D3-CFB Game Preview: Christopher Newport Captains (4-0) vs. Vermont State–Castleton Spartans (2-2)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Dave Wolk Stadium, Castleton, VT

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET

Event: New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) matchup

Broadcast: NJAC Network / Local Radio

Weather Forecast (Castleton, VT)

Kickoff Temp: ~58°F, partly cloudy

Wind: NW at 7–10 mph

Impact: Mild breeze could affect special teams, otherwise excellent football weather

Injury Report

Christopher Newport: No major injuries reported; QB Tyler Nelson (9 TDs, 2 INTs) fully active.

Castleton: RB Ethan Park (ankle) questionable; WR Malik Johnson probable after missing last week.

Player Matchups

Christopher Newport Captains (4-0, 1-0 NJAC)

QB Tyler Nelson: 1,050 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT.

RB Jaylen Cottrell: 310 yards, 4 TD.

WR Ashton Schumann: 28 catches, 420 yards, 3 TD.

Defense: Allowing just 17.5 PPG, with 9 takeaways in 4 games.

VTSU Castleton Spartans (2-3, 0-2 NJAC)

QB Ethan Cooper: 720 yards, 5 TD, 6 INT.

RB Ethan Park: 280 yards, 2 TD (status uncertain).

WR Malik Johnson: 240 yards, 2 TD.

Defense: Allowing 32.4 PPG, struggling against the pass.

Key Battle: Nelson’s passing attack vs. Castleton’s secondary, which has allowed 250+ passing yards in 3 of 5 games.

Team Records & Recent Form

Christopher Newport (4-0)

W vs Trine 38-7

W @ Gettysburg 49-14

W vs Susquehanna 41-27

W @ Rowan 49-41 (2OT)

Castleton (2-2)

W @ Westfield State 16-12

W vs Norwich 30-8

L vs Univ. of New England 35-8

L @ William Paterson 32-7

L vs Rowan 49-41

Series History

All-time: First-ever meeting between the programs.

Castleton joined the NJAC in 2024, making this a new conference rivalry.

Betting Trends

Christopher Newport: 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS; 3-1 O/U.

Castleton: 2-3 SU, 1-4 ATS; 3-2 O/U.

CNU has covered in 7 of last 9 road games.

Castleton has failed to cover in 4 of 5 this season.

Game Odds

Christopher Newport Captains                  – 17

Vermont State–Castleton Spartans          53

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 10, 2025