NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Bethel (TN) Wildcats (1-4) vs. Faulkner (AL) Eagles (3-1)

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Venue & Logistics

  • Stadium: Billy D. Hilyer Stadium, Montgomery, Alabama (home of Faulkner University).
  • Kickoff Time: 1:30 PM CDT.
  • Capacity: ~4,000.
  • Surface: Artificial turf.
  • Conference: Mid-South Conference (MSC).
  • Broadcast: Faulkner Sports Network & MSC Live Stream.

Weather Forecast (Montgomery, AL)

  • Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm early fall afternoon.
  • Temperature at kickoff: ~28°C (82°F).
  • Winds: 10–15 km/h from the south.
  • Chance of rain: 20%.
  • Impact: Warm but favorable football weather; no major disruptions expected.

Injury Report

  • Bethel Wildcats (1–4):
    • QB1 healthy, averaging ~210 passing yards/game.
    • RB1 questionable with a hamstring strain.
    • Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).
  • Faulkner Eagles (3–1):
  • QB1 healthy, dual‑threat with 8 total TDs this season.
  • WR1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
  • OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.

Key Player Matchups

  • Bethel QB vs. Faulkner Secondary:
    Bethel’s QB has been efficient (7 TDs, 4 INTs). Faulkner’s secondary has forced 6 INTs in 4 games.
  • Faulkner QB Mobility vs. Bethel Front Seven:
    Faulkner’s QB has rushed for 180 yards this season. Bethel must contain him to avoid broken plays.
  • Bethel RB vs. Faulkner Run Defense:
    Bethel averages 140 rushing yards/game. Faulkner has allowed just 120 rushing yards/game.
  • WR1 Battle:
    Faulkner’s WR1 (averaging 85 yards/game) vs. Bethel’s CB1 — a matchup that could swing momentum.

Recent Team Form

  • Bethel (1–4):
    • L at Mary Hardin‑Baylor (30–23).
    • L at Keiser (forfeit).
    • W vs. Webber International (20–14).
    • L vs. Cumberland (TN).
    • L at Cumberlands (KY).
    • Trend: Offense competitive in spurts, but defense allowing 32 PPG.
  • Faulkner (3–1):
  • W vs. Point (28–8).
  • W vs. Thomas (22–7).
  • L vs. Southeastern (26–19).
  • W vs. Union Commonwealth (Sept. 27).
  • Trend: Strong start, defense allowing just 13 PPG, offense balanced.

🏆 Conference Context

  • Bethel (1–4, MSC): Struggling early, looking to avoid falling deeper in the standings.
  • Faulkner (3–1, MSC): Off to one of its best starts in recent years, aiming to stay in the MSC playoff race.
  • Implications:
  • Bethel needs a road upset to revive its season.
  • Faulkner can solidify itself as a divisional contender with a home win.

📜 Series History

  • All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Bethel leads the historical series.
  • Recent Meetings:
    • 2024: Bethel defeated Faulkner.
    • 2023: Bethel won by double digits.
  • Trend: Bethel has had the upper hand in recent years, but Faulkner is much improved in 2025.

Betting Trends

  • Faulkner Eagles:
    • 3–1 ATS this season.
    • 3 of last 4 games have gone under due to defensive strength.
  • Bethel Wildcats:
  • 1–4 ATS this season.
  • 3 of last 5 games have gone over due to defensive struggles.

Historical Betting Results

  • 2024: Bethel –7, won 31–20 → Cover, Over.
  • 2023: Bethel –10, won 28–14 → Cover, Under.
  • 2022: Bethel –6, won 24–17 → Cover, Under.

Game Odds

Bethel (TN) Wildcats      49

Faulkner (AL) Eagles       – 10

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