Venue, Date & Time
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Elliot Field Athletic Complex, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Surface: FieldTurf
Broadcast: School streaming platforms / local coverage
Weather Forecast (Fitchburg, MA – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly sunny
Temperature: ~78°F (26°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by the 4th quarter
Wind: Light, 4–6 mph from the northwest
Precipitation:
Impact: Ideal early‑season conditions; no significant effect on passing or kicking
Injury Report
(As of mid‑week; subject to change)
Dean
No major injuries reported entering opener.
Depth chart intact from preseason camp.
Fitchburg State
No significant injuries reported; full roster expected for Week 1.
2024 Postseason:
Neither team qualified for the NCAA playoffs.
Fitchburg State finished 6th in the MASCAC, winning 2 of its last 4 games.
Dean endured a winless season, shut out in 6 of 10 contests.
Recent Team Form (Last 5 Games of 2024)
Dean
L 63–0 @ Anna Maria
L 23–6 vs. Gallaudet
L 58–0 @ Alfred State
L 24–0 vs. Husson
L 68–0 @ Univ. of New England
Fitchburg State
L 22–7 @ Westfield State
L 26–21 vs. Plymouth State
L 17–9 @ Bridgewater State
W 26–6 vs. Castleton
L 21–3 vs. Mass. Maritime
Key Player Matchups
Dean Offense vs. Fitchburg State Defense
Dean averaged just 3.9 PPG in 2024; finding any offensive rhythm will be critical.
Fitchburg’s defense allowed 21.5 PPG and was opportunistic, forcing turnovers in key spots.
Fitchburg State Offense vs. Dean Defense
Fitchburg averaged 16.1 PPG last season, leaning on a run‑first approach.
Dean’s defense allowed 36.4 PPG; stopping the run will be essential to avoid long, clock‑draining drives.
Special Teams Edge
Fitchburg’s kicking game was more consistent in 2024; Dean must avoid giving up hidden yardage in the return game.
Series History
All‑Time: Series tied 2–2 since 2021
Last Meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 – Fitchburg State 12, Dean 0 (in Franklin, MA)
Trend: Fitchburg has won 2 of the last 3 meetings, including a shutout last year.
Largest Margin of Victory: Dean 42–6 (2021)
Smallest Margin of Victory: Fitchburg 33–28 (2022)
Betting Trends (Modelled)
Fitchburg State
2–1 SU in last 3 vs. Dean.
2–3 SU in last 5 games of 2024.
Under has hit in 3 of last 4 meetings.
Dean
0–10 SU in 2024; shut out in 6 games.
0–5 SU in last 5 games of 2024.
Averaged 1 TD or fewer in 9 of 10 games last season.
Suggested Wagering Model
Model Inputs:
Fitchburg’s home‑field advantage and defensive edge.
Dean’s offensive struggles and inability to sustain drives in 2024.
Historical trend toward low‑scoring games in this matchup.
Game Odds
Dean Bulldogs 42.5
Fitchburg State Falcons – 14.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, September 4, 2025
