The Kentucky State Thorobreds (5–2, 5–1 SIAC) gallop into Rindge, New Hampshire for a first-ever clash against the Franklin Pierce Ravens (3–3, 2–2 NE10) under the Friday night lights at Sodexo Field.
Kentucky State is riding high after a dominant 42–14 win over Edward Waters, led by electric freshman Chad Elzy and star wideout Jon McCall, while Franklin Pierce looks to regroup after a shutout loss to Saint Anselm. This game is a fascinating test of momentum vs. motivation — can the Thorobreds’ opportunistic defense travel north and contain the Ravens’ passing attack? 🐴💚 vs 🦅🖤 — let’s break it down ClutchBuzz style.
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📺 Where to Watch Kentucky State vs. Franklin Pierce prediction? (October 17)
| Item | Details |
| Date | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET |
| TV / Stream | FloCollege |
| Live Stats | Franklin Pierce Athletics |
| Venue | Sodexo Field (Rindge, NH) |
💸 Current Betting Odds
| Market | Kentucky State | Franklin Pierce | Total |
| Spread | +4.5 (-110) | -4.5 (-110) | 47.0 |
| Moneyline | +170 | -205 | — |
Implied win probability: Franklin Pierce 65.5% | Kentucky State 37.5%
No official sportsbooks list D-II lines, so numbers are modeled projections.
📊 Season Snapshot
| Team | Record | Offense YPG | Defense YPG | Turnovers | Points For / Against |
| Kentucky State | 5–2 (5–1 SIAC) | 398.0 | 295.0 | +6 (11 INTs) | 32.1 / 19.4 |
| Franklin Pierce | 3–3 (2–2 NE10) | 310.7 | 324.3 | -1 | 23.0 / 24.8 |
At a glance:
- Kentucky State’s defense ranks 6th nationally in interceptions (11) — elite ball-hawking unit.
- Franklin Pierce has struggled to move the ball in back-to-back losses, averaging just 10.5 PPG in that stretch.
- The Thorobreds’ special teams (led by punter Matt Bolanos, 42.4 YPP) consistently win the field position battle.
🔥 Recent Form
| Team | 10/11 | 10/04 | 09/27 | 09/20 | 09/13 |
| KENTUCKY ST | W 42–14 vs Edward Waters | W 38–17 vs Miles | W 37–20 @ Savannah St | W 35–17 @ Morehouse | L 31–37 @ Grambling |
| FRANKLIN PIERCE | L 0–21 @ Saint Anselm | W 30–20 vs AIC | L 26–28 vs Assumption | L 21–35 @ Bentley | W 30–6 vs Pace |
Kentucky State has won 4 of its last 5 by double digits, while Franklin Pierce alternates wins and losses and has yet to score 30+ vs a winning team.
⭐ Players to Watch
| Team | Player | Role | 2025 Highlights |
| KENTUCKY ST | Jon McCall (WR, Sr) | Deep threat | SIAC season-high 162 yards vs Edward Waters; 6 TDs (17th nat.) |
| KENTUCKY ST | Chad Elzy (RB, Fr) | Power & speed | 148 YDS & 3 TD last week; 10th nat. in single-game rush TDs |
| KENTUCKY ST | Navy Curry (DB) | Ballhawk | 2nd nat. in INT return yards (166); 100-yd TD |
| FRANKLIN PIERCE | Jordan Eli (LB, So) | Defensive anchor | Team leader with 48 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT |
| FRANKLIN PIERCE | QB Committee (FP) | Passing tandem | 12 pass TDs this season; 6.5 YPA, but 4 INTs in last 3 games |
⚔️ Matchup Breakdown
When Kentucky State has the ball
- Expect heavy doses of Chad Elzy, setting up play-action to McCall and Cyprian.
- Franklin Pierce allows over 4.8 yards per rush — a mismatch against Kentucky’s physical O-line.
- If QB play stays clean, Kentucky State could control tempo and wear down the Ravens.
When Franklin Pierce has the ball
- The Ravens have relied on short completions and RPO sets, but face one of Division II’s top turnover-forcing secondaries.
- Their offensive line has allowed pressure on 27% of dropbacks — dangerous vs Navy Curry’s ball-hawking crew.
- Establishing early runs could be key, but Kentucky’s front seven has been dominant in gap discipline.
📈 Betting Trends
| Trend | Stat |
| Kentucky State 4–1 ATS in last 5 | Defense allowing just 17.8 PPG in that span |
| Franklin Pierce 1–3 ATS at home this season | Averaging only 19.6 PPG at Sodexo Field |
| Under has hit in 3 of 4 Franklin Pierce games | Offense inconsistent in 2H scoring |
🎯 Prop Market Angles (Unofficial)
| Prop | Pick | Rationale |
| Chad Elzy Anytime TD | ✅ | Red-hot rookie, 3 TD last game |
| Jon McCall Over 75.5 Rec Yards | ✅ | Deep shot weapon every week |
| Kentucky State + Turnover Battle | ✅ | Leads D-II in INT return yards |
| Under 47.5 Total Points | ✅ | Both defenses trend toward unders |
💥 ClutchBuzz Same-Game Parlay (+575 est.)
| Leg | Pick |
| Kentucky State +4.5 | ✅ |
| Under 47.0 | ✅ |
| Elzy Anytime TD | ✅ |
| Kentucky State 1+ INT | ✅ |
💰 Projected payout: +575
Expected flow: Kentucky State controls possession, defense forces takeaways, and Elzy pounds it home inside the red zone.
🏁 Final ClutchBuzz Kentucky State vs. Franklin Pierce Prediction
| Market | Pick |
| ATS | Kentucky State +4.5 |
| Total | Under 47.0 |
| Moneyline | Kentucky State (+170) |
| Projected Score | Kentucky State 27 – Franklin Pierce 20 |
Why: The Thorobreds’ balanced attack and opportunistic defense travel well. Franklin Pierce fights, but struggles against disciplined secondaries — and Kentucky State has one of the best in D-II.
