INDIANAPOLIS - Coming off the program's first-ever shutout in the Franciscan Bowl, the Marian football team hits the road to close out the month of October with a contest at Olivet Nazarene. The top-25 matchup kicks off on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET from Bourbonnais, Illinois.

THE SERIES
Marian has owned the series against Olivet Nazarene, holding an all-time record of 8-0 in the series. Marian won last year's meeting 45-40, improving to 6-0 all-time under head coach Ted Karras Jr. The weekend's game against the Tigers will be the first played in Bourbonnais, Illinois, since 2017. Marian won the last matchup played in the Tigers' den 40-21. This year's game is the second-ever meeting between the two foes as members of the MSFA Midwest League. 

Keagan La Belle scored three touchdowns in last year's win, and Tristan Polk ran for two scores while throwing for another to Jake Reichard. The Tigers threatened Marian late with 19 fourth-quarter points, however, Olivet Nazarene was unable to claim the lead as Dwight Lewis III recovered an onside kick in the final minute. Polk threw for a career-high 347 yards in the win last season, with La Belle rushing for another 125 more. Reichard logged 249 receiving yards in the win. 

LAST TIME OUT
Marian dominated their last opponent, routing the Saint Francis Cougars 49-0 in the Franciscan Bowl. It was the first-ever shutout in the rivalry against the Cougars, and was marked by a rushing attack that scored seven rushing touchdowns and a defense that created five turnovers. 

LA BELLE CHASING HISTORY
Keagan La Belle has been on a scoring rampage this season, with last week proving no different as the senior ran for four touchdowns in the win over Saint Francis. La Belle as scored 13 rushing touchdowns this year and 14 scores overall, and trails Tevin Lake for the single-season rushing touchdown record by five scores. Lake scored 18 rushing touchdowns twice in his career, holding the career mark. Six scores over the final four games of the regular season would give La Belle the new mark. Additionally, six scores would tie La Belle with Charles Salary for the second-most rushing touchdowns in program history. 

The senior back has a program record with a rushing touchdown in 13 consecutive games. Krishawn Hogan holds the overall Marian record with a touchdown scored in 20 consecutive games, a feat accomplished between 2014 and 2016. Hogan scored 44 times in his run, while La Belle has 30 touchdowns in his scoring streak. 

SCORING LEADERS AT WORK
Marian and Olivet Nazarene are two of the top-scoring teams in the NAIA this season. Marian enters the week fifth in the NAIA in scoring with 46.6 points per game, while Olivet Nazarene is averaging 45.7 points per game. The Tigers have played one less game than the Knights this season, having scored 39 total touchdowns. Marian has scored 45 touchdowns in their seven games played.

MID-STATES LEADERS
Christian Dhue-Ried of Olivet Nazarene is the MSFA Midwest League's second-leading passer, entering the week with 253 yards passing per game and 15 touchdowns. Marian's Tristan Polk is fourth in the conference in passing with 210 yards per game, and third in total touchdowns with 18 scores on the season. La Belle is the conference's leading scorer and rusher, and Jake Reichard is fourth in receiving yards per game and tied for first in touchdowns. Cade Houseman is fifth in the league in tackles per game, while Deon Pettiford and Isaiah Street are tied for second in sacks. Logan Carrington is the NAIA leader in interceptions this season with six. 

WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG
Those fans unable to attend Saturday's game can watch live through the Olivet Nazarene Tiger Network, listed above. The Knights' broadcast duo of Scott McCauley and Zach Graves will be calling an audio-only broadcast of the game live from Bourbonnais, streamed live through the ISC Sports Network. Fans can also find live statistics at marianstats.com. Live updates of the game will be posted periodically on the official Marian Athletics Twitter/X page, @MUKnights, along with the team page of @MarianUFootball.

FOOTBALL WEATHER
October has brought traditional football weather in the air, as temperatures at kickoff on Saturday are projected to be in the mid-50's during the game. 

TICKETS 
Tickets are available now online, and can also be purchased at the gate on Saturday. General admission pricing is $10 for adults, and $7 for youths and seniors 65 or older.

Marian and Olivet Nazarene square off at 1:00 p.m. ET in Bourbonnais, Illinois.

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