Game Overview
Date & Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Kickoff 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Arnold Field, 101 N. College Ave., Annville, PA 17003
Surface: Natural Grass
Broadcast: LVC All‑Access / Centennial‑MAC Digital Network
Weather Report (Annville, PA – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly clear skies, light evening breeze
Temperature: ~74°F (23°C) at kickoff, dipping into the upper 60s by the 4th quarter
Wind: ~5–7 mph from the northwest — minimal impact on passing/kicking
Precipitation:
Injury Report
Franklin & Marshall: No major injuries reported entering opener
Lebanon Valley: No major injuries reported entering opener
Recent Team Form (End of 2024)
Franklin & Marshall – Last 5 Games
W 30–10 vs Lebanon Valley
W 21–14 vs Ursinus
L 14–28 @ Johns Hopkins
W 31–17 @ McDaniel
W 27–21 vs Gettysburg
Lebanon Valley – Last 5 Games
L 10–30 @ Franklin & Marshall
L 14–28 vs Widener
W 35–14 @ Albright
L 17–31 vs Stevenson
W 21–20 @ Misericordia
Key Player Matchups
F&M QB vs. LVC Secondary
The Diplomats’ passing game was efficient in 2024, averaging 210 YPG; LVC allowed 220+ pass YPG last season.
LVC RB Corps vs. F&M Front Seven
Lebanon Valley’s ground game averaged 4.3 YPC in 2024; F&M’s run defense was stout, holding opponents under 100 YPG in 5 games.
Special Teams Impact
F&M’s return units have been a hidden weapon in recent matchups; LVC’s coverage units must avoid giving up field position swings.
Series History
All-Time: Franklin & Marshall leads 34–9–1
First Meeting: Oct. 7, 1899 – F&M 28, LVC 0
Last Meeting: Sept. 6, 2024 – F&M 30, LVC 10 (Lancaster, PA)
Recent Trend: F&M has won 9 of the last 10 meetings (2014–2024)
Largest Margin of Victory: F&M 87–0 (1902)
Closest Game: F&M 5–4 (1908)
Betting Trends
Franklin & Marshall
9–1 SU in last 10 vs. LVC
6–4 ATS in last 10 meetings
Under has hit in 3 of last 4 matchups
Lebanon Valley
1–4 SU in last 5 home games
2–3 ATS in last 5 overall
Over is 3–2 in last 5 overall
Suggested Wagering Model
Model Inputs:
F&M’s historical dominance in series + returning core on defense
LVC’s home‑field boost but inconsistent offensive production vs. top‑tier Centennial defenses
Weather: neutral impact
Early‑season opener — potential for conservative play‑calling early
Game Odds
Franklin & Marshall Diplomats – 9.5
Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen 47.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, September 3, 2025
