LINCOLN, Neb. (September 6th, 2024) - After months of intense preparation, Nebraska Wesleyan football is back, as the Prairie Wolves will host Dakota State, under the lights this Saturday.

LOCATION, GAME TIME, LIVE STREAM & LIVE STATS

• Nebraska Wesleyan will host Dakota State at Abel Stadium, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Nebraska Wesleyan will live stream the game and carry live stats. 

ABOUT THE PRAIRIE WOLVES
Nebraska Wesleyan returns 16 starters from a team that finished 4-6 in 2024. This includes receiver Cole Siems, who ranks eighth in career receiving yards (1,571) and ninth in receiving touchdowns (15), along with running backs Nathan Athouris and Trystin Myers, who combined for 854 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season. On defense, Aashton Kirkland, who led the team with two interceptions and a forced fumble, and Eli Mackowski, who was fourth in tackles, are set to make significant contributions. 

2023 BY THE NUMBERS
Points Per Game: 20.00
Yards Per Game: 302.7
Passing Yards Per Game: 218.40
Passing Touchdowns: 17
Rushing Yards Per Game: 84.3
Rushing Touchdowns: 12
Points Per Game Allowed: 35.50
Yards Per Game Allowed:405.9
Time of Possession: 31:16

HEAD COACH BRIAN KELLER PROFILE
Entering his 29th season, Brian Keller is the winningest coach in Nebraska Wesleyan history with a 129-134 career record. Keller has led the Prairie Wolves to a share of the 2000 GPAC championship and has coached 39 All-Conference players since the move to Division III in 2016. His legacy includes 46 All-Americans and coaching the program's all-time leading rusher, passer, and receiver.

NEBRASKA WESLEYAN FOOTBALL TRADITION
Nebraska Wesleyan boasts a proud football tradition that dates back to 1896. The Prairie Wolves have won over 500 games, and secured 22 conference championships. Nebraska Wesleyan has also excelled in the classroom, ranking seventh among all football schools in CoSIDA All-Americans.

PRIME TIME PRAIRIE WOLVES
Saturday will mark the first home football night game since Nebraska Wesleyan defeated #13 ranked Doane, 20-19, on October 5th, 2013. 

ABOUT THE TROJANS
Dakota States enters Saturday with a 1-0 record. The Trojans defeated Dakota Wesleyan, 34-3, on Thursday, August 29th. In the game, quarterback Tray Hettick went 19-34, for 194 yards, and one touchdown. Defensively, the Trojans held the Tigers to 227 yards of offense and forced three interceotions and recovered two fumbles.

2024 BY THE NUMBERS
Points Scored: 34.00
Total Yards: 365.0
Passing Yards: 194.0
Passing Touchdowns: 1
Rushing Yards: 171.0
Rushing Touchdowns: 3
Yards Allowed: 227.0
Time of Possession: 33:55

SERIES HISTORY
Saturday will mark the first meeting between the Prairie Wolves and Trojans.