Venue & Game Info
Stadium: Fred G. Hughes Stadium (capacity ~7,000)
Location: Joplin, Missouri
Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM CT
Broadcast: The MIAA Network / Local Radio (103.3 FM KJLS for FHSU)
Special Note: Military & First Responders Appreciation Day at Missouri Southern
Weather Forecast (Joplin, MO)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm fall afternoon
Temperature: ~76°F at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by evening
Wind: 6–10 mph
Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal effect on passing/kicking
Injury Report
Fort Hays State Tigers:
QB Alex Martinez – Probable (ankle soreness)
RB Chris Thomas – Questionable (hamstring)
Missouri Southern State Lions:
QB Andrew Armstrong – Probable (shoulder soreness)
WR Jaden Lucas – Probable (knee bruise)
Key Player Matchups
QB Alex Martinez (FHSU) vs MSSU Secondary
Martinez has been steady, averaging ~200 passing yards per game; MSSU’s secondary has been inconsistent.
RB Chris Thomas (FHSU) vs LB Tyler Ross (MSSU)
Thomas is FHSU’s workhorse; Ross leads MSSU in tackles.
QB Andrew Armstrong (MSSU) vs FHSU Pass Rush
Armstrong has shown flashes but must avoid turnovers against a Tigers defense that thrives on pressure.
WR Jaden Lucas (MSSU) vs CB Marcus Hall (FHSU)
Lucas is MSSU’s top target; Hall is FHSU’s best cover corner.
Recent Team Form
Fort Hays State (3–2, 2–1 MIAA)
L 28–7 vs #13 Angelo State
W 36–35 @ #5 CSU Pueblo
W 26–7 vs Nebraska‑Kearney
L 31–16 @ #18 Pittsburg State
W 31–23 vs Missouri Western (Homecoming)
Offense: ~23.6 PPG Defense: ~22.0 PPG
Missouri Southern State (2–2, 0–1 MIAA)
W 33–19 vs Midwestern State (TX)
W 38–31 @ Southwest Baptist
L 21–14 vs Northwest Missouri State
L 35–10 @ Central Missouri
Offense: ~23.7 PPG Defense: ~26.2 PPG
Series History
All‑time: Fort Hays State leads the modern series comfortably
Recent:
2024: Fort Hays State 53–9
2023: Fort Hays State 35–22
2022: Fort Hays State 31–14
Trend: FHSU has won 3 straight, all by multiple scores.
ATS (Against the Spread):
Fort Hays State: 3–2 ATS last 5
Missouri Southern: 2–3 ATS last 5
Historical Betting Results:
FHSU has covered in 3 straight vs MSSU
MSSU has failed to cover in 3 of last 4 MIAA games
Projected Score: Fort Hays State 31 – Missouri Southern 20
Game Odds
Fort Hays State Tigers – 7.5
Missouri Southern State Lions 49
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025
