Kickoff: 1:00 PM CDT
Venue: Dalzell Field, Dubuque, Iowa
Broadcast: NAIA.TV
Game Overview
Mount Marty University opens its 2025 campaign on the road against Clarke University in Dubuque’s Dalzell Field. The Lancers, coming off a competitive GPAC season, face a Pride squad that won its lone game in 2024. A strong Week 1 performance will set the tone for both teams’ conference aspirations.
Mount Marty Lancers
2024 Record: 6–5 overall, 5–4 GPAC
Head Coach: Nick Jackson (6th season)
Offensive Scheme: No-huddle spread tempo, emphasizing quick reads and horizontal stretching
Defensive Scheme: 4–2–5 nickel, focused on disguising coverage and generating takeaways
Key Returners
QB Jake Larson (Sr.) – Threw for 2,100 yards with 18 TDs; adds nearly 500 rushing yards.
RB Alex Michels (Jr.) – Averaged 5.4 yards per carry en route to 900 rushing yards and 12 TDs.
DB Isaac Martinez (Sr.) – Team leader with 6 interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
Mount Marty’s experience in late-game situations should help the Lancers manage the hostile Dalzell Field environment. Jackson’s emphasis on tempo aims to exploit mismatches against a retooling Clarke secondary.
Clarke University Pride
2024 Record: 1–10 overall, 1–8 HAAC
Head Coach: John Underwood (2nd season)
Offensive Scheme: Pro-style balance, mixing inside power runs with play-action passing
Defensive Scheme: 3–3–5 multiple fronts, prioritizing gap discipline
Key Returners
QB Mike Robinson (Sr.) – Threw for 1,200 yards with 8 TDs despite offensive struggles.
WR Logan Walker (Jr.) – Team-high 40 receptions for 500 yards; go-to target on third down.
LB Tony Smith (Sr.) – Led the Pride with 85 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Clarke’s focus this offseason has been on minimizing big plays and sharpening its red-zone defense. Underwood will lean on Smith’s playmaking and Walker’s clutch hands to keep drives alive.
Key Storylines
Season Opener Stakes: Both programs aim for a confidence-building win. A road victory would mean a significant early boost for Mount Marty, while Clarke needs a home triumph to launch a turnaround season.
Tempo vs. Control: Mount Marty’s hurry-up offense clashes with Clarke’s clock-control pro style—whichever side dictates the pace will likely dominate possession.
Defensive Adjustments: Clarke’s revamped front must contain Larson’s designed QB runs and Michels’s inside bursts to force the Lancers into long third downs.
Mount Marty’s third-down success and turnover differential should strain Clarke’s defensive depth. Conversely, if the Pride can force a couple of early stops, they may flip field position in their favor.
Mount Marty’s tempo-driven attack and advantage in turnover creation should prove decisive. Clarke will fight hard early, but the Lancers’ ability to convert third downs and protect the football downfield gives Mount Marty a clear edge.
Game Odds
Mount Marty Lancers – 7.5
Clarke Pride (IA) 49.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
