ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University football (1-1) takes the national stage as Saturday's Heart of America Conference Clash of the Week when the Spartans host Graceland University (1-1) at 11 a.m. at Spartan Field. The game will stream live on the Urban Edge Network with the national pregame show beginning at 10 a.m.
Game Notes | Live Stream | Live Stats
The Matchup
Missouri Baptist and Graceland will meet for the second time in program history. The Spartans defeated the Yellowjackets, 32–20, last season in Lamoni, Iowa, scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half to overcome a 20–8 deficit. Running back Lionel Banks rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, while kicker Jonah Cox hit three field goals. The Spartan defense limited Graceland to 39 rushing yards on 28 attempts and forced three interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six in the final minute.
Spartans at a Glance
MBU is back at Spartan Field after splitting its first two games of 2025, including a 38–35 win over Saint Ambrose University in the opener. The Spartans have averaged 370 yards of total offense through two games with 484 passing yards and 256 rushing yards.
- Jacob Jones has led the offense with 484 passing yards, 93 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns. He was named Heart of America Offensive Player of the Week after Week 1.
- Gavin Claud leads the Spartans with 13 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
- Calvin Griffin has rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns, giving MBU a balanced attack on the ground.
- Banks enters Week 3 needing three rushing yards to become the first player in MBU history to reach 2,000 career rushing yards.
On defense, Evan DeWilde leads MBU with 18 total tackles and has added a pass breakup. The Spartans have forced four turnovers through two games, with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Records to Watch
- 2,000-yard milestone – Banks needs three rushing yards to become the first player in program history to reach 2,000.
- Touchdown chase – Banks has 21 career rushing touchdowns. Two more would tie the program record of 23.
Opportunistic Defense
MBU has forced four turnovers and will look to continue its takeaway trend at home.
Home Field Advantage
This week marks the second of five home games for the Spartans this fall. MBU is 5-2 at Spartan Field dating back to 2024 and are seeking to stay unbeaten at home in 2025.
From the Sideline
"Come out and support us. The atmosphere that our fans create when we are home is fantastic, and it means a lot to our guys," head coach Jason Burianek said. "It's the Heart of America Conference Clash of the Week — get up here, enjoy college football at a high level and you're going to see a great game. We're going to be ready, they're going to be ready, and I think it's going to be a great game between two really good teams that are very evenly matched."
