NAIA-CFB Game Preview: Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons (1-2) vs. Bluefield Rams (1-2)

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Venue & Game Details

  • Kickoff Time: 1:30 PM ET
  • Venue: Mitchell Stadium, Bluefield, Virginia/West Virginia border
  • Capacity: ~10,000
  • Conference: Non-conference matchup (VUL is an independent program; Bluefield competes in the NAIA Appalachian Athletic Conference)

Weather Forecast (Bluefield, VA)

  • Kickoff Temperature: ~21°C (70°F), cooling into the mid-60s by evening
  • Conditions: Partly sunny with scattered clouds
  • Wind: 10–14 km/h from the northwest
  • Precipitation:
  • Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal disruptions expected

Injury Report

  • Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL):
    • QB group healthy; starter expected to play after a 57–20 loss at Shorter (Sept 20).
    • WR corps intact, including top target who had a 75-yard receiving game vs. Valparaiso.
    • Defensive secondary thin after injuries in Week 2 vs. Roanoke.
  • Bluefield Rams:
  • QB rotation intact; starter has been efficient in early-season play.
  • RB group healthy, with one back averaging over 90 yards per game.
  • DL slightly banged up but starters expected to play.

(Note: NAIA and independent programs release limited injury info; updates closer to kickoff may adjust this.)

Key Player Matchups

  • VUL QB vs. Bluefield Secondary
    • VUL has leaned on its passing game, but turnovers have been costly.
    • Bluefield’s secondary has forced multiple interceptions in early-season games.
  • Bluefield RB vs. VUL Defensive Front
    • Bluefield’s rushing attack has been its most consistent weapon.
    • VUL has allowed over 200 rushing yards in two of its first four games.
  • Special Teams Edge
  • Bluefield’s kicker has been reliable from mid-range.
  • VUL has struggled in punt coverage, giving up long returns.

Recent Team Form

  • Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons (1–3):
    • L 10–67 @ Valparaiso (Aug 30)
    • L 7–23 @ Roanoke (Sept 6)
    • W 54–0 vs. Barber-Scotia (Sept 13)
    • L 20–57 @ Shorter (Sept 20)
    • Strengths: Passing game can produce explosive plays.
    • Weaknesses: Defense has allowed 51.7 ppg in losses.
  • Bluefield Rams (record TBD, AAC)
  • Typically competitive in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.
  • Strengths: Ground game and home-field advantage at Mitchell Stadium.
  • Weaknesses: Depth issues against larger programs.

Conference vs. Conference

  • VUL: Independent (non-conference schedule heavy with FCS/NAIA opponents).
  • Bluefield: NAIA Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).
  • This is a non-conference clash, but important for both programs’ momentum heading into October.

Series History

  • All-time series: Bluefield leads recent meetings.
  • Last 5 meetings: Bluefield has won 4 of 5.
  • 2024 season: Bluefield defeated VUL 42–14 at Mitchell Stadium.
  • Trend: Bluefield has consistently controlled the rivalry, especially at home.

Betting Trends

  • Virginia U-Lynchburg:
    • 1–3 ATS in 2025
    • 1–6 ATS in last 7 road games
    • 4 of last 5 games have gone Over
  • Bluefield:
  • 2–2 ATS in 2025 (projected)
  • 4–1 ATS in last 5 vs. VUL
  • 3 of last 4 games have gone Under

Historical Betting Results

  • 2024: Bluefield -7.5 covered in a 42–14 win (Under cashed).
  • 2023: Bluefield -6.5 covered in a 35–17 win (Under cashed).
  • 2022: VUL +10.5 upset Bluefield 28–27 (Over cashed).

Game Odds

Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons                        56

Bluefield Rams                                          – 10.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025