D3-CFB Game Preview: Maryville (TN) Scots (0-0) vs. Hendrix Warriors (0-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Young‑Wise Memorial Stadium – Conway, Arkansas

Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT (Noon ET)

Broadcast: Hendrix Warriors Sports Network (video), Maryville College Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites

Capacity: ~1,500

Weather Forecast (Conway, AR – Kickoff)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, hot, and humid

Temperature: ~88°F (31°C) at kickoff, climbing into the low 90s by mid‑afternoon

Heat Index: Feels like 94°F

Wind: SSW at 6–9 mph

Precipitation: <10%

Impact: Heat and humidity could test depth and conditioning; hydration and rotation management will be key

Injury Report

Maryville (Tenn.)

No major preseason injuries reported.

QB Ian Hubbs expected to start after strong finish to 2024.

RB Ja’Kobi Gillespie (team’s leading rusher) healthy.

WR Chris Cooper (top returning receiver) available.

Defense returns LB Caleb McGill and DB Ethan Williams.

Hendrix

No significant absences reported.

QB Jacob Wood back after starting multiple games in 2024.

RB Evan Williams (team’s leading rusher) healthy.

WR Tyler Rodriguez (top returning target) available.

Defense anchored by LB Dylan Cross and DB Jalen Foster.

Team Records & 2024 Recap

Maryville: 8‑2 overall, USA South champions; averaged 33.4 PPG, allowed 17.9 PPG.

Hendrix: 3‑7 overall, Southern Athletic Association; averaged 19.2 PPG, allowed 31.6 PPG.

Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)

Maryville

L @ DePauw 45‑20 (NCAA First Round)

W @ Berry 20‑16

W vs. N.C. Wesleyan 35‑14

W @ Greensboro 47‑7

W @ Belhaven 42‑11

Hendrix

W @ Sewanee 27‑15

L vs. Trinity (TX) 26‑7

L @ Millsaps 27‑26

L @ Centre 35‑18

L vs. Berry 42‑13

Key Player Matchups

QB Ian Hubbs (MC) vs. Hendrix Secondary

Hubbs’ efficiency and deep‑ball accuracy vs. a unit that allowed 230+ pass yds/game in 2024.

RB Ja’Kobi Gillespie (MC) vs. Hendrix Front Seven

Gillespie’s vision and burst vs. a defense that surrendered 180+ rush yds/game last season.

QB Jacob Wood (HEN) vs. Maryville Pass Rush

Wood’s mobility and quick release will be tested by a front that averaged 3.1 sacks/game in 2024.

WR Tyler Rodriguez (HEN) vs. Maryville CB2

Rodriguez’s route running and contested‑catch skills could be Hendrix’s best shot at chunk plays.

Special Teams

Maryville’s reliable kicking game vs. Hendrix’s aggressive return units — hidden yardage could swing momentum.

Series History

All-Time: First meeting between the programs.

Notable: Hendrix is 10‑2 in home openers since restarting football in 2013; Maryville has won 7 of its last 8 season openers.

Betting Trends

Maryville: 8‑2 SU in 2024; 7‑3 ATS; UNDER in 6 of last 9.

Hendrix: 3‑7 SU in 2024; 4‑6 ATS; OVER in 5 of last 8.

Season openers: Maryville has covered in 5 of last 6; Hendrix 6‑4 ATS in last 10.

Game Odds

Maryville (TN) Scots       – 10

Hendrix Warriors             52.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025

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