NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Southwestern Moundbuilders (1-0) vs. Tabor Bluejays (1-0)

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Venue, Date & Time

Conference: Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC)

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Kickoff: 6:00 PM CDT

Venue: Joel H. Wiens Stadium, Hillsboro, Kansas

Weather Forecast (Hillsboro, KS – Game Day)

Conditions: Mostly sunny early, clear skies by kickoff

Temperature at Kickoff: ~82°F (28°C)

Wind: 5–8 mph from the south-southwest

Precipitation Chance: <10%

Impact on Play: Ideal early-season football weather; minimal weather-related impact expected.

Injury Report (as of latest available updates)

Southwestern Moundbuilders

No major injuries reported after Week 1.

QB Braden Howell and WR Matthew Holthusen — both key offensive leaders — are healthy.

Tabor Bluejays

No confirmed absences entering Week 2.

Returning several starters from 2024, including key defensive backs.

Recent Team Form

Southwestern Moundbuilders

2024 Record: 11–2 overall, KCAC Champions, NAIA FCS Semifinalist.

Ended 2024 with a 42–0 win over Tabor.

Known for balanced offense and a defense that allowed under 15 PPG last season.

Tabor Bluejays

2024 Record: 3–8 overall, 2–8 KCAC

Closed 2024 with three straight losses, including the shutout to Southwestern.

Offense averaged 15.4 PPG; defense allowed 31.8 PPG.

Series History

All-Time: Tabor leads 16–39–1 vs. Southwestern

Current Streak: Southwestern W7 (2018–2024)

Last Meeting: Sept. 21, 2024 – Southwestern 42, Tabor 0 (Winfield, KS)

Largest Southwestern Win: 55–0 (2021)

Largest Tabor Win: 69–21 (1994)

Suggested Wagering Model

Model Inputs:

Southwestern’s offensive efficiency vs. Tabor’s defensive metrics from 2024.

Historical scoring averages in series (~48 total points/game last 5 years).

Tabor’s struggles against ranked KCAC opponents.

Weather: Neutral impact.

Game Odds

Southwestern Moundbuilders                   – 24.5

Tabor Bluejays                                                  54.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025

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