INDIANAPOLIS - After winning the program's first game as a member of the MSFA Midwest League, No. 18 Marian ends a three-game homestand this coming Saturday, as they welcome the University of Saint Francis. Saturday's kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. in the 20th edition of the Franciscan Bowl.

LAST TIME OUT
Marian had one of their best offensive outings of the season last Saturday, as they put up 45 points in a 45-40 win over Olivet Nazarene. The homecoming win featured a career-high 347 passing yards for quarterback Tristan Polk, while wide receiver Jake Reichard brought in 10 passes for a career-high 249 yards. Keagan La Belle also ran for 125 yards and three scores, and the Knights were rewarded with the MSFA Midwest Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week honors, with Logan Carrington and Kenny Curry earning the honors. 

Saint Francis won their MSFA Midwest debut as well last Saturday, traveling to Judson University in a one-sided 49-20 victory. The Cougars enter the game with a 5-2 record, and are on pace to set their best record since 2019.

THE SERIES
After a back-and-forth pattern in the Franciscan Bowl series, Marian has dominated the matchup against Saint Francis since 2018, winning six consecutive games against the Cougars. The rivalry game is the most-played matchup in program history, with Saturday marking the 20th game in the series. Marian won last year's matchup 24-14, tying a program record with five interceptions of Saint Francis' Grant Gremel, with Dwight Lewis III tying the individual record with three interceptions in the game. 

Marian leads the all-time series 12-7. The last St. Francis win between the two sides came in 2017. 

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.

STUDENT GIVEAWAY
The Marian Maniacs have their fourth giveaway of the football season on Saturday, as they will be handing out Marian themed can koozies. The koozies 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 Saint Francis is set for 1:05 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

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