No. 2 Benedictine Football returns to the road today as the Ravens travel to Marshall, Mo., to take on Missouri Valley University in a key Heart South match up.
The Ravens enter Saturday's game at 8-1 overall and 4-0 in the Heart South. Missouri Valley enters the match up at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Heart South. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Benedictine is coming off a 67-0 Homecoming win over William Woods University last Saturday inside Larry Wilcox Stadium. The Ravens have scored 178 points over their last three games, averaging 59.3 points per contest during that stretch.
Missouri Valley is looking to rebound from a 30-28 road loss to MidAmerica Nazarene University last Saturday. The Vikings had won four consecutive games before falling to the Pioneers.
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SERIES HISTORY
Benedictine and Missouri Valley have a lengthy history on the football field, with the Ravens holding a 25-20 advantage in the all-time series according to the Benedictine Football Records & All-Time Results publication.
The Ravens have won eight consecutive meetings against the Vikings dating back to 2017, including a 66-7 victory in Atchison last season.
The series has also featured several memorable performances and significant games in Benedictine Football history.
In 1980, the Ravens established two program single-game records against Missouri Valley that still appear in the school's modern-era record book. Benedictine ran 109 offensive plays and attempted 62 passes against the Vikings, with quarterback Jerry Rellihan accounting for the 62 passing attempts.
The two programs also met in a memorable 1996 contest, when No. 11 Benedictine earned a 24-8 victory over Missouri Valley.
In 2000, the Ravens recorded an 8-0 shutout of the Vikings, while the 2012 meeting saw Benedictine earn a 39-14 victory in a matchup featuring two nationally ranked teams.
The Ravens have enjoyed success against Missouri Valley in recent seasons, including a 37-0 shutout in 2023 and last season's 66-7 victory.
NEWS & NOTES
>> Benedictine enters Saturday's game averaging 42.4 points and 431.9 yards of total offense per game. The Ravens have scored at least 50 points in each of their last three games.
>> The Ravens have rushed for 1,985 yards and 30 touchdowns this season, averaging 220.6 rushing yards per game and 5.3 yards per carry.
>> Benedictine's defense is allowing 14.2 points and 280.1 yards of total offense per game. Opponents have been limited to 102.7 rushing yards per contest.
>> The Ravens have forced 21 turnovers this season, including 15 interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
>> Isaiah Hasten continues to climb Benedictine's career interception list. The program's records book credits Hasten with 12 career interceptions, tied for fifth in the modern era. He has recorded five interceptions during the 2026 season. If the records-book figure represents his total entering this season, his updated career total of 17 would tie Scott Miller's program record.
>> Benedictine has scored on 42 of its 49 trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line, including 35 touchdowns.
>> Missouri Valley is averaging 25.6 points and 386.7 yards of total offense per game. The Vikings have generated 1,650 passing yards and 1,057 rushing yards through seven games.
>> The Vikings are completing 76.1 percent of their passes this season, throwing for 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions.
>> Missouri Valley's defense is allowing 351.9 yards per game, including 136.7 rushing yards and 215.1 passing yards. The Vikings have recorded eight interceptions.
>> Missouri Valley is converting 56.3 percent of its third-down opportunities, while the Vikings' defense is allowing opponents to convert just 31.1 percent of their third-down attempts.
WHAT TO WATCH
Benedictine enters averaging 431.9 yards of total offense per game, compared to Missouri Valley's 386.7 yards per contest.
The Ravens have been productive on the ground, averaging 220.6 rushing yards per game. Missouri Valley is allowing 136.7 rushing yards per contest, setting up an important match up between Benedictine's offensive line and the Vikings' defensive front.
The Vikings have been effective through the air, averaging 235.7 passing yards per game while completing 76.1 percent of their passes.
Benedictine's secondary will be challenged by an offense that has thrown just two interceptions in 184 attempts. The Ravens have intercepted 15 passes this season and have held opposing quarterbacks to a 49 percent completion rate.
Another key match up will be Benedictine's ability to protect Patrick Heitert against a Missouri Valley defense featuring one the Heart's leaders in tackles for a loss – Rayshaun Dallas – who has recorded 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
The turnover battle could also be a deciding factor. Benedictine has forced 21 turnovers this season, while Missouri Valley has forced 11, including eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Both teams have also been effective on third down. Missouri Valley is converting 56.3 percent of its third-down opportunities, while Benedictine is converting 46.7 percent.
UP NEXT
Benedictine closes out the regular season next Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Ravens travel to St. Louis, Mo., for a match p against Missouri Baptist University.
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