Kickoff: 1:00 PM CT (2:00 PM ET)
Venue: Alerus Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota (Capacity: ~12,283, indoor facility)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Weather Forecast (Grand Forks, ND)
(Note: Game is indoors at the Alerus Center, so weather won’t affect play, but here’s the local forecast for fans.)
Temperature outside: ~70°F (21°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by evening
Conditions: Mostly cloudy, light southwest winds (6–9 mph)
Impact: No effect on gameplay; comfortable tailgating conditions.
Injury Report
Valparaiso Beacons (Pioneer Football League):
No major injuries reported.
QB Chase Dawson – Healthy, expected starter.
RB Aaron Dawson – Healthy, leads team in rushing.
WR Solomon Davis – Healthy, top receiving target.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks (Missouri Valley Football Conference):
No major injuries reported.
QB Tommy Schuster – Healthy, veteran leader with strong accuracy.
RB Tyler Hoosman – Healthy, averaging 5.0 YPC.
WR Bo Belquist – Healthy, team’s top playmaker.
Key Player Matchups
QB Chase Dawson (Valpo) vs. UND Secondary
Dawson must avoid turnovers against a defense that thrives on pressure.
RB Aaron Dawson (Valpo) vs. UND Front Seven
Dawson’s ability to establish the run is critical for Valpo to control tempo.
QB Tommy Schuster (UND) vs. Valpo Pass Rush
Schuster’s efficiency and quick release make him tough to rattle; Valpo must generate pressure.
WR Bo Belquist (UND) vs. Valpo Corners
Belquist’s speed and route running could create mismatches all game.
Recent Team Form
Valparaiso Beacons (2–0 start, PFL)
9/13: L 30–51 @ Western Illinois
9/6: W 17–18 vs. Davidson
8/30: W 17–14 @ Marist
Trend: Offense averaging 21.3 PPG; defense allowing 30+ vs. stronger opponents.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks (1–1, MVFC)
9/13: L 24–23 @ Montana (#7 FCS)
9/6: W 50–20 vs. Portland State
8/30: L 38–35 @ Kansas State (FBS)
Trend: Offense explosive (42.5 PPG), defense giving up 29 PPG; tested against both FBS and ranked FCS foes.
Series History
First-ever meeting between Valparaiso and North Dakota.
Betting Trends
Valparaiso:
1–4 SU in last 5 games.
2–3 ATS in last 5.
Overs hit in 3 of last 5.
North Dakota:
2–3 SU in last 5 games.
3–2 ATS in last 5.
Overs hit in 3 of last 5.
MVFC vs. PFL: MVFC teams cover ~70% of the time in September non-conference games.
Historical Betting Results
Valparaiso: Struggles ATS against scholarship FCS programs; unders more common when offense stalls.
North Dakota: Strong SU at home (Alerus Center is a fortress), but inconsistent ATS as a heavy favorite.
Cross-Conference Trends: MVFC teams typically dominate PFL opponents both SU and ATS.
Game Odds
Valparaiso Beacons 46.5
North Dakota Fighting Hawks – 35.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
