Game Overview
Date & Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Kickoff 7:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Gordon Wood Stadium, 3206 Milam Drive, Brownwood, TX 76801
Surface: Artificial Turf
Broadcast: Local Radio 94.3 FM KYOX HPU Athletics Live Stream
Weather Report (Brownwood, TX – Kickoff)
Conditions: Clear skies, warm evening
Temperature: ~88°F (31°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 70s by the 4th quarter
Wind: Light, ~6–8 mph from the south-southeast
Precipitation:
Impact: Heat could test depth and conditioning, especially for Pacific traveling from the Pacific Northwest
Injury Report
Pacific: No major injuries reported entering opener under head coach Ian Falconer
Howard Payne: No major injuries reported; head coach Jason Bachtel returns a healthy roster
Recent Team Form (End of 2024)
Pacific – Last 5 Games
W 39–11 vs. George Fox
W 24–10 @ Willamette
L 28–68 vs. Linfield
L 32–39 vs. Whitworth
L 37–51 @ Lewis & Clark
Howard Payne – Last 5 Games
L 7–63 @ Mary Hardin‑Baylor
L 17–38 vs. East Texas Baptist
L 17–44 @ Hardin‑Simmons
L 0–41 vs. Mary Hardin‑Baylor
L 33–42 @ East Texas Baptist
Key Player Matchups
Pacific QB vs. Howard Payne Secondary
Pacific’s passing game averaged over 230 YPG in 2024; HPU allowed 250+ pass YPG.
Look for Pacific to test HPU’s corners early with vertical routes.
Howard Payne QB vs. Pacific Pass Rush
HPU’s offense struggled with turnovers in 2024; Pacific’s defensive front will aim to create pressure and force quick throws.
Pacific WR1 vs. HPU CB1
Pacific’s top returning wideout is a deep threat; HPU must avoid giving up explosive plays over the top.
HPU RB Corps vs. Pacific Front Seven
Establishing the run is key for HPU to control tempo and keep Pacific’s offense off the field.
Series History
All-Time: First recorded meeting between the programs
Notable: Rare inter‑regional DIII matchup — NWC vs. ASC — providing a unique early‑season test for both sides
Betting Trends (Based on 2024 Data)
Pacific
3–2 ATS in last 5 games
Over in 4 of last 5 games
1–4 SU in road games
Howard Payne
1–4 ATS in last 5 games
Over in 3 of last 5 games
1–4 SU at home
Suggested Wagering Model
Model Inputs:
Pacific’s offensive balance vs. HPU’s defensive vulnerabilities
HPU’s home‑field advantage in Texas heat vs. Pacific’s long travel
Both teams’ defensive struggles in 2024 point toward higher scoring potential
Game Odds
Pacific U Boxers – 4.5
Howard Payne Yellow Jackets 54.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, September 3, 2025
