NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Waldorf Warriors (0-5) vs. Morningside (IA) Mustangs (3-1)

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Venue & Logistics

  • Stadium: Elwood Olsen Stadium, Sioux City, Iowa (home of Morningside University).
  • Kickoff Time: 1:30 PM CDT.
  • Capacity: ~5,000.
  • Surface: Artificial turf.
  • Event: Morningside Homecoming Game.

Weather Forecast (Sioux City, IA)

  • Conditions: Partly sunny, breezy.
  • Temperature at kickoff: ~20°C (68°F).
  • Winds: 15–20 km/h from the northwest.
  • Chance of rain: 15%.
  • Impact: Mild fall weather; wind could influence long field goals and punts.

Injury Report

  • Waldorf Warriors (0–5):
    • QB1 healthy but has struggled with turnovers (6 INTs in 5 games).
    • RB1 questionable with a hamstring strain.
    • Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).
  • Morningside Mustangs (3–1):
  • QB1 healthy, averaging 260 passing yards/game.
  • RB1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
  • WR1 healthy, coming off back‑to‑back 100‑yard games.
  • Defense missing one rotational defensive lineman.

Key Player Matchups

  • Morningside QB vs. Waldorf Secondary:
    Morningside’s QB has been efficient (10 TDs, 2 INTs). Waldorf’s secondary has allowed 250+ passing yards in 4 of 5 games.
  • Morningside RB vs. Waldorf Front Seven:
    The Mustangs average 180 rushing yards/game. Waldorf has allowed 200+ rushing yards in 3 straight contests.
  • Waldorf QB vs. Morningside Pass Rush:
    Waldorf’s QB has been sacked 14 times this season. Morningside averages 3 sacks per game.
  • WR1 Battle:
    Morningside’s WR1 (averaging 95 yards/game) vs. Waldorf’s CB1 — a matchup Waldorf must win to avoid explosive plays.

Recent Team Form

  • Waldorf Warriors (0–5):
    • L at Northwestern (40–0).
    • L vs. Mount Marty (35–10).
    • L at Midland.
    • L at Hastings.
    • L vs. Concordia (NE).
    • Trend: Winless, offense averaging just 10 PPG, defense allowing 40+ PPG.
  • Morningside Mustangs (3–1):
  • W vs. Briar Cliff.
  • W at Doane.
  • W vs. Dakota Wesleyan.
  • L at Dordt (Top‑15 opponent).
  • Trend: Strong rebound after early loss, offense averaging 35 PPG, defense allowing 18 PPG.

Series History

  • All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Morningside leads the series comfortably.
  • Recent Meetings:
    • 2024: Morningside defeated Waldorf.
    • 2023: Morningside won by 30+.
  • Trend: Morningside has won all recent meetings, often by large margins.

Betting Trends

  • Morningside Mustangs:
    • 3–1 ATS this season.
    • 3 of last 4 games have gone under due to defensive strength.
  • Waldorf Warriors:
  • 0–5 ATS this season.
  • 4 of last 5 games have gone over due to defensive struggles.

Historical Betting Results

  • 2024: Morningside –24, won 49–10 → Cover, Over.
  • 2023: Morningside –21, won 42–7 → Cover, Under.
  • 2022: Morningside –28, won 55–14 → Cover, Over.

Game Odds

Waldorf Warriors                             56.5

Morningside (IA) Mustangs         – 27

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