NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Benedictine Ravens (2-1) vs. Clarke Pride (0-3)

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Venue & Logistics

  • Venue: Dalzell Field, Dubuque, Iowa (home of Clarke Pride)
  • Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM CDT
  • Broadcast: Heart Conference Network, Clarke Athletics Live Stream, KAIR 93.7 (Benedictine radio)

Weather Forecast (Dubuque, IA)

  • Conditions: Partly sunny with scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 24°C (76°F) at kickoff, cooling to 20°C (68°F) by the fourth quarter
  • Winds: 13 km/h from the northwest
  • Precipitation: 20% chance of light showers
  • Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal disruption expected

Injury Report

  • Benedictine Ravens:
    • QB1 (shoulder soreness) – Probable
    • RB2 (ankle) – Questionable
    • LB1 (hamstring) – Out
  • Clarke Pride:
  • QB1 (wrist) – Probable
  • WR2 (groin) – Game-time decision
  • DB1 (concussion protocol) – Out

Key Player Matchups

  • QB Battle: Benedictine’s veteran QB vs. Clarke’s developing starter – experience vs. upside.
  • RB Committee (Benedictine) vs. Clarke Front Seven – Benedictine’s ground game averages over 180 yards per game; Clarke must plug gaps.
  • WR1 (Clarke) vs. Benedictine Secondary – With WR2 questionable, WR1 will be the focal point; Ravens’ corners must contain him.
  • Special Teams: Both squads have reliable kickers; field position could be decisive in a close contest.

Recent Team Form (2025 Season to Date)

  • Benedictine Ravens (1-1):
    • W vs. Morningside 38-34 (Aug. 30)
    • L at Grand View 24-27 (Sep. 6)
    • Balanced attack; defense allowing 30.5 points per game.
  • Clarke Pride (0-2):
  • L vs. Mount Marty 21-28 (Aug. 30)
  • L at Missouri Valley 14-31 (Sep. 6)
  • Struggling to finish drives; averaging 17.5 points per game, allowing 29.5.

Series History

  • All-Time Meetings: Benedictine leads 4-0 (since Clarke joined HAAC in 2019)
  • Last 3 Meetings: Benedictine 3-0
  • Most Recent: Benedictine 41, Clarke 14 (2024)

Betting Trends

  • Benedictine is 7-2 ATS in last 9 HAAC games.
  • Clarke is 2-8 ATS in last 10 overall.
  • The Under has hit in 5 of the last 7 Benedictine road games.
  • Benedictine is 4-0 straight up all-time vs. Clarke.

Historical Betting Results

  • 2024: Benedictine -13.5, won 41-14 → Cover, Over
  • 2023: Benedictine -10, won 35-17 → Cover, Under
  • 2022: Benedictine -7.5, won 28-10 → Cover, Under

Game Odds

Benedictine Ravens        – 14.5

Clarke Pride                       49

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025

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NCAAFB Editor
Profile: A dedicated college football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical complexity, recruiting landscape, and conference‑wide dynamics. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage of the NCAA football season, blending film study, statistical insight, and historical context to explain how programs evolve from Week 1 through bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Background: With extensive experience covering Division I football, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term program trajectories across all major conferences. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical matchups Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Recruiting analysis, transfer‑portal movement, and roster‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, scheme evolution, and conference‑wide trends Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes, advanced metrics, and recruiting data into insights that resonate with both long‑time college football fans and new followers of the sport. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the tradition, passion, and unpredictability that define NCAA football.