NAIA-CFB Game Preview: St. Ambrose (IA) Fighting Bees (1-4) vs. Missouri Valley Vikings (2-2)

Venue & Logistics

• Stadium: Gregg‑Mitchell Field, Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri.
• Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM CDT.
• Capacity: ~5,000.
• Surface: Artificial turf.
• Broadcast: HAAC Live Stream & local radio coverage.

Weather Forecast (Marshall, MO)

• Conditions: Partly sunny, mild fall afternoon.
• Temperature at kickoff: ~22°C (72°F).
• Winds: 10–15 km/h from the southwest.
• Chance of rain: 15%.
• Impact: Ideal football weather — no disruptions expected.

Injury Report

• St. Ambrose Fighting Bees (1–4):
  • QB1 healthy, averaging ~210 passing yards/game.
  • RB1 questionable with a hamstring strain.
  • Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).
• Missouri Valley Vikings (2–2):
• QB1 healthy, dual‑threat option with 7 total TDs this season.
• WR1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
• OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.

Key Player Matchups

• St. Ambrose QB vs. Missouri Valley Secondary:
  The Bees’ QB has been efficient but faces a Vikings defense that has forced 6 INTs in 4 games.
• Missouri Valley QB Mobility vs. St. Ambrose Front Seven:
  MVC’s QB has rushed for 180 yards this season. St. Ambrose must contain him to avoid broken plays.
• St. Ambrose WR1 vs. MVC CB1:
  St. Ambrose’s top wideout (averaging 75 yards/game) will be shadowed by MVC’s best cover corner.
• RB Battle:
  MVC averages 165 rushing yards/game, while St. Ambrose has allowed 180+ in 3 of 5 games.

Recent Team Form

• St. Ambrose (1–4):
  • L at Briar Cliff (35–23).
  • L at Missouri Baptist (38–35).
  • L vs. Central Methodist.
  • L vs. William Woods.
  • W vs. Clarke (only win).
  • Trend: Offense competitive, but defense allowing 34+ PPG.
• Missouri Valley (2–2):
• W vs. Clarke.
• L vs. Benedictine.
• W vs. William Woods.
• L vs. Culver‑Stockton.
• Trend: Balanced team, but inconsistent week to week.

Series History

• All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Missouri Valley leads the series.
• Recent Meetings:
  • 2024: Missouri Valley defeated St. Ambrose.
  • 2023: MVC won by double digits.
• Trend: MVC has won the last several meetings, often by two scores.

Betting Trends

• Missouri Valley Vikings:
  • 3–1 ATS in last 4 home games.
  • 4 of last 6 games have gone under due to defensive strength.
• St. Ambrose Fighting Bees:
• 1–4 ATS this season.
• 3 of last 5 games have gone over due to defensive struggles.

Historical Betting Results

• 2024: MVC –7, won 31–17 → Cover, Under.
• 2023: MVC –10, won 28–14 → Cover, Under.
• 2022: MVC –6, won 35–21 → Cover, Over.

Game Odds

St. Ambrose (IA) Fighting Bees                  51.5

Missouri Valley Vikings                                 – 10

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025