St. Francis (PA) at UL Monroe 2025: Game Preview, Time, Location, Streaming & Odds
As the 2025 college football season kicks off, all eyes will be on a diverse slate of matchups during Week 1, including a lesser-hyped but highly strategic showdown: 🏈 St. Francis (PA) at UL Monroe, scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. This interdivision clash will take place at Malone Stadium in Monroe, Louisiana, and promises to deliver excitement, evaluation, and potential surprises.
With UL Monroe (FBS) aiming to begin their season strong in front of the home crowd and St. Francis (FCS) seeking national attention and a program-building win, this game represents far more than a warm-up—it’s about identity, momentum, and proving readiness.
📅 Game Details: 🏈 St. Francis (PA) at UL Monroe
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM ET
- Location: Malone Stadium, Monroe, Louisiana
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+ (Expected)
- Streaming Options: ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTv
Both teams come into this game with something to prove: UL Monroe seeks to reestablish itself in the Sun Belt pecking order, while St. Francis (PA) eyes a marquee upset that could elevate its FCS profile.
🏟️ Venue Insight: Malone Stadium
Home of the UL Monroe Warhawks, Malone Stadium has been a fortress of energy in recent years. With a capacity of over 27,000 and a passionate fanbase eager for progress, Thursday night’s lights will shine brightly as the Warhawks defend their turf against an ambitious visiting Red Flash squad.
🔍 Team Breakdowns: 🏈 St. Francis (PA) at UL Monroe
UL Monroe Warhawks: Building Under Coach Viator
UL Monroe is on a mission in 2025. After a tough rebuilding phase, head coach Matt Viator has focused on shoring up both the offensive and defensive lines while bringing in dynamic JUCO and transfer portal talent.
- Quarterback: Sophomore Braxton Hughes gets the nod as starter, bringing a dual-threat skillset and sharp passing instincts.
- Backfield & Receivers: RB Isaiah Wofford, paired with WRs Jaheim Walters and Tristan Harris, provides explosiveness and experience.
- Defense: Anchored by MLB Tyrone White and edge rusher Demetrius Clark, UL Monroe will look to dominate the trenches and pressure the quarterback.
Expect the Warhawks to implement more RPO concepts and vertical passing to open up early in the game.
St. Francis Red Flash (PA): FCS Power with FBS Ambition
Led by head coach Chris Villarrial, St. Francis (PA) is one of the most consistent programs in the NEC (Northeast Conference). They’ve built a reputation for tough-nosed defense, efficient quarterback play, and balanced offense.
- Quarterback: Senior Cole Doyle returns after a breakout 2024 campaign, where he threw for over 2,800 yards and 25 TDs.
- Running Game: RB Malik Springer adds balance with tough between-the-tackles runs and open-field agility.
- Wideouts: WRs Khalil Johnson and Nate Thompson bring speed and sure hands.
- Defense: Known for physicality, the Red Flash rely on LB Ricky Hayes and DB Corey Greene to create havoc.
Villarrial has instilled a disciplined culture that thrives in hostile environments. St. Francis won’t be intimidated.
⚔️ Key Matchups to Watch
Cole Doyle vs. UL Monroe Secondary
Doyle’s ability to stay composed in the pocket and find seams against FBS-caliber defenders will be crucial. If he gets in rhythm early, the Red Flash could stretch the Warhawks vertically.
Braxton Hughes vs. Red Flash Blitz
St. Francis loves to disguise blitz packages and pressure from multiple levels. Hughes will need quick reads and footwork to avoid costly turnovers.
Line Play: St. Francis O-Line vs. UL Monroe Front Seven
This trench battle could define the pace of the game. If St. Francis can give Doyle enough protection, their offense can sustain long drives and keep UL Monroe’s offense cold.
Special Teams Edge
A field position game could tilt either way if one team makes a mistake on punt returns or kickoff coverage. Look for UL Monroe to be aggressive on special teams early.
📈 Odds, Predictions & Betting Trends
Opening Spread: UL Monroe -17.5
Over/Under: 51.0
ATS Prediction: St. Francis (PA) +17.5
Though UL Monroe is the higher-division team, St. Francis is well-coached and has playmakers capable of keeping this close. Expect a tighter contest than the line indicates.
