INDIANAPOLIS - Coming off a top-10 win against No. 10 Concordia, the Marian football team returns to defend their home turf as they take on St. Francis in the Franciscan Bowl. The 19th meeting all-time between the two schools kicks off Saturday from St. Vincent Field at 1:05 p.m.

THE SERIES
The Franciscan Bowl is back as Marian enters the rivalry game as winners of seven of the last eight matchups, dating back to the 2015 NAIA FCS Semifinals. Marian has won each of the last five meetings, which is the longest win streak in the history between the two sides for either team. Marian's 37-10 win last year was the fifth-largest margin of victory for the Knights, and the second-largest road win. 

In the last matchup at St. Vincent Field, Marian ran wild on the Cougars amounting for over 300 rushing yards as a team, with Baron Huebler and Daylen Taylor each rushing for three touchdowns. Ben Stevens also caught two touchdown passes from Zach Bundalo in the lopsided 56-10 victory in 2021. Last year's 37-10 win featured a similar attack with Marian rushing for over 150 yards, with Huebler and Christian Hunter pacing the backfield. Jake Reichard scored a pair of wildcat touchdown runs last season, and CJ Young caught a touchdown pass. 

Marian leads the all-time series 11-7. The last St. Francis win between the two sides came in 2017. 

The Cougars (4-2, 3-0), are winners of four straight games entering Saturday afternoon. Marian (6-0, 3-0), is off to their best record through six games since the start of the 2019 season. 

WHAT'S AT STAKE
Marian has an opportunity this weekend to get to even ground with No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan, who is idle from action this week. A win would give the Knights and Wildcats identical 7-0 overall records while moving to 4-0 in the MSFA Mideast, heating up the action for the conference champion.

WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG
Those fans unable to attend Saturday night's game can watch live on the ISC Sports Network. This season, all Marian home games on the ISC Sports Network will be pay per view, and single game and season passes can be purchased now. The pay per view cost for Saturday's game on the ISC Sports Network is $9.99, and revenue generated from the live stream will go directly back into the athletics department to support Marian student-athletes. Fans can also find live statistics at marianstats.com. Live updates of the game will be posted on the official Marian Athletics Twitter and Instagram pages @MUKnights.

TICKETS

Tickets for Saturday's game are on sale now, with general admission ticket pricing starting at $10. Parking for Saturday's game starts at $10 and is cash only, and will not be available online.

TAILGATING

Tailgate spots are filling fast for this weekend. For more information on tailgating, rules, and policies, click here. Tailgate lots will open at 10 a.m.

STUDENT GIVEAWAY
The Marian Maniacs will be giving away t-shirts to Marian students at the end of the first quarter. The shirt will be a limited item, and students can claim their giveaway item just outside of the student section.

POST GAME ATHLETIC EVENTS
Following the Marian football match, the Knights women's volleyball and men's soccer team will be in action, with both squads also taking on St. Francis. The volleyball senior day matchup begins in the arena at 5 p.m., while the men's soccer team takes on the Cougars at 7 p.m. at St. Vincent Field.

Marian and St. Francis kick off from St. Vincent Field on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 p.m.

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