Venue & Game Details
Location: Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl – Appleton, Wisconsin
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. CT
Broadcast: Lawrence Vikings Sports Network (video), MLC Knights Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites
Capacity: ~5,000
Weather Forecast (Appleton, WI – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, mild
Temperature: ~72°F (22°C) at kickoff, warming into the mid‑70s by the second half
Wind: WNW at 5–8 mph
Precipitation: <10%
Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; minimal wind effect on passing or kicking
Injury Report
Martin Luther
No major preseason injuries reported.
QB Brady Turriff returns after an impressive collegiate debut vs. Lawrence in 2024 (13‑of‑22, 190 yds, 2 TD).
RB Rees Roecker (92 rush yds, 1 TD last year) healthy.
WR Jude Pederson (5 rec, 105 yds, 2 TD vs. LU) available.
Defense anchored by LB Thomas Balge (11 tackles, sack‑fumble TD, INT in 2024 opener).
Lawrence
No significant absences reported.
QB Aidan Williams back after throwing for 184 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT in last year’s meeting.
WR Alex Lippert (15‑yd TD catch vs. MLC) healthy.
RB Jack Delzer (93 rush yds in 2024 opener) available.
Defense returns multiple starters in the secondary.
Team Records & 2024 Recap
Martin Luther: 6‑4 overall, UMAC; averaged 23.9 PPG, allowed 21.6 PPG.
Lawrence: 0‑10 overall, MWC; averaged 11.4 PPG, allowed 47.8 PPG.
Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)
Martin Luther
L @ Minnesota Morris 41‑7
W vs. Crown 13‑0
L @ Northwestern (MN) 35‑7
W vs. Westminster (MO) 46‑14
L @ Greenville 42‑35
Lawrence
L @ Ripon 41‑0
L vs. Knox 35‑34
L vs. Chicago 64‑14
L @ Illinois College 84‑0
W @ Beloit 24‑10 (only win in last two seasons)
Key Player Matchups
QB Brady Turriff (MLC) vs. Lawrence Secondary
Turriff’s poise and accuracy were decisive in 2024; LU must generate pressure to disrupt timing.
WR Jude Pederson (MLC) vs. CB1 Lawrence
Pederson’s deep‑threat ability vs. a defense that allowed multiple explosive plays last season.
RB Jack Delzer (LU) vs. MLC Front Seven
Delzer’s power running vs. a disciplined Knights run defense.
LB Thomas Balge (MLC) vs. QB Aidan Williams (LU)
Balge’s pass‑rush and coverage skills could again be game‑changing.
Special Teams
MLC’s punt block/return unit scored in 2024; Lawrence must shore up protection.
Series History
All-Time: Martin Luther leads 1‑0
Only Meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 — Martin Luther 35, Lawrence 7 in New Ulm, MN
MLC led 28‑0 at halftime; scored via offense, defense, and special teams.
Balge’s 40‑yd fumble return TD and Reinke’s 36‑yd punt return TD highlighted a dominant effort.
Betting Trends
Martin Luther: 4‑2 ATS in last 6; UNDER in 3 of last 5.
Lawrence: 1‑9 ATS in 2024; OVER in 6 of last 8.
Head-to-Head: MLC covered easily in 2024; total stayed UNDER (42 points vs. 49.5 line).
Game Odds
Martin Luther Knights 49
Lawrence Vikings – 16.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
