D2-CFB Game Preview: Emory & Henry Wasps (5-1) vs. Mars Hill Lions (4-2)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Meares Stadium, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET

Event: SAC Conference Game / Mars Hill Homecoming

Broadcast: ESPN+ / SAC Digital Network

Weather Forecast (Mars Hill, NC)

Kickoff Temp: ~71°F

Conditions: Partly sunny, light clouds

Wind: NW at 6–8 mph

Impact: Minimal; excellent football weather

Injury Report

Emory & Henry: No major injuries reported; K Trace Butcher (SAC Special Teams Player of the Week) fully active.

Mars Hill: No major injuries reported; RB rotation intact.

Player Matchups

Emory & Henry Wasps

QB Jordan Jackson: Efficient passer, 9 TDs, 3 INT.

RB Cam Peoples: 420 yards, 5 TD; physical runner.

WR A.J. Burgess: 310 yards, 3 TD; deep threat.

K Trace Butcher: 43 career FGs, most in program history; 3-for-3 last week vs Carson-Newman.

Defense: Allowing just 16.2 PPG, led by LB Ean Rhea (SAC Defensive Player of the Week).

Mars Hill Lions

QB Caleb Scott: 1,200+ yards, 10 TD, 5 INT.

RB committee led by Jamal Houston: 480 yards, 6 TD.

WR Darius Woods: 400+ yards, 4 TD; reliable possession target.

Defense: Allowing 24.3 PPG, but strong at home (just 17.5 PPG).

Key Battle: Emory & Henry’s stingy defense vs. Mars Hill’s balanced passing attack.

Team Records & Recent Form

Emory & Henry

W @ Glenville State 45-17

W vs Catawba 35-7

L @ Lenoir-Rhyne 31-28

W @ Tusculum 34-13

W vs Anderson 42-13

W vs #22 Carson-Newman 19-13

Mars Hill

W vs Winston-Salem State 28-25

L vs Mary Hardin-Baylor 21-7

W vs Anderson 21-14

W vs Carson-Newman 31-24

W vs Mary Hardin-Baylor 21-7

L @ Catawba 42-28

Series History

All-time: Mars Hill leads the modern series 2-1.

Last meeting (Nov 2, 2024): Mars Hill 31, Emory & Henry 23.

Emory & Henry won the 2023 matchup 24-14.

Betting Trends

Emory & Henry: 5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS; 3-3 O/U.

Mars Hill: 4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS; 4-2 O/U.

E&H has covered in 4 of last 5 SAC games.

Mars Hill overs have hit in 3 of last 4 home games.

Projected Score: Emory & Henry 27, Mars Hill 20

Game Odds

Emory & Henry Wasps                   – 4.5

Mars Hill Lions                                  49.5

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