Kickoff: 4:00 PM CT (5:00 PM ET)
Venue: Fred G. Hughes Stadium, Joplin, Missouri (Capacity: ~7,000)
Broadcast: MIAA Network / ESPN+ / Bearcat Radio Network
Weather Forecast (Joplin, MO)
Temperature: ~80°F (27°C) at kickoff, cooling into the low 70s by evening
Conditions: Mostly sunny, light winds (5–8 mph)
Impact: Ideal early fall football weather; no disruptions expected.
Injury Report
Northwest Missouri State (2–1, 1–0 MIAA):
QB Mike Hohensee – Healthy; 6 TDs, 2 INTs through three games.
RB Jay Harris – Healthy; 210 rushing yards, 2 TDs.
WR Kaden Davis – Healthy; 3 TDs, 220 yards receiving.
Defense – No major injuries; unit forced 3 turnovers vs. Texas A&M–Kingsville.
Missouri Southern State (2–0, 0–0 MIAA):
QB Luke Matthews – Healthy; 4 TDs, 1 INT in first two games.
RB Javon Williams – Healthy; 185 rushing yards, 2 TDs.
WR Tyler O’Neal – Healthy; 12 receptions, 2 TDs.
Defense – Healthy; allowed just 25 PPG through two games.
Key Player Matchups
QB Mike Hohensee (NWMSU) vs. MSSU Secondary
Hohensee’s efficiency will test a Lions defense that has been opportunistic early.
RB Jay Harris (NWMSU) vs. MSSU Front Seven
Harris’ ability to establish the run could open up play-action opportunities.
QB Luke Matthews (MSSU) vs. NWMSU Pass Rush
Matthews must avoid turnovers against a Bearcats defense that thrives on pressure.
WR Kaden Davis (NWMSU) vs. MSSU Corners
Davis’ deep-threat ability could stretch the field and create mismatches.
Recent Team Form
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats (2–1, 1–0 MIAA)
9/13: W 49–20 vs. Texas A&M–Kingsville
9/6: W 34–7 @ Washburn
8/28: L 38–14 @ Minnesota State (Top 10 nationally)
Trend: Offense averaging 32.3 PPG; defense allowing 21.7 PPG.
Missouri Southern State Lions (2–0, 0–0 MIAA)
9/6: W 38–31 @ Southwest Baptist
8/30: W 33–19 vs. Midwestern State (TX)
Trend: Offense averaging 35.5 PPG; defense allowing 25.0 PPG.
Series History
All-time series: Northwest Missouri State leads 29–7.
Last meeting (2024): Northwest Missouri State won 38–10.
MSSU’s last win came in 1993.
Bearcats have won 28 straight in the series.
Betting Trends
Northwest Missouri State:
4–1 SU in last 5 games.
3–2 ATS in last 5.
Unders hit in 3 of last 5.
Missouri Southern State:
3–2 SU in last 5 games.
2–3 ATS in last 5.
Overs hit in 3 of last 5.
Head-to-Head: Northwest has covered in 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Historical Betting Results
Northwest Missouri State: Profitable ATS as a road favorite; unders common when defense dominates.
Missouri Southern State: Struggles ATS against ranked MIAA opponents; overs more frequent when defense falters.
MIAA Trends: Road favorites cover ~60% of the time in September conference games.
Game Odds
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats – 13.5
Missouri Southern State Lions 52
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
