OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Missouri Baptist University football (1–4, 0–2 Heart) returns to action Saturday with a road test against No. 25 William Penn University (5–1, 1–1 Heart) at 12:30 p.m. in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
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The Matchup
Both teams come off bye weeks entering the mid-season Heart of America clash. William Penn, ranked No. 25 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, is averaging 34.2 points and 400.3 yards per game behind a physical rushing attack. Senior running back Destynd Loring leads the Statesmen with 785 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, while Amir Everett headlines the passing game with 23 receptions for 391 yards and three scores. Defensively, Tierre Butler paces the unit with 32 tackles, and defensive back Jeremiah Dennard has a team-high four interceptions.
Missouri Baptist enters looking to bounce back and build off early-season flashes from its offensive leaders. Quarterback Jacob Jones has continued to guide the Spartans' offense, leading the team in both passing (1,152 yards, 7 TDs) and rushing (325 yards, 6 TDs) through five games. Running back Calvin Griffin has added balance in the backfield with 246 yards and three touchdowns on 52 carries.
Saturday marks the Spartans' fourth matchup this season against a nationally ranked opponent, joining previous contests against No. 1 Grand View, No. 3 Benedictine, and No. 23 MidAmerica Nazarene.
By the Numbers
- The Spartans average 233.4 passing yards and 141 rushing yards per game, totaling 705 on the ground and 1,167 through the air this season.
- Gavin Claud remains Jones' top target with 25 catches for 413 yards and five touchdowns.
- Defensively, linebacker Evan DeWilde leads MBU with 46 tackles, including 21 solo stops.
- Cornerback Jaylon Williamson anchors the secondary with seven pass breakups.
The Series
Saturday marks the third all-time meeting between the programs, with William Penn holding a 2–0 series lead. The last matchup came on Sept. 2, 2023, when the Statesmen earned a 6–2 win at Spartan Field. Missouri Baptist is 0–2 all-time, 0–2 at home, and 0–0 on the road against William Penn.
Kickoff Information
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The game will stream live on the Urban Edge Network.
