INDIANAPOLIS - Marian is looking to bounce back after stumbling in their fifth game of the season, as they host Olivet Nazarene on their annual homecoming game this Saturday. Kickoff for this weekend's homecoming contest is set for 1:05 p.m.
LAST TIME OUT
The Knights endured one of their worst losses in recent history last week against No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan, as the Wildcats handed the previously undefeated Marian football team a one-sided 77-21 defeat..
Tristan Polk and
Keagan La Belle both rushed for a Marian touchdown, and
Ben Schoster threw his first collegiate touchdown pass in the loss. Marian's loss dropped them from No. 10 in the NAIA GoRout Top-25 to No. 17 this week.
THE SERIES
The Knights have never lost in the series against Olivet Nazarene, which was revived in 2023 after a five-season hiatus. Marian is 7-0 all-time in the series, while head coach
Ted Karras Jr. has overseen five victories against the Tigers. Last season Marian won 45-14 over the Tigers, scoring 38 points alone in the first half while a
Reis Walker pick-six in the fourth quarter ended the high-scoring afternoon. This season's game will mark the first as a conference game, with the Knights and Tigers opening MSFA Midwest play.
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.
KNIGHTS COME HOME
Since 2015 Marian is undefeated on homecoming, holding an 8-0 record in the annual game. The Knights won their last homecoming game defeating Lawrence Tech by a commanding score of 44-17. In last year's homecoming game, six different Knights scored a touchdown, highlighted by a 30-point second quarter that saw three rushing scores and one passing.
HOMECOMING ACTIVITIES
Several activities take place this weekend around campus for homecoming weekend, beginning on Thursday night with the AlumKnight event in the Unity Center. Friday night Marian volleyball hosts No. 15 in a high-level Crossroads League matchup, kicking off Saturday's full day, beginning with the MU-WCOM 5K at 8:00 a.m. For more homecoming activities, see the above link with all details.
STUDENT GIVEAWAY
The Marian Maniacs have their third giveaway of the football season on Saturday, as they will be handing out Marian branded straw hats. The hats will be given out at the end of the third quarter.
POSTGAME ATHLETIC EVENTS
After the game, fans can stick around and support the Marian women's soccer program, as the Knights play St. Francis at 7:00 p.m. at Ascension St. Vincent Field.
Kickoff between Marian and Olivet Nazarene is set for 1:05 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
MUKnights.com: Your online source for Marian Athletics, tickets, multimedia, Knight merchandise, photos and more.
