INDIANAPOLIS - Coming off a two-game road trip and a thrilling shootout win over Taylor last time out, the Marian football team is ready to come home for their conference opener, welcoming in Franciscan rival Saint Francis in the 21st edition of the Franciscan Bowl. The game airs exclusively on the ISC Sports Network this Saturday at 1:05 p.m.

THE RIVALRY
Marian saw a lengthy winning streak against Saint Francis come to an end last year in the upsetting 31-28 defeat at Ascension St. Vincent Field, adding another great chapter in the rivalry. Saturday will be the 21st meeting between the Knights and Cougars, with Marian holding a record of 12-8 in the series, including wins in eight of the last 10 meetings. This year's game should live up to the hype of the rivalry, with both teams ranked in the NAIA Top-25, as Marian enters No. 11 and Saint Francis at No. 24. 

KEY NOTES

• Marian is led by their running game, highlighted by the No. 4 rusher in the NAIA Keagan La Belle. La Belle enters the game coming off a 236-yard performance at Taylor. Tristan Polk is playing clean football as Marian's signal caller, averaging over 230 total yards of offense per game in addition to 17 total touchdowns. 
• Logan Carrington snagged his fifth interception of the season last week, climbing to No. 6 all-time in program history with nine interceptions. Carrington is second in the NAIA in interceptions this season. 
• Marian boasts a top-10 scoring offense this year at 46.2 points per game.
• Saint Francis has a balanced attack leading to their No. 25 scoring offense, but rely on quarterback Josh Kulka, who is fifth in the NAIA in touchdown passes with 17 this season. 
• This will be the first MSFA Midwest League game for both the Knights and Cougars
• This Saturday sees former Marian offensive coordinator Adam Sherman coach his first Franciscan Bowl matchup as the head coach at Saint Francis. Sherman served as the MU offensive coordinator from 2008-2012, helping Marian to their 2012 NAIA National Championship. 
• Last week, head coach Ted Karras Jr earned his 70th career victory as a head coach at Marian University

KNIGHTS COME HOME
Since 2015 Marian is undefeated on homecoming, holding a 9-0 record in the annual game. The Knights won their last homecoming game by a high-scoring count of 45-40 against Olivet Nazarene. The Knights racked up 545 yards of offense in last year's homecoming game. 

WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG
Those fans unable to attend Saturday's game can watch live on the ISC Sports Network, as Scott McCauley and Zach Graves have the call. All home games are televised with six camera angles, and single-game live stream passes cost $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's game can be purchased now, while the season pass is live. All home games of the 2025 season can be viewed with the season pass purchase. 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. Be sure to get your ticket ahead of the game to avoid lines entering the stadium. 

TAILGATING
Tailgate spots are filling fast for this weekend. Be sure to grab your spot! For any questions, reach out to Nick Torres on the Marian advancement team. Cash parking is available for $10. Lots open at 10:00 a.m.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION
During this week's homecoming game, the Knights will honor their 2025 Wall of Fame inductee class of Lakan Hasser-Smith '16, Emily Gwaltney '13, Wes Stowers '19, and Gar King '89. These four former Knights will be honored during the M-Club Wall of Fame inductee dinner on Friday night, and then honored at the field during halftime of Saturday's game. 

The Knights' 2015 NAIA Championship team will also be honored at halftime, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2025 national championship team.

POSTGAME EVENTS
Following the football game, third-ranked Marian women's soccer will take on No. 13 Spring Arbor at Ascension St. Vincent Field. Kickoff is currently scheduled for 7:00 p.m.., with the game time likely being adjusted due to rain.
Mass will take place following the game at 4:30 p.m.

WEATHER
Saturday's forecast looks to be the last hot day of the year, with highs approaching 82 degrees. There is a strong chance of rain following the game, while the presence of weather may loom for a second time this year during a Marian home game. 

Kickoff from Saturday is at 1:05 p.m. from Ascension St. Vincent Field, as the Knights and Cougars dust off the longest-played rivalry game in Marian program history.

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