weather Forecast (Marion, IN)
- Conditions: Partly sunny, mild fall afternoon.
- Temperature at kickoff: ~21°C (70°F).
- Winds: 10–15 km/h from the southwest.
- Chance of rain: 15%.
- Impact: Excellent football weather — no major disruptions expected.
Injury Report
- St. Francis (IL) Fighting Saints (2–2):
- QB1 healthy, coming off a 2‑TD performance last week.
- RB rotation intact, but OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.
- Secondary missing one starter (ankle, out).
- Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats (3–2):
- QB1 (dual‑threat leader) – healthy.
- RB committee intact; starter probable after minor shoulder knock.
- DL rotation missing one key pass rusher (out for season).
Key Player Matchups
- St. Francis QB vs. IWU Secondary:
The Saints’ QB has been efficient (6 TDs, 2 INTs through 4 games). IWU’s secondary has allowed just 1 passing TD in the last two weeks. - IWU RB Committee vs. St. Francis Front Seven:
IWU averages 180 rushing yards per game. St. Francis allows 150+ on the ground — a potential mismatch. - Saints WR1 vs. Wildcats CB1:
St. Francis’ top wideout (averaging 80 yards/game) will be shadowed by IWU’s best cover corner. - QB Mobility:
IWU’s QB has rushed for 200+ yards this season. St. Francis must contain him to avoid broken plays.
Recent Team Form
- St. Francis (IL) (2–2):
- Last 4: W–L–W–L.
- Wins: Madonna, St. Ambrose.
- Losses: Olivet Nazarene, Roosevelt.
- Offense averaging 24 PPG, defense allowing 26 PPG.
- Indiana Wesleyan (3–2):
- Last 5: L–W–W–W–L.
- Wins: Saint Xavier (31–3), Judson (79–21), Olivet Nazarene (28–27).
- Losses: #2 Keiser (31–38), Marian (close road game).
- Offense averaging 43 PPG, defense allowing 23 PPG.
Conference Context
- Conference:
- St. Francis (IL): MSFA Midwest League.
- Indiana Wesleyan: MSFA Mideast League.
- Implications:
- IWU (3–2) is nationally ranked and pushing for NAIA playoff positioning.
- St. Francis (2–2) is looking to climb back above .500 and strengthen postseason hopes.
Series History
- All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Indiana Wesleyan leads the modern series.
- Recent Meetings:
- 2024: IWU defeated St. Francis 52–21.
- 2023: IWU won 35–14.
- Trend: IWU has won 3 straight vs. St. Francis (IL).
Betting Trends
- Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats:
- 6–2 ATS in last 8 home games.
- 4 of last 5 games have gone over due to explosive offense.
- St. Francis Fighting Saints:
- 2–4 ATS in last 6 road games.
- 3 of last 5 games have gone under due to inconsistent offense.
Historical Betting Results
- 2024: IWU –17, won 52–21 → Cover, Over.
- 2023: IWU –14, won 35–14 → Cover, Under.
- 2022: IWU –10, won 28–17 → Cover, Under.
Game Odds
St. Francis (IL) Fighting Saints 52
Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats – 13.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025
