D3-CFB Game Preview:  Saint John’s (MN) Jonnies (9-1) vs. Monmouth (IL) Fighting Scots (9-1)

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Venue & Game Info

Location: Clemens Stadium, Collegeville, Minnesota

Kickoff: 12:00 PM CT

Capacity: ~7,500 (outdoor stadium)

Weather Forecast: Cold, ~34°F, cloudy skies, NW winds 12–15 mph, chance of light snow flurries

Broadcast: NCAA.com / ESPN+

Injury Report

Saint John’s (MN): QB Aaron Syverson (shoulder soreness) probable; RB Henry Trost (ankle) questionable.

Monmouth (IL): WR Nathan Thornton (hamstring) probable; LB Jack O’Donnell (knee) out for season.

Key Player Matchups

Quarterbacks:

Saint John’s: Aaron Syverson – 2,785 yards, 27 TD, 6 INT

Monmouth: Carter Boyer – 2,345 yards, 21 TD, 8 INT

Running Backs:

Saint John’s: Henry Trost – 1,045 yards, 12 TD (questionable)

Monmouth: Devin Lawrence – 987 yards, 9 TD

Receivers:

Saint John’s: Jimmy Buck – 865 yards, 8 TD

Monmouth: Nathan Thornton – 1,102 yards, 10 TD (probable)

Defensive Leaders:

Saint John’s: LB Ethan Stark – 102 tackles, 7 sacks

Monmouth: DL Jack O’Donnell – 88 tackles, 9 sacks (injured)

Recent Team Form

Saint John’s:

W vs Bethel (28-24)

W vs Gustavus Adolphus (35-21)

L vs St. Olaf (31-20)

W vs Concordia-Moorhead (42-14)

W vs Carleton (38-17)

Monmouth:

W vs Illinois College (27-24)

W vs Knox (35-14)

L vs Lake Forest (31-28)

W vs Ripon (41-10)

W vs Beloit (38-17)

Series History

First-ever postseason meeting between Saint John’s and Monmouth.

Programs have not met in regular season play, making this a fresh matchup.

Betting Trends

Saint John’s has covered in 4 of last 5 games.

Monmouth is 3-2 ATS in last 5, but struggled against nationally ranked opponents.

Saint John’s games trend under due to strong defense; Monmouth games trend over due to offensive shootouts.

Historical Betting Results

Saint John’s covered vs Bethel (-3.5), winning 28–24.

Monmouth failed to cover vs Lake Forest (+2.5), losing 31–28.

Saint John’s 7–3 ATS in playoff games since 2020.

Monmouth 5–3 ATS in playoff games since 2019.

Projected Score: Saint John’s 31 – Monmouth 20

Reasoning: Saint John’s balanced offense and MIAC-tested defense should control the game. Monmouth’s upset potential hinges on Boyer’s passing efficiency and Thornton’s big-play ability, but Saint John’s depth and postseason pedigree make them strong favorites.

Final Take: Expect a physical, defensive-minded playoff clash. Saint John’s MIAC championship pedigree meets Monmouth’s MWC grit, with the Johnnies favored to advance at home in Collegeville.

Game Odds

Saint John’s (MN) Jonnies                            – 10.5

Monmouth (IL) Fighting Scots                    49

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025