Game Information
Kickoff: 6 p.m. Central Time
Venue: Blakeslee Stadium (7,500), Mankato, Minn.
Broadcast: NSIC Network (stream), Live Audio, Live Stats, Tickets available online
Series History
– Minnesota State leads the all-time series, 10–8, and has won the last two meetings.
– In Maryville last year, the Mavericks opened with a 36–22 win.
– The only prior trip to Blakeslee Stadium ended in a 38–35 double-overtime thriller in the 2012 D-II playoffs, also won by Minnesota State.
Season Outlook
Minnesota State Mavericks
– Picked as the NSIC preseason favorite, earning 11 first-place votes from conference coaches.
– Ranked No. 11 in the preseason AFCA poll, returning a veteran roster on both sides of the ball.
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats
– Opening under first-year head coach John McMenamin, aiming for his first win at the helm.
– Projected to finish sixth in the MIAA coaches’ poll and fifth by the media.
– Received 21 votes in the preseason AFCA poll despite not cracking the top 25.
X-Factors to Watch
Northwest Missouri State Special Teams
Freshman kicker Andrew Sanders showed 50-yard range in preseason drills. Field position battles will hinge on his consistency.
Minnesota State Secondary Pressure
The Maverick secondary, led by senior cornerback Marcus Williams, aims to force errant QB throws and generate early turnovers.
Bearcat Offensive Line Cohesion
McMenamin’s system relies on zone-blocking schemes. How quickly the O-line gels will dictate rushing success.
Betting Outlook
Key angles:
Minnesota State covers 4 of their last 5 openers as a small favorite.
Northwest is 4–1 all-time vs. No. 11 teams, winning their last such matchup 14–9 in 2024.
Look for value on the over if both defenses struggle early with new schemes.
Game Odds
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats 54.5
Minnesota State Mavericks – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
