Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: Grace P. Johnson Stadium at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Field, Pembroke, North Carolina (Capacity: ~4,000)
Broadcast: ESPN+ / UNCP Braves Sports Network
Weather Forecast (Pembroke, NC)
Temperature: ~82°F (28°C) at kickoff, cooling into the mid-70s by evening
Conditions: Partly cloudy, light winds (5–7 mph)
Impact: Warm but comfortable; no weather disruptions expected.
Injury Report
Ferrum Panthers (1–2, Independent transitioning to DII competition):
QB starter rotation – Healthy; offense averaging just 11.3 PPG.
RB committee – Healthy, but struggling to establish consistency.
WR top target group – Healthy, but limited production against stronger defenses.
Defense – Depth concerns after giving up 30+ in two of three games.
UNC Pembroke Braves (2–1, Mountain East affiliate schedule):
QB Josh Jones – Healthy; 5 TDs, 2 INTs through three games.
RB Isaiah Williams – Healthy; 210 rushing yards, 2 TDs.
WR Aaron Whitaker – Healthy; 15 receptions, 3 TDs.
Defense – No major injuries; unit has allowed 23.3 PPG.
Key Player Matchups
QB Josh Jones (UNCP) vs. Ferrum Secondary
Jones’ efficiency and ability to stretch the field will test a Panthers defense that has struggled against the pass.
RB Isaiah Williams (UNCP) vs. Ferrum Front Seven
Williams’ ability to control tempo could open up play-action opportunities.
Ferrum QB vs. UNCP Pass Rush
The Panthers must protect the quarterback to avoid turnovers against a Braves defense that thrives on pressure.
WR Aaron Whitaker (UNCP) vs. Ferrum Corners
Whitaker’s size and red-zone ability create a mismatch Ferrum must account for.
Recent Team Form
Ferrum Panthers (1–2)
9/13: W 14–6 vs. Shaw
9/6: L 42–7 @ VMI (FCS)
8/30: L 45–13 @ Catawba
Trend: Offense averaging 11.3 PPG; defense allowing 31 PPG.
UNC Pembroke Braves (2–1)
9/13: W 25–21 vs. Delta State
9/6: W 31–24 vs. Fayetteville State
8/30: L 30–21 @ Wingate
Trend: Offense averaging 25.7 PPG; defense allowing 22.0 PPG.
Series History
All-time series: First-ever meeting between Ferrum and UNC Pembroke.
Adds intrigue as a new regional matchup between North Carolina and Virginia programs.
Betting Trends
Ferrum:
2–3 SU in last 5 games.
2–3 ATS in last 5.
Unders hit in 3 of last 5.
UNC Pembroke:
4–1 SU in last 5 games.
3–2 ATS in last 5.
Overs hit in 3 of last 5.
Head-to-Head: No prior meetings.
Historical Betting Results
Ferrum: Struggles ATS as a road underdog; overs common when defense collapses.
UNC Pembroke: Profitable ATS at home; overs frequent when offense is rolling.
DII Trends: Ranked or favored home teams cover ~61% of the time in September non-conference games.
Game Odds
Ferrum Panthers 49
UNC Pembroke Braves – 17
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
