Venue & Game Info
Stadium: West Family Stadium (capacity ~5,000)
Location: West Liberty, West Virginia
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM ET (listed as 10:00 AM PT on ESPN’s Gamecast)
Broadcast: MEC TV / ESPN+ simulcast
Special Note: Hall of Fame Day at West Liberty
Weather Forecast (West Liberty, WV)
Conditions: Partly sunny, mild fall afternoon
Temperature: ~71–73°F at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by evening
Wind: 5–8 mph
Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal effect on passing/kicking
Injury Report
West Virginia State Yellow Jackets:
QB Donovan Riddick – Probable (ankle soreness)
RB Malik Newton – Questionable (hamstring)
West Liberty Hilltoppers:
QB Owen Thomas – Probable (shoulder soreness)
WR Jaden Lucas – Probable (knee bruise)
Key Player Matchups
QB Donovan Riddick (WVSU) vs West Liberty Secondary
Riddick has been efficient in WVSU’s 3–1 start, with multiple TDs and strong accuracy.
RB Malik Newton (WVSU) vs LB Tyler Bradley (WLU)
Newton is WVSU’s workhorse; Bradley leads WLU in tackles.
QB Owen Thomas (WLU) vs WVSU Pass Rush
Thomas has struggled under pressure; WVSU’s defensive front averages multiple sacks per game.
WR Jaden Lucas (WLU) vs CB Malik Johnson (WVSU)
Lucas is WLU’s top target; Johnson is WVSU’s best cover corner.
Recent Team Form
West Virginia State (3–1, 2–0 MEC)
W 60–39 vs Fairmont State (9/27/25)
W 45–16 @ West Virginia Wesleyan (9/20/25)
W 28–14 vs Barton (9/6/25)
L 41–10 @ Carson‑Newman (8/30/25)
Offense: 35.7 PPG Defense: 27.2 PPG
West Liberty (0–5, 0–2 MEC)
L 44–21 @ Concord (9/27/25)
L 21–7 @ Frostburg State (9/20/25)
L 28–14 @ Robert Morris (9/13/25)
L 42–21 vs Seton Hill (9/6/25)
L 38–10 @ Walsh (8/28/25)
Offense: 14.6 PPG Defense: 35.0 PPG
Series History
All‑time: West Liberty leads the historical series, but WVSU has closed the gap in recent years.
Recent:
2024: West Virginia State 35–21
2023: West Virginia State 28–24
Trend: WVSU has won 2 straight, both by multiple scores, signaling a shift in momentum.
ATS (Against the Spread):
WVSU: 3–1 ATS last 4
WLU: 0–5 ATS last 5
Historical Betting Results:
WVSU has covered in 2 straight vs WLU
WLU has failed to cover in 5 straight overall
Projected Score: West Virginia State 38 – West Liberty 17
Game Odds
West Virginia State Yellow Jackets – 14
West Liberty Hilltoppers 56
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025
