Venue & Kickoff
Location: Brown Field, Valparaiso, Indiana
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+ / WVUR 95.1 FM
Capacity: 5,000
Special Note: Part of Valparaiso’s Popcorn Fest Finale — free popcorn for fans and postgame fireworks
Weather Forecast (Valparaiso, IN – Kickoff)
Conditions: Clear skies, cool evening
Temperature: ~62°F at kickoff, dropping into the upper 50s by the 4th quarter
Wind: Light NE at 3–5 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Impact: Ideal football weather; no environmental advantage
Injury Report
Valparaiso
No major injuries reported after Week 1 win over Virginia–Lynchburg
Adrian
No significant injuries reported entering season opener
Team Records & Recent Form
Valparaiso: Opened 2025 with a 67–10 rout of Virginia–Lynchburg — most points since 1958; RB Michael Mansaray 134 rush yds, 2 TD; defense posted 8 sacks, 18 TFL.
Adrian: Finished 2024 at 5–5; last game was a 31–7 loss to Alma; QB play rotated, RB corps averaged 4.2 YPC.
Key Player Matchups
RB Michael Mansaray (VAL) vs. Adrian Front Seven
Mansaray: 8.9 YPC in opener; Adrian allowed 200+ rush yds in 3 of last 5 games in 2024.
QB Cam Tyler (VAL) vs. Adrian Secondary
Tyler: 5/7, 57 yds, 1 TD in opener; efficient game manager.
WR Jax Melchiori (VAL) vs. CB Adrian Coverage Unit
Melchiori: 3 rec, 41 yds in opener; deep-ball threat.
QB Rotation (ADR) vs. Valpo Pass Rush
Valpo: 8 sacks in opener; Adrian must protect to sustain drives.
Series History
All-Time: Series tied 0–0–1
Last Meeting: 1926 — 13–13 tie in Adrian, MI
Note: First meeting in nearly a century
Betting Trends
Valparaiso: 3–2 ATS in last 5; OVER in 3 of last 5 home games
Adrian: 2–3 ATS in last 5 vs. non-conference; OVER in 4 of last 5 road games
Valpo 5–1 SU in last 6 home openers
Game Outlook
This is a rare in-state matchup between programs separated by just over 150 miles but nearly a century in scheduling. Valparaiso’s dominant Week 1 showing and home-field energy during Popcorn Fest make them heavy favorites, while Adrian will look to use this as a measuring stick against FCS competition. Expect the Beacons to lean on Mansaray’s ground game and a relentless pass rush to control the night.
Game Odds
Adrian Bulldogs 55.5
Valparaiso Beacons – 28.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
