NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Madonna Crusaders (0-2) vs. Saint Xavier Cougars (1-1)

By
NCAAFB Editor
-
0
55

Venue & Logistics

  • Venue: Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field, Chicago, Illinois (home of Saint Xavier Cougars)
  • Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM CDT
  • Broadcast: SXU Athletics Live Stream, Mid-States Football Association Network

Weather Forecast (Chicago, IL)

  • Conditions: Partly sunny with scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 77°F (25°C) at kickoff, cooling to 70°F (21°C) by the fourth quarter
  • Winds: 10–12 mph from the west
  • Precipitation:
  • Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal disruption expected

Injury Report

  • Madonna Crusaders:
    • QB1 (shoulder soreness) – Probable
    • RB2 (ankle) – Questionable
    • DB1 (hamstring) – Out
  • Saint Xavier Cougars:
  • QB1 (wrist) – Probable
  • WR2 (groin) – Game-time decision
  • LB1 (concussion protocol) – Out

Key Player Matchups

  • QB1 (Saint Xavier) vs. Madonna Secondary – SXU’s veteran quarterback will test a Crusaders defense that has struggled against the pass.
  • RB Committee (Madonna) vs. SXU Front Seven – Madonna must establish the run to avoid becoming one-dimensional.
  • WR1 (SXU) vs. Madonna Corners – With WR2 questionable, WR1 will be the focal point; Madonna must double him to avoid explosive plays.
  • Special Teams: SXU’s kicking game is reliable; Madonna must win the field position battle to stay competitive.

Recent Team Form (2025 Season to Date)

  • Madonna Crusaders (0-2):
    • L vs. Siena Heights 42-7 (Aug. 30)
    • L at Concordia (Mich.) 38-10 (Sep. 6)
    • Offense averaging 8.5 points per game; defense allowing 40.0.
  • Saint Xavier Cougars (1-1):
  • W vs. Roosevelt 31-14 (Aug. 30)
  • L at Marian (Ind.) 41-20 (Sep. 6)
  • Balanced attack; averaging 25.5 points per game, allowing 27.5.

Series History

  • All-Time Meetings: Saint Xavier leads 2-0
  • Most Recent: Saint Xavier 56, Madonna 7 (2024)
  • Context: Madonna, a newer program, has yet to defeat SXU, which has been a perennial NAIA playoff contender.

Betting Trends

  • Madonna is 1-9 ATS in last 10 MSFA games.
  • Saint Xavier is 6-2 ATS in last 8 home games.
  • The Over has hit in 5 of the last 7 SXU games.
  • SXU is 2-0 straight up all-time vs. Madonna.

Historical Betting Results

  • 2024: Saint Xavier -27.5, won 56-7 → Cover, Over
  • 2023: Saint Xavier -24.5, won 49-10 → Cover, Over

Game Odds

Madonna Crusaders                       55

Saint Xavier Cougars                       – 28

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