Venue & Game Info
Stadium: James S. Malosky Stadium (capacity ~6,000)
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM CT (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
Broadcast: NSIC Network / Local Radio
Weather Forecast (Duluth, MN)
Conditions: Partly cloudy, crisp fall afternoon
Temperature: ~63°F at kickoff, dipping into the 50s by evening
Wind: 8–12 mph off Lake Superior
Impact: Passing/kicking may be slightly affected by crosswinds
Injury Report
Southwest Minnesota State (SMSU):
QB J. Thompson – Probable (ankle soreness)
RB Malik Johnson – Questionable (hamstring)
Minnesota Duluth (UMD):
QB Logan Graetz – Probable (shoulder soreness)
WR Dominic Felker – Probable (ankle tweak)
Key Player Matchups
QB Logan Graetz (UMD) vs SMSU Secondary
Graetz has been efficient, leading a balanced Bulldogs offense.
RB Malik Johnson (SMSU) vs LB Cade Wiese (UMD)
Johnson is SMSU’s best offensive weapon; Wiese leads UMD in tackles.
WR Dominic Felker (UMD) vs CB Marcus Hall (SMSU)
Felker is UMD’s top deep threat; Hall is SMSU’s most experienced corner.
SMSU Offensive Line vs UMD Pass Rush
UMD’s front seven has been dominant, averaging 3+ sacks per game.
Recent Team Form
Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (5–0, 4–0 NSIC, ranked Top‑15 DII)
W 28–14 vs Minnesota State Moorhead
W 34–17 @ Sioux Falls
W 17–14 vs Minnesota State Mankato
W 61–28 @ Concordia–St. Paul
W 35–7 vs Winona State
Offense: 35.0 PPG Defense: 16.0 PPG
Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (1–4, 1–3 NSIC)
L 51–6 @ Wayne State (NE)
W 40–20 vs University of Mary
L 12–7 vs Jamestown
L 51–23 @ Minnesota State Moorhead
L 27–21 vs Northern State
Offense: 17.4 PPG Defense: 36.2 PPG
Series History
All‑time: Minnesota Duluth dominates the series
Recent:
2024: UMD 62–0
2023: UMD 33–6
Trend: UMD has won 10+ straight meetings, often by large margins.
ATS (Against the Spread):
UMD: 4–1 ATS last 5
SMSU: 1–4 ATS last 5
Historical Betting Results:
UMD has covered in 3 of last 4 vs SMSU
SMSU has failed to cover in 4 of last 5 NSIC games
Projected Score: Minnesota Duluth 45 – Southwest Minnesota State 13
Game Odds
Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs 53.5
Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs – 28
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025
