Wilkes projected to edge Montclair State by a score of 31-23

Versus gives Wilkes a 68 percent chance to beat Montclair State, projecting a 31-23 final that would make it an eight point margin in a non-conference game between two Division III teams. That gap lines up with where the model has each side sitting early: Wilkes checks in at 59th in D3, Montclair State 15 spots back at 74th.

Wilkes carries a B+ overall grade with a B in power, offense and defense alike, a steadier profile than Montclair State's B+ overall built on B- marks across power, offense and defense. The Colonels also rank ahead in offense, defense, power and strength of schedule, though this comes after their three game winning streak snapped with a 27-41 loss to Muhlenberg. Wilkes has not finished a season below .500 since 2023, and sits as the No. 2 team in the Landmark Conference, a mark that carries no weight in this non-conference matchup but speaks to the level of team Montclair State is facing.

The two have split their history evenly, 2-2 across four meetings dating to 2007, and last year's meeting was tight, a 24-21 Wilkes win. Both teams arrive at 1-1, and the projection points to another close finish, just one that favors the home side this time.