NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Dakota State Trojans (3-1) vs. Montana Tech Orediggers (5-0)

Venue & Logistics

• Stadium: Alumni Coliseum, Butte, Montana (home of Montana Tech).
• Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM MDT (2:00 PM CDT).
• Capacity: ~4,000.
• Surface: Artificial turf.
• Event: Montana Tech Homecoming 2025.

Weather Forecast (Butte, MT)

• Conditions: Partly cloudy, crisp fall afternoon.
• Temperature at kickoff: ~16°C (61°F).
• Winds: 10–15 km/h from the west.
• Chance of rain: 20%.
• Impact: Cool, breezy conditions — could affect long field goals and deep passing.

Injury Report

• Dakota State Trojans (3–1):
  • QB1 healthy, averaging ~215 passing yards/game.
  • RB1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
  • Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).
• Montana Tech Orediggers (5–0):
• QB1 healthy, dual‑threat with 12 total TDs this season.
• WR1 probable after hamstring tightness.
• OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.

Key Player Matchups

• Dakota State QB vs. Montana Tech Secondary:
  DSU’s QB has been efficient (8 TDs, 3 INTs). Montana Tech’s secondary has forced 7 INTs in 5 games.
• Montana Tech QB Mobility vs. DSU Front Seven:
  Tech’s QB has rushed for 200+ yards this season. DSU must contain him to avoid broken plays.
• DSU RB vs. Montana Tech Run Defense:
  DSU averages 160 rushing yards/game. Montana Tech has allowed just 110 rushing yards/game.
• WR1 Battle:
  Montana Tech’s WR1 (averaging 90 yards/game) vs. DSU’s CB1 — a matchup that could swing momentum.

Recent Team Form

• Dakota State (3–1):
  • W vs. Valley City State (27–14).
  • W vs. Mayville State (31–17).
  • L at Dickinson State (28–21).
  • W vs. Presentation (45–10).
  • Trend: Balanced offense, defense allowing 20 PPG.
• Montana Tech (5–0):
• W vs. #5 Montana Western (38–27).
• W at #25 Carroll (30–19).
• W vs. Rocky Mountain (34–23).
• W at #24 Southern Oregon (37–14).
• W vs. #25 College of Idaho (Sept. 27).
• Trend: Undefeated, averaging 35 PPG, defense allowing just 20 PPG.

Series History

• All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Limited meetings; Montana Tech leads the series.
• Recent Meetings:
  • 2022: Montana Tech defeated Dakota State.
  • 2021: Montana Tech also victorious.
• Trend: Montana Tech has historically controlled the matchup.

Betting Trends

• Montana Tech Orediggers:
  • 5–0 ATS this season.
  • 3 of last 5 games have gone under due to defensive strength.
• Dakota State Trojans:
• 2–2 ATS this season.
• 3 of last 4 games have gone over due to defensive lapses.

Historical Betting Results

• 2022: Montana Tech –10, won 35–14 → Cover, Under.
• 2021: Montana Tech –7, won 28–17 → Cover, Under.
• 2019: Montana Tech –14, won 42–21 → Cover, Over.

Game Odds

Dakota State Trojans                      53

Montana Tech Orediggers           – 14

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