D2-CFB Game Preview: Bemidji State Beavers (2-4) vs. Wayne State Wildcats (3-3)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Bob Cunningham Field at Memorial Stadium, Wayne, NE

Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. CT

Event: NSIC Conference Game

Broadcast: NSIC Network / ESPN+

Weather Forecast (Wayne, NE)

Kickoff Temp: ~67°F

Conditions: Partly cloudy, mild fall afternoon

Wind: NW at 10–12 mph

Impact: Slight wind could affect special teams and deep passing

Injury Report

Bemidji State: WR Jake Hill returned last week from injury, scoring on a 44-yard TD reception. No new major injuries reported.

Wayne State: No major injuries reported; RB Dawson Forgy (121 YPG, 7 TDs) fully active.

 Player Matchups

Bemidji State Beavers

QB Connor Carver: 431 rushing yards, 4 TD; dual-threat leader.

QB Bart McAninch: 48-71 passing, 67.6% completions, 2 TD.

WR Drayton Lehman: 30 catches, 290 yards.

WR Jake Hill: Returned from injury with a 44-yard TD.

DB Caden Bolte: 42 tackles, 7 pass breakups.

K Connor Mantelli: Perfect 4-for-4 FG, 14/15 PAT.

Wayne State Wildcats

QB Bennett Dannenbring: 562 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT.

RB Dawson Forgy: 121.2 YPG, 7 TD, 5.9 YPC.

WR Dane Petersen: 22 catches, 235 yards, 5 TD.

LB Jes Krcil: 53 tackles, 10 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 FF.

Special Teams: K Boston Hensley (2-6 FG), P Jacob Borrall (40.2 avg).

Key Battle: Bemidji’s QB rushing attack vs. Wayne State’s front seven led by Krcil.

Team Records & Recent Form

Bemidji State

W vs Northern State 24-21

W @ Minot State 28-21

L vs Augustana 42-14

L vs Sioux Falls 56-23

L @ Winona State 21-17

L @ Michigan Tech 37-17

Wayne State

L @ Winona State 21-14

W vs SW Minnesota State 51-6

W @ MSU Moorhead 27-14

W @ Northern State 26-7

W vs Mary 42-7

L vs Nebraska-Kearney 28-21

Series History

All-time (since 1990): Bemidji State leads 12-11

Last meeting (Nov 2, 2024): Bemidji State 37, Wayne State 20

Bemidji State has won 5 straight (2018–2024).

Wayne State’s last win: 2014 (35-13).

Betting Trends

Bemidji State: 2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS; 4-2 O/U

Wayne State: 3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS; 3-3 O/U

Bemidji has won 5 straight in the series.

Wayne State is 3-1 at home this season.

Projected Score: Bemidji State 31, Wayne State 28

Game Odds

Bemidji State Beavers                    48.5

Wayne State Wildcats                   – 3.5

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

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