Game Details
Yager Stadium at Moore Bowl • Topeka, KS
TV: MIAA Digital Network • Radio: KTPK 106.9 FM
Team Overviews
Truman State Bulldogs
– 2024 Finish: 7–4 overall, 4–3 in the GLVC.
– Head Coach: Ken Elliott (third season). Elliott’s pro-spread offense averaged 35.2 points and 425 yards per game last year, led by dual-threat QB Philip Dunn.
– Offense: Dunn’s quick-game passing (62 % completion) pairs with senior RB James Carter, who churned out 1,150 rush yards at 5.4 YPC. The Bulldogs return five offensive starters, including three on the line that paved lanes on 45 % of their carries.
– Defense: Coordinator Lisa Morales runs a 4-2-5 nickel that ranked top three in the GLVC in third-down defense (34 %). All-GLVC LB Marcus Reed (112 tackles, 3 INT) anchors the unit and adds sideline-to-sideline range.
Washburn Ichabods
– 2024 Finish: 8–3 overall, 5–2 in the MIAA.
– Head Coach: Zach Watkins (first season). Watkins brings a power-run, play-action scheme that averaged 200 rush yards per game.
– Offense: Senior QB Will Martin (2,450 pass yds, 20 TDs) returns alongside All-MIAA RB Terrance Davis (1,020 rush yds, 12 TDs). Washburn’s offensive line returns four starters who graded +85 PFF in run-blocking last year.
– Defense: Defensive coordinator Chris Hartfield’s base 3-4 front yielded 36 sacks and forced 18 turnovers in 2024. Edge rusher Marcus Smith (8 sacks) and safety DeAndre Coleman (5 INT) lead a bend-but-don’t-break secondary.
Coaching & Schemes
- Truman State’s Elliott emphasizes tempo and motion, using jet sweeps and mesh-concept looks to create one-on-one matchups for Carter and Dunn.
- Watkins leans on downhill inside-zone runs, then opens the field with play-action shots to Martin’s deep targets. Defensively, Washburn disguises pressures with delayed blitzes from their ILBs.
Key Matchups
- Truman State RPO vs. Washburn front seven
If Elliott’s RPOs neutralize the Ichabods’ 3-4 blitzes, the Bulldogs can sustain drives. A hot start could make a live bet on Truman +6.5 profitable. - Washburn’s run game vs. Truman’s edge defense
Davis and Martin’s carries set up play action. If the Ichabods average over 5 YPC in the first half, backing Washburn −6.5 and a First-Quarter Washburn ML makes sense. - Third-down efficiency
Both defenses underperformed between the 20s last fall. Lean Under 50.5 if this becomes a field-position battle with punts and missed FG attempts. - Turnover battle
Reed and Coleman both project for 4+ takeaways. Consider a “Defense to Record a Turnover” prop on the side you trust more.
Broadcast & Streaming Info
Watch live on the MIAA Digital Network. Audio coverage on KTPK 106.9 FM with pregame at 12:30 PM CT. Live stats and highlights at MIAAsports.com.
Game Odds
Truman State Bulldogs – 6.5
Washburn Ichabods 56.5 Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