Over/Under Pick: Over 51
Both teams bring offensive firepower and quarterbacks with strong arms. Defense may take a back seat, especially early in the season when mistakes and miscommunications are more common.
⭐ Players to Watch
Cole Doyle – QB, St. Francis (PA)
An FCS standout, Doyle has the tools and poise to shine on a bigger stage. His decision-making and quick release can keep the Red Flash competitive.
Braxton Hughes – QB, UL Monroe
Hughes is UL Monroe’s best dual-threat QB in years. If he gets into a rhythm, he could turn this game into a personal highlight reel.
Isaiah Wofford – RB, UL Monroe
A physical runner with elite burst, Wofford will test St. Francis’ linebacker corps and wear them down late in the game.
Ricky Hayes – LB, St. Francis (PA)
The heart of the Red Flash defense, Hayes brings intensity, IQ, and sideline-to-sideline coverage.
Tristan Harris – WR, UL Monroe
A breakout candidate, Harris’s speed and route-running will test the Red Flash secondary.
🧠 Coaching Chess Match: Villarrial vs. Viator
- Chris Villarrial (St. Francis): A no-nonsense leader and former NFL offensive lineman, Villarrial’s squads are known for discipline and toughness.
- Matt Viator (UL Monroe): Rebuilding the Warhawks with a mix of youth and transfer talent, Viator favors high-tempo offense and pressure defense.
Expect St. Francis to lean on short-yardage control and disguise, while UL Monroe tries to strike early and force the Red Flash into catch-up mode.
📊 2024 Season Recaps & Stats
UL Monroe Warhawks
- Record: 4–8
- Conference: Sun Belt
- PPG: 24.6
- Yards/Game: 388.7
- Turnovers: -3
- Biggest Win: vs. Arkansas State (2024)
St. Francis Red Flash
- Record: 9–3
- Conference: NEC
- PPG: 28.9
- Yards/Game: 406.2
- Turnover Margin: +6
- FCS Playoff Appearance: Yes (lost in 2nd round)
The 2025 season represents opportunity and evolution for both teams. A Week 1 victory would mean significant momentum heading into the September grind.
🔢 Historical Context
- All-Time Meetings: First-ever matchup
- FCS vs. FBS Record for St. Francis: 1–9
- UL Monroe’s FCS Performance: Historically solid, but vulnerable to underestimation
This game marks the first meeting between these two programs, adding intrigue and unpredictability.
❓ FAQs – 🏈 St. Francis (PA) at UL Monroe
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET.
Where is it played?
Malone Stadium, Monroe, Louisiana.
How can I watch it?
Streaming on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Is this a conference matchup?
No. UL Monroe is FBS (Sun Belt), and St. Francis (PA) is FCS (NEC).
What’s the betting line?
UL Monroe is favored by 17.5 points.
Who are the quarterbacks?
UL Monroe: Braxton Hughes
St. Francis (PA): Cole Doyle
Why should fans care?
FBS vs. FCS games often feature early-season drama, upsets, and strong individual performances that set the tone for the year.
🏁 Final Score Prediction: UL Monroe 34, St. Francis (PA) 24
This matchup will likely be closer than expected. St. Francis brings maturity, quarterback strength, and a defense capable of limiting big plays. However, the depth, speed, and home-field energy of UL Monroe should help them pull away in the final quarter.
Game MVP: Braxton Hughes (ULM)
X-Factor: Tristan Harris with 2 touchdowns on explosive plays
Bold Prediction: Cole Doyle throws for over 300 yards, shocking the UL Monroe defense early
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 St. Francis (PA) at UL Monroe
- Quarterback Duel: Two highly capable QBs with pro potential
- David vs. Goliath Feel: Can an FCS team shock the home favorite?
- Coaching Strategies: Smart, aggressive football from both sidelines
- Playoff Implications: For UL Monroe, every win counts for bowl consideration
- Scouting Stars: NFL scouts will tune in to see how key players perform against top-level competition
As the lights shine on Malone Stadium this August, this FBS-FCS duel between 🏈 St. Francis (PA) at UL Monroe will not only entertain—it may just surprise the national football audience.
