DeLAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters return to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium this Saturday, October 11, for a 1:00 PM kickoff against Morehead State in the Breast Cancer Awareness & Hilinski's Hope Game, presented by AdventHealth. The matchup will stream live on ESPN+, with live stats available at GoHatters.com.
Stetson enters the weekend fresh off its first Pioneer Football League win since October 7, 2023, a thrilling 35-32 victory over Davidson that saw the Hatters rewrite the record book with a program-record 384 rushing yards. The performance was powered by quarterback Chris Stephenson, who ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns in his first collegiate start, and running back Cayden Betts, who added 124 yards on the ground.
The Hatters' rushing depth has been a defining strength this season, with four different players eclipsing 100 yards on the ground through six games. Trey Clark continues to be a steady presence, totaling 230 rushing yards this season, including a pair of touchdowns in last week's win. Freshman Michael Dempsey continues to impress as well, scoring his third touchdown of the year while contributing both as a rusher and receiver.
Despite the focus on the ground game, Stetson remains one of the league's most balanced offenses, averaging 263.8 passing yards per game, the best mark in the PFL. Under Head Coach Mike Jasper, the Hatters (2-4, 1-1 PFL) look to carry their momentum into Saturday's matchup and secure back-to-back conference wins for the first time since 2019.
Morehead State (2-4, 0-2 PFL) enters the weekend seeking its first conference win of the season. The Eagles have faced a tough schedule, with losses to nationally-ranked opponents #7 Illinois State, #22 Austin Peay, and #25 Presbyterian, along with a narrow 35-28 defeat to Dayton last week. Quarterback Carter Cravens has led the offense with six passing touchdowns and three on the ground, while receivers Ryan Upp (426 yards, 3 TDs) and Anthony Ice (238 yards, 2 TDs) headline the aerial attack. Defensively, Morehead State boasts a disruptive front that leads the PFL with 29 team sacks through six games.
Stetson holds a 4-3 all-time series lead over the Eagles, including a 38-26 victory in their last meeting on September 24, 2022. The Hatters are 3-0 at home against Morehead State, averaging nearly 34 points per game in the series.
Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to honor the memory of Tyler Hilinski through the Hilinski's Hope Foundation initiative.
Stay connected with @StetsonFootball and @StetsonHatters on social media for in-game updates, highlights, and postgame coverage.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
