NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Hastings Broncos (2-3) vs. Northwestern (IA) Red Raiders (2-2)

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Venue & Logistics

  • Stadium: Korver Field at De Valois Stadium, Orange City, Iowa (home of Northwestern College).
  • Kickoff Time: 1:30 PM CDT.
  • Capacity: ~3,100.
  • Surface: Artificial turf.
  • Event: Northwestern Homecoming Game.

Weather Forecast (Orange City, IA)

  • Conditions: Partly sunny, breezy.
  • Temperature at kickoff: ~19°C (66°F).
  • Winds: 15–20 km/h from the northwest.
  • Chance of rain: 15%.
  • Impact: Mild fall weather; wind could affect long field goals and punts.

Injury Report

  • Hastings Broncos (2–3):
    • QB1 healthy, averaging ~200 passing yards/game.
    • RB1 questionable with a hamstring strain.
    • Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).
  • Northwestern Red Raiders (2–2):
  • QB1 healthy, dual‑threat with 8 total TDs this season.
  • WR1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
  • OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.

Key Player Matchups

  • Hastings QB vs. Northwestern Secondary:
    Hastings’ QB has been efficient (7 TDs, 3 INTs). Northwestern’s secondary has forced 5 INTs in 4 games.
  • Northwestern QB Mobility vs. Hastings Front Seven:
    Northwestern’s QB has rushed for 150+ yards this season. Hastings must contain him to avoid broken plays.
  • Hastings RB vs. Northwestern Run Defense:
    Hastings averages 140 rushing yards/game. Northwestern has allowed just 120 rushing yards/game.
  • WR1 Battle:
    Northwestern’s WR1 (averaging 85 yards/game) vs. Hastings’ CB1 — a matchup that could swing momentum.

Recent Team Form

  • Hastings (2–3):
    • W vs. Waldorf (27–14).
    • W vs. Doane (21–17).
    • L vs. Morningside (42–10).
    • L at Briar Cliff (28–24).
    • L vs. Midland (35–20).
    • Trend: Inconsistent, offense averaging 20 PPG, defense allowing 29 PPG.
  • Northwestern (2–2):
  • W vs. Waldorf (40–0).
  • L at Mount Marty (24–14).
  • W at Dakota Wesleyan (23–0).
  • L vs. Dordt (Top‑15 opponent).
  • Trend: Defense strong in wins (0 points allowed), but offense inconsistent in losses.

Series History

  • All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Northwestern leads the series comfortably.
  • Recent Meetings:
    • 2024: Northwestern defeated Hastings.
    • 2023: Northwestern won by 20+.
  • Trend: Northwestern has won 8 straight vs. Hastings, often by double digits.

Betting Trends

  • Northwestern Red Raiders:
    • 2–2 ATS this season.
    • 3 of last 4 games have gone under due to defensive strength.
  • Hastings Broncos:
  • 2–3 ATS this season.
  • 3 of last 5 games have gone over due to defensive lapses.

Historical Betting Results

  • 2024: Northwestern –17, won 38–14 → Cover, Under.
  • 2023: Northwestern –14, won 35–10 → Cover, Under.
  • 2022: Northwestern –20, won 42–21 → Cover, Over.

Game Odds

Hastings Broncos                             51

Northwestern Red Raiders          – 14

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