INDIANAPOLIS - On Saturday November 18, the NAIA announced the second round matchups for the 2023 NAIA FCS Second Round, with the fifth-ranked Marian football team learning they will host No. 12 St. Xavier. The game between the Knights and Cougars will be a rematch of not only Marian's second game of the season, but also last year's NAIA FCS First Round game.

THE REMATCH

The Knights are starting to become extremely familiar with the Cougars, as the rivals will be meeting for the third time in Marian's last 13 games. Marian earned a 28-21 win over St. Xavier earlier this season, earning a week two win with William Gibson's fourth quarter score. Marian forced four turnovers against their future MSFA Midwest rivals, with an interception from Jayshawn Underwood helping set up the game-winning score. In addition to Underwood's turnover, Adrian Cuevas and Nate Frey recorded interceptions, and Dwight Lewis III recovered a fumble forced by Cuevas. Quarterback Zach Bundalo rushed for a pair of touchdowns while tight end Drew Byerly scored the game's first touchdown. 

Marian and the Cougars matched up as well last year in the NAIA FCS First Round, winning 41-7 to advance to the NAIA Quarterfinals. In last year's win in the NAIA FCS First Round, Marian quarterback Zach Bundalo connected with Ben Stevens four times for touchdowns, while Logan Blake and Peyton Trexler each had a pick-six in the win for the Knights. Marian held St. Xavier under 50 yards rushing in the win last season, while Stevens four-touchdown game tied the program record for most receiving touchdowns in a single game.

THE SERIES

Saturday's game will be the 17th meeting between Marian and St. Xavier. The Knights have won the last two matchups in the series, while the Cougars hold the series lead with a 10-6 mark. When meeting in the playoffs, the Cougars hold a 2-1 edge over Marian in their three postseason meetings. The first postseason matchup between the two came in the 2011 season with St. Xavier winning 30-27, one season before Marian's first NAIA Championship.

Marian has hosted every postseason matchup between the Knights and Cougars.

INSIDE THE PLAYOFF NUMBERS

Marian has faired well in the NAIA Football Championship Series in the program's history. Here are notable numbers for Marian:

• 20-9 overall record
• 9-2 record in the NAIA First Round
• Coach Ted Karras Jr. is 3-0 all-time for Marian in the First Round
• 5-4 overall record playing on Thanksgiving weekend
• This will be the fifth time Marian has hosted over Thanksgiving

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY

For the first time since the 2019 season, the Knights will play at home over Thanksgiving weekend. The previous two seasons in the NAIA FCS Quarterfinals, the Knights were sent on the road, where the 2021 and 2022 season came to an end in western Iowa at the hands of Northwestern.

The last time Marian hosted on Thanksgiving weekend, the Knights earned a 30-0 win over No. 10 University of the Cumberlands in the 2019 quarterfinal round. Marian is 3-1 overall when playing at home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG

Those fans unable to attend Saturday's game can watch live and tune in to the Marian football broadcast team of Scott McCauley and Zach Graves on the ISC Sports Network. The pay per view cost for Saturday's game against St. Xavier on the ISC Sports Network is $9.99. Fans can also find live statistics at marianstats.com. Live updates of the game will be posted on the official Marian Athletics X (Twitter) and Instagram pages @MUKnights.

TICKETS

Tickets for Saturday's game will go on sale on Monday, November 20 at 10 AM. Ticket prices for Saturday's game start at $15. Parking for Saturday's game will be sold on campus. All reserved tailgate spaces will be honored for this week's game. 

POSTGAME ON-CAMPUS BASKETBALL

The Marian men's basketball team will host IU-Northwest following the conclusion of the football game. Tip is slated for 5:30 p.m.

Marian and St. Xavier will kickoff on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. from St. Vincent Field. 

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