D3-CFB Game Preview: Greenville Panthers (0-0) vs. Illinois College Blueboys (0-0)

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Game Overview

Date & Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Kickoff 5:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. ET

Venue: England Stadium, 1101 West College Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Surface: Artificial Turf

Broadcast: Illinois College Athletics Live Stream / Local Radio

Weather Report (Jacksonville, IL – Kickoff)

Conditions: Clear skies, warm late‑summer evening

Temperature: ~73°F (23°C) at kickoff, cooling into the mid‑60s by the 4th quarter

Wind: Light, ~5–7 mph from the northwest

Precipitation:

Impact: Ideal conditions for both passing and kicking games

Injury Report

Greenville: No major injuries reported entering opener under head coach Robbie Schomaker

Illinois College: No major injuries reported; head coach Ray DeFrisco returns a healthy roster

Recent Team Form (End of 2024)

Greenville – Last 5 Games

W 29–0 @ Crown

L 34–42 @ Northwestern (MN)

W 45–7 vs Westminster (MO)

W 42–27 @ Minnesota Morris

W 42–35 vs Martin Luther

Illinois College – Last 5 Games

W 96–14 vs Beloit

W 42–14 vs Cornell (IA)

W 56–14 @ Grinnell

W 84–0 vs Lawrence

W 77–34 @ Knox

Key Player Matchups

Greenville QB vs. Illinois College Secondary

Greenville’s offense averaged over 40 PPG in 2024; IC’s defense allowed just 10.8 PPG.

The Panthers’ QB must avoid turnovers against a ball‑hawking secondary that recorded multiple pick‑sixes last season.

Illinois College QB vs. Greenville Pass Rush

IC’s passing game was lethal in 2024, averaging 300+ YPG; Greenville’s front seven must generate pressure to disrupt timing.

Greenville RB Corps vs. IC Front Seven

Establishing the run will be key to keeping IC’s offense off the field; IC allowed under 90 rush YPG last year.

Special Teams Impact

Illinois College’s return units produced multiple TDs in 2024; Greenville must win the field position battle to stay competitive.

Series History

All-Time: Illinois College leads 4–0 (since 2019)

Last Meeting: Nov. 2, 2024 – Illinois College 56, Greenville 14 (Grinnell, IA)

Average Margin (Last 4): IC +32.5 PPG

Notable: IC has scored 42+ points in every meeting

Betting Trends (Based on 2024 Data)

Greenville

4–1 ATS in last 5 games

Over in 3 of last 5 games

4–1 SU in road games

Illinois College

5–0 ATS in last 5 games

Over in 4 of last 5 games

5–0 SU at home

Head-to-Head

Illinois College 4–0 SU & ATS vs. Greenville since 2019

Over has hit in 3 of last 4 meetings

Suggested Wagering Model

Model Inputs:

Illinois College’s offensive firepower (avg. 65.0 PPG in last 5 games of 2024) vs. Greenville’s defense (avg. 22.2 PPG allowed in 2024)

Greenville’s ability to score in bunches but tendency to give up big plays vs. elite passing attacks

IC’s dominant home record and historical series control

Game Odds

Greenville Panthers                       56.5

Illinois College Blueboys              – 21.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, September 3, 2025