Venue & Logistics
Venue: Barron Stadium, Rome, Georgia (home of Shorter University Hawks)
Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM ET
Competition: NCAA Division II non-conference matchup
Weather Forecast (Rome, GA)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm afternoon
Temperature: ~84°F (29°C) at kickoff, cooling to 78°F (25°C) by the fourth quarter
Winds: 6–10 mph from the southwest
Precipitation:
Impact: Classic southern September football weather; hydration and depth could be factors
Injury Report
Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons:
QB1 (ankle soreness) – Probable
RB2 (hamstring) – Questionable
LB1 (shoulder) – Out
Shorter Hawks:
WR2 (groin) – Game-time decision
DB1 (concussion protocol) – Out
OL starter (knee) – Probable
Key Player Matchups
VUL QB1 vs. Shorter Secondary – The Dragons’ passing game has been inconsistent; Shorter’s DBs must capitalize on turnover chances.
Shorter RB Committee vs. VUL Front Seven – The Hawks’ ground game is their offensive anchor; Dragons must control the trenches.
WR1 (VUL) vs. Shorter Corners – With WR2 questionable, WR1 will be the focal point; Shorter must double him to avoid explosive plays.
Special Teams: Both squads have shown inconsistency in the kicking game; field position could be decisive.
Series History
All-Time Meetings: Limited; this is a rare non-conference matchup.
Most Recent: Shorter defeated Virginia-Lynchburg in their last meeting (2023).
Trend: Shorter has historically controlled the matchup when played in Rome.
Betting Trends
Virginia-Lynchburg is 0-5 ATS in last 5 road games.
Shorter is 4-2 ATS in last 6 home games.
The Over has hit in 4 of VUL’s last 5 games due to defensive struggles.
Shorter is 2-0 SU in last 2 vs. VUL.
Historical Betting Results
2023: Shorter -14.5, won 42-14 → Cover, Over
2022: Shorter -10.5, won 35-17 → Cover, Over
2021: Shorter -7.5, won 28-20 → Cover, Over
Game Odds
Virginia-U Lynchburg Dragons 52
Shorter Hawks – 17.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
