Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney football team wraps up its 2025 away schedule with a contest vs. No. 16 Northwest Missouri Saturday in Maryville.

This will be the Lopers (5-3, 4-2) sixth road game in nine weeks and fourth in October. Meanwhile, the 'Cats (6-1, 5-0) are purring after a 52-3 win over Fort Hays State last Saturday. They've won six in a row under first-year head coach John McMenamin with "Homecoming" Festivities on deck.

The game kicks off at 2 p.m.  Fans can listen to The River 93.1/106. FM, watch via the MIAA Network or follow along via live stats.

Northwest started the year with a 38-14 loss at current No. 9 Minnesota State. Since then, the 'Cats have had only one game decided by 10 points or less, a 21-14 decision at Missouri Southern. UNK lost at MSSU last Saturday, 24-16. 

Once again, the Green Machine has a punishing run game to the tune of 22 touchdowns and 263 yards per game. They've amassed nearly 800 rushing yards in beating Hays and Central Missouri while averaging nearly eight yards per carry. Redshirt freshman quarterback Zechariah Owens (71 ypg, nine TD's) and a stable of backs lead the way with Owens and senior Chris Ruhnke combining for 14 scores in the air. All-MIAA pick Luke Mathews and Kansas State transfer Erwin Nash are the top targets with All-MIAA center Wes Merriman leading the line.

UNK starts week nine among the national leaders in run defense; 115.6 ypg, 3.4 yard per carry and a MIAA low four TD's allowed. The Lopers held Northwest to 32 rushing yards last year but, in the last two trips to Bearcat Stadium, the number was over 200.

The veteran defense is led by backers Carter Edwards (46 tackles), Parker Bowen (36 tackles) and Benjamin Enes (5.5. tackles for loss). Northwest has a 29% conversion rate on third down and has held four MIAA foes under 17 points. Finally on special teams, Lincoln U (Mo.) transfer Mo Alwaely has solidified the kicking game; 35 of 36 PAT's, 2 of 3 field goals, 61.2 kickoff average.

The Lopers had three TD drives of 51 yards last fall at Cope Stadium to beat the 'Cats, 21-14, for the fifth time in program history. The 20-game series dates to 1928 with UNK's other wins other wins coming in 2019, 1990, 1970 and 1969.

Turnovers are always key, especially for the Blue & Gold this fall. In its five wins, the defense has forced 15 turnovers (nine interceptions and six fumbles) including two "pick sixes". In three losses, opponents have had just two turnovers. On the other side of the ball, UNK has committed eight turnovers in its setbacks with three pick sixes. Finally, the Lopers average 32 points in five wins with just four total turnovers.

Individually, redshirt freshman Dae'vonn Hall (Bellevue West) has scoring catches in each of the last two games with fellow UNL transfer Ryker Evans (Elwood) having his first last Saturday. The duo is up to a combined 17 receptions for 234 yards with Hall having a rush for six yards and 45 punt/kick return yards. Next, redshirt sophomore safety Saieed Hasan (Peoria, Ariz.) has had seven tackles the past two Saturdays with four Lopers now having at least 3.0 sacks. The group includes junior backer Dylan Jordan (Pittsburg, Kan.) and end Josh Davies-Balogun (Richmond, Texas).

UNK hosts Central Oklahoma on Nov. 1 (12 p.m.). The Bronchos (4-3, 4-2) have won two in a row and host in-state rival Northeastern State (4-3) this Saturday night.