NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Sterling Warriors (1-4) vs. Bethel (KS) Threshers (2-3)

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NCAAFB Editor
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Venue & Logistics

  • Stadium: Thresher Stadium, North Newton, Kansas (home of Bethel College).
  • Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM CDT.
  • Capacity: ~2,500.
  • Surface: Artificial turf.
  • Conference: Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).

Weather Forecast (North Newton, KS)

  • Conditions: Mostly clear skies, mild evening.
  • Temperature at kickoff: ~22°C (72°F).
  • Winds: 10–15 km/h from the south.
  • Chance of rain: 10%.
  • Impact: Ideal football weather — no disruptions expected.

Injury Report

  • Sterling Warriors (1–4):
    • QB1 healthy, averaging ~190 passing yards/game.
    • RB1 questionable with a hamstring strain.
    • Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).
  • Bethel Threshers (2–3):
  • QB1 healthy, averaging ~200 passing yards/game.
  • WR1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
  • OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.

Key Player Matchups

  • Sterling QB vs. Bethel Secondary:
    Sterling’s QB has been inconsistent (6 TDs, 5 INTs). Bethel’s secondary has allowed 220+ passing yards in 3 of 5 games.
  • Bethel QB vs. Sterling Pass Rush:
    Bethel’s QB has been pressured heavily (11 sacks in 5 games). Sterling averages 2.5 sacks per game.
  • Ground Game Battle:
    Sterling averages 135 rushing yards/game, while Bethel has allowed 160+ rushing yards in 3 of 5 games.
  • WR1 Battle:
    Bethel’s WR1 (averaging 80 yards/game) vs. Sterling’s CB1 — a matchup that could swing momentum.

Recent Team Form

  • Sterling (1–4):
    • L vs. Tabor (34–9).
    • L at Evangel (51–14).
    • L vs. Ottawa (51–20).
    • L at Bethany (34–26).
    • W vs. Avila (Sept. 27).
    • Trend: Offense averaging 17 PPG, defense allowing 42 PPG.
  • Bethel (2–3):
  • L at Southwestern (61–7).
  • L vs. McPherson (33–7).
  • L at Friends (62–0).
  • L vs. Kansas Wesleyan (38–7).
  • W at Saint Mary (38–37).
  • Trend: Snapped a four‑game skid with a close road win; offense averaging 12 PPG in losses, 38 in their lone win.

Series History

  • All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Bethel leads the series in recent years.
  • Recent Meetings:
    • 2024: Bethel defeated Sterling.
    • 2023: Bethel won by double digits.
  • Trend: Bethel has won 3 straight vs. Sterling.

Betting Trends

  • Bethel Threshers:
    • 2–3 ATS this season.
    • 3 of last 5 games have gone under due to offensive inconsistency.
  • Sterling Warriors:
  • 1–4 ATS this season.
  • 4 of last 5 games have gone over due to defensive struggles.

Historical Betting Results

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

Game Odds

Sterling Warriors                              49

Bethel (KS) Threshers                    – 6.5

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