NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Marian Knights (3-1) vs. Madonna (MI) Crusaders (1-3)

Venue & Logistics

• Stadium: Madonna Athletic Complex, Livonia, Michigan.
• Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM EDT.
• Capacity: ~1,500.
• Surface: Artificial turf.
• Conference: Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Midwest League.

Weather Forecast (Livonia, MI)

• Conditions: Partly cloudy, cool fall afternoon.
• Temperature at kickoff: ~18°C (64°F).
• Winds: 10–15 km/h from the northwest.
• Chance of rain: 15%.
• Impact: Mild weather, no major disruptions expected. Passing and kicking games should be unaffected.

Injury Report

• Marian Knights (3–1):
  • QB1 healthy, averaging 230 passing yards/game.
  • RB1 probable after minor ankle tweak.
  • OL depth thin after losing a starter in Week 3.
• Madonna Crusaders (1–3):
• QB1 healthy but has been under pressure (10 sacks in 4 games).
• WR1 questionable with hamstring tightness.
• Defense missing one starting linebacker (out for season).

Key Player Matchups

• Marian QB vs. Madonna Secondary:
  Marian’s QB has been efficient (8 TDs, 2 INTs). Madonna’s secondary has allowed 250+ passing yards in 3 of 4 games.
• Marian RB vs. Madonna Front Seven:
  Marian averages 180 rushing yards/game. Madonna has allowed 200+ rushing yards in back‑to‑back contests.
• Madonna QB vs. Marian Pass Rush:
  Madonna’s QB has talent but faces a Marian defense that averages 3 sacks per game.
• WR1 Battle:
  Marian’s top wideout (averaging 90 yards/game) vs. Madonna’s CB1 — a matchup Madonna must win to stay competitive.

Recent Team Form

• Marian Knights (3–1):
  • W vs. Lawrence Tech (35–21).
  • W vs. Defiance (home).
  • W vs. Indiana Wesleyan (close battle).
  • L vs. Indianapolis (NCAA DII, 45–21).
  • Trend: Balanced offense, opportunistic defense, only loss came to a higher‑division opponent.
• Madonna Crusaders (1–3):
• L vs. Olivet Nazarene (46–13).
• W vs. Olivet (Mich.).
• L vs. Saint Xavier.
• L vs. Siena Heights.
• Trend: Struggling defensively, offense inconsistent, but capable of moving the ball against mid‑tier opponents.

Series History

• All‑Time Head‑to‑Head: Marian leads the series.
• Recent Meetings:
  • 2024: Marian defeated Madonna convincingly.
  • 2023: Marian won by 30+.
• Trend: Marian has won all meetings since Madonna launched its football program (2020).

Betting Trends

• Marian Knights:
  • 7–3 ATS in last 10 MSFA games.
  • 4 of last 6 games have gone under due to strong defense.
• Madonna Crusaders:
• 2–8 ATS in last 10 games.
• 5 of last 7 games have gone over due to defensive struggles.

Historical Betting Results

• 2024: Marian –21, won 42–10 → Cover, Under.
• 2023: Marian –28, won 49–14 → Cover, Over.
• 2022: Marian –24, won 38–7 → Cover, Under.

Game Odds

Marian Knights                                 – 24.5

Madonna (MI) Crusaders             52

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