Projection favors William Jewell by two despite shaky power numbers

Versus gives William Jewell a slight edge at home, projecting a 26-24 final and a 54 percent win probability, the kind of margin that suggests this Great Lakes Valley Conference game could go either way. The Cardinals carry a 5-2 record into Week 9, but their power rank of 125 in Division II sits almost in line with Missouri S&T's 123, and William Jewell's own form has been shaky lately, having been outscored on average over its last five games despite going 3-2 in that stretch.

Missouri S&T brings a 1-7 record and has dropped seven of its last eight, with a defensive rank of 123 and an offensive rank of 121 in Division II. The Miners have been competitive in close games, going 1-3 in one-score contests, and their lone marquee result this season came against a McKendree team ranked 21 spots ahead of them.

William Jewell's offense ranks 131st in Division II, its lowest-graded unit at D+, while its defense at C- and 111th overall gives it the better side of the ball entering this one. The Cardinals reached as high as No. 55 in Division II earlier this season, their best Versus placement on record, and enter this GLVC matchup looking to build on that form against a Missouri S&T team still searching for consistency.