Venue & Logistics
Stadium: Nokes-Lasater Field, Lebanon, Tennessee
Kickoff Time: 1:30 PM CT (2:30 PM ET)
Conference: Mid-South Conference (MSC) clash
Weather Forecast (Lebanon, TN)
Temperature: 72°F at kickoff, dipping to 66°F by the 4th quarter
Conditions: Mostly sunny, light winds (6–8 mph)
Impact: Excellent football weather—passing and kicking games unaffected
Injury Report
Cumberland Phoenix (3-2):
RB Jeremiah Bryant – Questionable (hamstring, limited in practice)
WR Jarrius Rogers – Probable (shoulder, expected to play)
OL depth thin after early-season injuries
Bethel Wildcats (2-2):
QB Ben Nixon – Probable (ankle tweak last week, should start)
RB Jordan Cason – Healthy, but workload may be shared with CJ Campbell
Secondary fully available after early-season absences
Key Player Matchups
Cumberland QB Luke Holloway vs. Bethel Pass Defense
Holloway is completing over 70% of his passes this season and doubles as the team’s leading rusher. Bethel’s secondary has been inconsistent, allowing multiple big plays in recent weeks.
Bethel RB Jordan Cason vs. Cumberland Front Seven
Cason has 350+ rushing yards already, but Cumberland’s defense is top-5 in the NAIA against the run. Whoever wins this trench battle controls tempo.
Special Teams Factor
Cumberland’s kicker Jack Kanter has been reliable from 40+, while Bethel’s coverage units have allowed long returns. Field position could swing momentum.
Recent Team Form
Cumberland Phoenix (3-2, 0-1 MSC)
Last Game: Lost 28–17 to Campbellsville after committing three turnovers
Strength: Elite rushing offense (260+ yards per game, 4th nationally)
Weakness: Turnover-prone in close games
Bethel Wildcats (2-2, 0-1 MSC)
Last Game: Fell 31–21 to Georgetown, struggling to protect QB Nixon
Strength: Balanced attack with improving passing game
Weakness: Run defense has been leaky against top-tier rushing teams
Series History
All-Time Meetings: 28
Series Record: Cumberland leads 15–13
Recent Trend: Bethel has won 3 of the last 4, including a 24–7 comeback win in 2024.
At Lebanon: Cumberland holds a 10–3 advantage historically.
Betting Trends
Cumberland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 home games
Bethel is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 road games
The Under has hit in 6 of the last 8 meetings
Historical Betting Results:
Bethel covered in 3 straight before Cumberland’s 2023 upset win
The last 5 matchups have averaged just 39.2 total points, favoring the Under
Predicted Score: Cumberland 24, Bethel 20
Game Odds
Cumberland Phoenix – 2.5
Bethel Wildcats 47.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 10, 2025
