INDIANAPOLIS - When the Marian football team last took the game field, they ended the night celebrating a 35-34 overtime victory at Taylor. After a bye week, the Knights return to action at home on Saturday, October 12, taking on No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan. Saturday's home game ignites a three-game home stand for the Marian football team, and is the final non-conference game of the season.

LAST TIME OUT
The Knights earned their third consecutive nail-biting victory at Taylor on September 28, as Marian out-lasted the Trojans 35-34 in their first overtime game since 2013 to improve to 4-0 on the season. Marian had struggles throughout the rain-soaked game defensively, but got timely interceptions to stay in the fight, getting a game-tying touchdown drive from Tristan Polk in the waning moments of regulation. Keagan La Belle, who was the MSFA Midwest Offensive Player of the Week after his 263-yard rushing output at Taylor, scored the game-winning score in overtime, while Dwight Lewis III deflected Taylor's 2-point play to seal the win.

Marian enters the week rated No. 10 in the NAIA, dipping in each of the previous polls before coming in steady at No. 10 for the second week in a row this past Monday. 

Marian's opposition Indiana Wesleyan is coming off a commanding 39-7 win against then No. 13 St. Xavier. The Wildcats are 5-1 overall on the season, and have won three consecutive games entering the matchup against the Knights. Indiana Wesleyan has been ranked as low as No. 7 in the NAIA polls this season, and this week moved up to No. 3. 

THE SERIES
After winning the first two games in the series, Marian has struggled over the last three seasons against Indiana Wesleyan, losing three consecutive matchups. The last time the two met was early November in the 2023 season, seeing Indiana Wesleyan erase a 17-point deficit as they went on to win 42-40. When the two last met up in Indianapolis, the Wildcats escaped with a 17-10 victory over the Knights. This season's matchup is the first non-conference matchup in the series, as the Knights and Wildcats have split their divisions within the Mid-States Football Association.

In last season's 42-40 defeat, Keagan La Belle led the team in rushing with 34 yards on the ground while adding 22 yards through the air, and Baron Huebler totaled 11 yards on the ground and air. Tirae Spence caught three passes for 74 yards and Drew Byerly racked up 64 yards, with both receiving weapons scoring a touchdown. Deon Pettiford and Dwight Lewis III are among the returning defensive leaders from a season ago, making eight and six tackles, respectively. Jayshawn Underwood made six stops a season ago, recovering a fumble while intercepting a pass. 

WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG
Those fans unable to attend Saturday's game can watch live on the ISC Sports Network. All home games are televised with five camera angles, and single game live stream passes charge $9.99. Fans can also purchase a season pass of Marian football at a discounted price on a per-game basis, running at $24.99. Passes for this weekend can be purchased now. Live statistics will be available at marianstats.com, and updates of the game will be posted on the Marian Knights and Marian Football Instagram and X pages. Fans can follow at @MUKnights and @MarianUFootball.

TICKETS
Tickets for Saturday's home-opening game are on sale now, with general admission ticket pricing starting at $10. 

TAILGATING
Tailgate spots are filling fast for this weekend. For more information on tailgating, rules, and policies, click here. Tailgate lots will open at 10:00 a.m.

NEW FEATURES AT ASCENSION ST. VINCENT FIELD
Marian football games will hold a pair of new features this season, with the Merchants Bank video board highlighting the south end zone. Live replays and video will echo on the field throughout the game, Also new at Marian football games are beer sales, with Beir Brewing selling their products at Marian games. There is a limit of three beers per person. More information on alcohol sales can be found here.

POSTGAME ATHLETIC EVENTS
After the game, fans can stick around and support both the Marian volleyball and men's soccer programs. The volleyball team takes on St. Francis at 5:00 p.m. while the men's soccer team plays Spring Arbor at 7:00 p.m.

Kickoff between Marian and Indiana Wesleyan is set for 1:05 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

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