Venue, Date & Time
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Saxon Stadium, 501 E. 38th St., Erie, Pennsylvania
Surface: FieldTurf
Broadcast: ESPN+ / NEC Front Row
Weather Forecast (Erie, PA – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly sunny
Temperature: ~63°F (17°C) at kickoff, warming to the upper 60s by the 4th quarter
Wind: Light, 4–6 mph from the northwest
Precipitation:
Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; minimal effect on passing or kicking
Injury Report
(As of mid‑week; subject to change)
New Haven
No major injuries reported after Week 1 loss at Marist.
Mercyhurst
No significant injuries reported after Week 1 loss at Youngstown State.
Notes:
New Haven is a perennial NE10 contender stepping up in class against an NEC opponent.
Mercyhurst is in its first seasons of NEC play after moving up from Division II.
Recent Team Form (Last 5 Games, incl. 2024)
New Haven
L 31‑14 @ Marist (2025)
L 14‑7 @ Slippery Rock (2024 NCAA DII Playoffs)
W 41‑14 vs. Pace (2024)
W 14‑11 @ St. Anselm (2024)
W 51‑7 vs. Post (2024)
Mercyhurst
L 24‑15 @ Youngstown State (2025)
W 21‑20 vs. Saint Francis (PA) (2024)
W 66‑0 vs. Lincoln (PA) (2024)
L 31‑24 @ Duquesne (2024)
L 31‑14 @ Sacred Heart (2024)
Key Player Matchups
Quarterbacks
NH – A. Duffy: 31‑of‑55, 377 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT in Week 1 — high‑volume passer who will test Mercyhurst’s secondary.
MERC – A. Urena: 32‑of‑48, 311 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT in Week 1 — efficient but must limit turnovers.
Skill Players
NH – J. Tracey (WR): 9 REC, 145 YDS in opener — deep threat and chain‑mover.
MERC – D. Evans (WR): 7 REC, 95 YDS, 1 TD — reliable target in red zone and on third down.
Run Game
NH – B. Thomas: 8 CAR, 16 YDS — ground game struggled vs. Marist; needs improvement to balance offense.
MERC – B. Trobel: 7 CAR, 40 YDS — averaged 5.7 YPC in opener; could be key to controlling tempo.
Defensive Focus
New Haven’s front seven must generate pressure to disrupt Urena’s timing.
Mercyhurst’s secondary will be tested by Duffy’s willingness to throw 50+ times.
Series History
First‑ever meeting between the programs.
Mercyhurst is 18‑3 vs. non‑Division I opponents since joining the FCS/NEC.
New Haven is 3‑7 in its last 10 games vs. Division I‑FCS opponents.
Betting Trends (Modelled)
New Haven
6‑4 ATS in last 10 games (DII lines).
Under has hit in 6 of last 9 games.
1‑4 SU in last 5 road games vs. D1 opponents.
Mercyhurst
4‑6 ATS in last 10 games (FCS lines).
3‑2 SU in last 5 home games.
Over is 3‑1 in last 4 non‑conference games.
Suggested Wagering Model
Model Inputs:
Mercyhurst’s home‑field advantage and depth as an FCS roster.
New Haven’s pass‑heavy approach vs. Mercyhurst’s secondary.
Both QBs capable of 300+ yard games; potential for quick scoring drives.
Game Odds
New Haven Chargers 51.5
Mercyhurst Lakers – 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
