INDIANAPOLIS - Coming off their first victory of the season last week at Lawrence Tech, the Marian football team is looking for their first home victory this Saturday, as the Knights host Defiance College on Family Weekend. Saturday's kickoff is slated for 1:05 p.m.

THE GAME
Marian and Defiance are meeting for the first time this weekend, as the Knights play their second MSFA-crossover game of the season. This is Marian's first-ever meeting with Defiance, who is in their second season back in the NAIA after a 30-plus year run as a member of NCAA DIII.

Defiance enters the game 2-0, with dominant wins over first-year program Rio Grande and Judson University. Marian enters 1-1, coming off a 35-21 win over Lawrence Tech. The Knights lead the nation in sacks this season with 13 through two games, and are showing a strong efficiency rating as a top-20 team in both third and fourth down conversions on offense.

Keagan La Belle moved to No. 3 all-time last week in rushing yards in program history and ranks second in the NAIA in rushing touchdowns, while Deon Pettiford climbed to No. 4 in program history in sacks after his performance last week. 

Marian is looking for their first win over a program from the state of Ohio since 2021, when the Knights lost the standalone meeting against Tiffin University. Marian is 29-9 all-time in first-ever meetings with opponents. The Knights will also be aiming to avoid losing consecutive home games, a streak that has lasted since the 2013 season. 

WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG
Those fans unable to attend Saturday night'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 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 a season pass will be available for purchase on Friday. 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.

FAMILY WEEKEND
It is also Family Weekend at Marian University, and a full list of events are taking place throughout the weekend on campus, particularly on gameday. To see the full gameday schedule, see the above link. 

HEATIN' UP
After a pair of relatively cool games for this time in the season, the weather is expected to warm back up this weekend in Indianapolis, with a forecasted high in the mid-80's for Saturday. 

POSTGAME ATHLETIC EVENTS
Fans are welcome to join and congregate at the postgame mass, held in the Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel. There will be a concert in the amphitheater following the game that begins at 6:00 p.m. featuring the Wildwoods, an enchanting Folk/Americana trio. The Marian cycling team will also be competing in their final leg of the 2025 USA Collegiate Cycling Track National Championship, with action starting back up for the final session at 6:00 p.m.

Kickoff for this Saturday's game against Defiance College is set for 1:05 p.m.

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