NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Florida Memorial Lions (1-1) vs. Southeastern (FL) Fire (3-0)

Venue & Logistics

• Stadium: Victory Field, Lakeland, Florida (home of Southeastern University).
• Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM EDT.
• Capacity: ~3,500.
• Surface: Artificial turf.
• Conference: Sun Conference (NAIA).
• Event Theme: Youth Sports Night at Southeastern.

Weather Forecast (Lakeland, FL)

• Conditions: Mostly clear skies, humid evening.
• Temperature at kickoff: ~27°C (81°F).
• Winds: 8–12 km/h from the east.
• Chance of rain: 20%.
• Impact: Typical Florida humidity could test conditioning, but no major weather disruptions expected.

Injury Report

• Florida Memorial Lions (1–1):
  • QB1 healthy, averaging ~200 passing yards/game.
  • RB1 questionable with a hamstring strain.
  • Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).
• Southeastern Fire (3–0):
• QB1 healthy, dual‑threat with 10 total TDs this season.
• WR1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
• OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.

Key Player Matchups

• FMU QB vs. SEU Secondary:
  FMU’s QB has been efficient (5 TDs, 2 INTs). SEU’s secondary has forced 6 INTs in 3 games.
• SEU QB Mobility vs. FMU Front Seven:
  SEU’s QB has rushed for 200+ yards this season. FMU must contain him to avoid broken plays.
• FMU RB vs. SEU Run Defense:
  FMU averages 150 rushing yards/game. SEU has allowed just 110 rushing yards/game.
• WR1 Battle:
  SEU’s WR1 (averaging 90 yards/game) vs. FMU’s CB1 — a matchup that could swing momentum.

Recent Team Form

• Florida Memorial (1–1):
  • L at Clark Atlanta (17–12).
  • W vs. Cumberland (TN) (24–19).
  • Trend: Offense averaging 18 PPG, defense allowing 18 PPG. Balanced but inconsistent.
• Southeastern (3–0):
• W vs. Reinhardt (28–10).
• W vs. Webber International.
• W vs. Ave Maria.
• Trend: Undefeated, offense averaging 34 PPG, defense allowing just 12 PPG.

Series History

• All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Southeastern leads the series 3–1.
• Recent Meetings:
  • 2024: Florida Memorial upset Southeastern 35–24.
  • 2023: SEU won by double digits.
• Trend: SEU has historically controlled the series, but FMU broke through last year.

Betting Trends

• Southeastern Fire:
  • 3–0 ATS this season.
  • 2 of last 3 games have gone under due to defensive dominance.
• Florida Memorial Lions:
• 1–1 ATS this season.
• Both games have gone under due to low‑scoring contests.

Historical Betting Results

• 2024: FMU +10, won 35–24 → Upset, Over.
• 2023: SEU –14, won 31–14 → Cover, Under.
• 2022: SEU –17, won 42–20 → Cover, Over.
• 2021: SEU –21, won 38–10 → Cover, Under.

Game Odds

Florida Memorial Lions                 53.5

Southeastern (FL) Fire                   – 17

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025