Venue & Logistics
Location: Sabine Field at Haynes Family Stadium, Northfield, Vermont (home of Norwich Cadets)
Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM ET (9:00 AM PT)
Conference: NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) – both teams are league rivals
Weather Forecast (Northfield, VT)
Temperature: ~64°F (18°C) at kickoff
Conditions: Partly cloudy with light winds (5–8 mph)
Precipitation: ~15% chance of light showers
Impact: Mild fall conditions, little to no weather disruption expected
Injury Report (as of latest updates)
Merchant Marine Mariners: No major reported injuries; offensive line depth remains a watchpoint
Norwich Cadets: No confirmed long-term absences; roster rotation expected after early-season physical matchups
(Note: Division III programs often release limited injury details, so official confirmations may be sparse.)
Key Player Matchups
Quarterback Play:
Merchant Marine’s QB has been efficient in option-style offense, leaning on ground control and short passing.
Norwich’s QB showed flashes in their 63–0 win over Maine Maritime (Sept 20, 2025), but consistency has been an issue against stronger defenses.
Running Game:
Merchant Marine thrives on a run-heavy attack, averaging over 200 rushing yards per game in 2024.
Norwich RB unit has been inconsistent, but their offensive line dominated in the Maine Maritime blowout.
Defensive Edge:
Merchant Marine’s front seven has been disruptive, highlighted by a 21–0 shutout of MIT in 2024.
Norwich’s defense has been vulnerable against top-tier NEWMAC opponents, conceding 49 to Merchant Marine last season.
Recent Team Form
Merchant Marine Mariners (2024 finish: 6–4)
W 35–24 vs. WPI (Oct 26, 2024)
W 21–0 vs. MIT (Oct 12, 2024)
L 7–42 vs. Springfield (Nov 9, 2024)
L 21–42 vs. Coast Guard (Nov 16, 2024)
Mixed form: Strong vs. mid-tier, struggled vs. top NEWMAC teams
Norwich Cadets (2025 season so far: 1–2)
L 3–19 @ St. Lawrence (Sept 5, 2025)
L 8–30 @ Vermont State Castleton (Sept 13, 2025)
W 63–0 vs. Maine Maritime (Sept 20, 2025)
Struggles: Offense sputtered in first two games, rebounded against weaker opponent
Series History
All-time head-to-head: Merchant Marine has dominated recent meetings
2024: Merchant Marine 49 – 7 Norwich
2023: Merchant Marine 35 – 14 Norwich
Trend: Merchant Marine has won multiple straight matchups, often by wide margins
Betting Trends
Merchant Marine is 3–2 ATS in its last five games (2024 season close)
Norwich is 1–4 ATS in its last five games (dating back to 2024)
The Over has hit in 3 of Merchant Marine’s last 5 games
Norwich has failed to cover in 5 straight NEWMAC matchups
Historical Betting Results
2024: Merchant Marine (-10.5) covered easily in a 49–7 win (Total: Over 45.5)
2023: Merchant Marine (-7.5) covered in a 35–14 win (Total: Under 52.5)
Totals: Split results – one Over, one Under in the last two years
Game Odds
USMM Academy Mariners – 13.5
Norwich Cadets 48.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025
