Venue & Game Details
Location: Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium, Lexington, VA
Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
Weather Forecast
Expected Conditions: Late November in Lexington typically brings cool, crisp air. Forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, temperatures around 52°F, light winds (5–10 mph).
Impact: Favorable for passing offenses; minimal weather disruption expected.
Injury Report
Western Carolina: No major reported injuries to starting QB Taron Dickens or top receivers. Minor depth chart concerns at RB.
VMI: WR Owen Sweeney (team leader in receiving yards) is probable despite lingering ankle soreness. RB rotation remains thin due to earlier-season injuries.
Key Player Matchups
Taron Dickens (WCU QB) vs. VMI Secondary: Dickens leads FCS in passing yards per game (356.5), facing a defense allowing 257.2 passing yards per game.
James Tyre & Malik Knight (WCU WRs) vs. VMI CBs: Both receivers combine for over 1,000 yards and 11 TDs.
Collin Shannon (VMI QB) vs. WCU’s pass rush: Shannon averages 231 YPG but faces pressure from a defense that thrives on forcing turnovers.
Recent Team Forms
Western Carolina (6–5): High-scoring offense (37.7 PPG), inconsistent defense (36 PPG allowed). Won 3 of last 5.
VMI (1–10): Struggling offense (16.8 PPG), porous defense (36.6 PPG allowed). Lost 8 straight.
Series History
Series History: Western Carolina leads all-time series comfortably; recent meetings have been lopsided in favor of the Catamounts.
Betting
Odds (Projected): Western Carolina -17.5, O/U 62.5.
Trends:
WCU is 4–2 ATS when scoring 36+ points.
VMI is 0–5 ATS when holding opponents under 37 points.
Historically, WCU covers spreads against VMI due to offensive mismatch.
Historical Betting Results
Past 5 meetings: Western Carolina has covered in 4 of 5, with average margin of victory over 20 points.
Totals: 3 of last 5 games have gone OVER due to WCU’s offense and VMI’s defensive struggles.
Final Score Projection: Western Carolina 41, VMI 17.
Game Odds
Western Carolina Catamounts – 17.5
Virginia Military Institute Keydets 62.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 21, 2025
