Trinity TX's perfect record outweighs a closer schedule gap with Maryville TN

The strength of schedule numbers tell a tighter story than the overall ranks do. Maryville TN sits 109th in schedule strength and Trinity TX 68th, a gap of only 41 spots compared to the 104 that separate their Division III positions, 113th for the Saints against 9th for the Tigers. The competition each side has faced this season has not been as lopsided as their places in the rankings suggest.

Everything else about this Southern Athletic Association matchup points toward Trinity TX. The Tigers are 5-0, own the best record in college football right now, and have reached their highest Division III position since 2011. They carry an A+ overall grade, built on an A- offense and an A defense. Maryville TN, at 3-3 and graded B- across the board, has tightened up defensively of late, not allowing more than 21 points in three straight games, and its most recent win over Sewanee was its most lopsided since November 2024.

This game counts in the Southern Athletic Association standings. Versus projects Trinity TX to win 35-15, giving the Tigers an 88 percent chance of victory and a projected margin of 20 points.