D2-CFB Game Preview: U-Mary Marauders (1-2) vs. Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (1-1)

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Venue: Mattke Field at the Schwan Regional Event Center, Marshall, Minnesota (home of the Mustangs)

Kickoff Time: 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET

Weather Forecast (Marshall, MN)

Conditions: Partly sunny, breezy

Temperature: ~72°F (22°C) at kickoff, cooling to 66°F (19°C) by the fourth quarter

Winds: 10–14 mph from the northwest

Precipitation:

Impact: Passing games may be slightly affected by crosswinds; otherwise, ideal football weather

Injury Report

University of Mary Marauders:

QB1 (ankle soreness) – Probable

RB2 (hamstring) – Questionable

LB1 (shoulder) – Out

Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs:

WR2 (groin) – Game-time decision

DB1 (concussion protocol) – Out

OL starter (knee) – Probable

Key Player Matchups

UMary QB1 vs. SMSU Secondary – Marauders’ passing game has shown flashes; Mustangs’ DBs must hold up with a starter sidelined.

SMSU QB1 vs. UMary Pass Rush – Mustangs’ offense has struggled in recent years; UMary’s defensive front could dictate tempo.

RB Committee (UMary) vs. SMSU Front Seven – Marauders’ ground game is their offensive anchor; SMSU must win the line of scrimmage.

WR1 (SMSU) vs. UMary Corners – With WR2 questionable, WR1 will be the focal point; UMary must double him to avoid explosive plays.

Series History

All-Time Meetings: Competitive NSIC rivalry.

Most Recent: UMary defeated SMSU 15-6 on Nov. 2, 2024.

Trend: UMary has won 2 of the last 3 meetings, including a defensive battle last season.

Betting Trends

UMary is 4-2 ATS in last 6 NSIC games.

SMSU is 1-7 ATS in last 8 overall.

The Under has hit in 5 of UMary’s last 7 games.

UMary is 2-1 SU in last 3 vs. SMSU.

Historical Betting Results

2024: UMary +3.5, won 15-6 → Cover, Under

2023: SMSU -2.5, won 24-17 → Cover, Under

2022: UMary -1.5, won 28-21 → Cover, Over

Game Odds

U-Mary Marauders                                                         – 4.5

Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs                   45.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025

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