You know that feeling when the humidity finally breaks in St. Joe and you start smelling charcoal in the parking lot? That's when you know the MIAA grind is back. If you’ve lived around Northwest Missouri for more than a minute, you know that Missouri Western football isn't just a Saturday hobby; it’s basically a local religion. But honestly, keeping track of the schedule can be a headache when dates shift and non-conference games pop up out of nowhere.
The 2025 season was a wild ride for the Griffons. Following their progress felt like a full-time job some weeks. Whether you were sitting in the stands at Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium or trying to find a working stream on the MIAA Network, the schedule was the roadmap for everything.
Breaking Down the Missouri Western Football Schedule
The 2025 season kicked off with a brutal road trip. On August 30, the Griffons headed up to Sioux Falls to take on Augustana. It was a heartbreaker, a 26-30 loss that set a gritty tone for the weeks to come. Most people expected a blowout, but the Griffs showed they had plenty of fight.
Then came the home opener. September 13 against Missouri S&T was a classic St. Joseph night. The team took care of business with a 27-10 win, giving the hometown crowd exactly what they wanted for Family Night.
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But as any MIAA fan knows, the conference schedule is where things get real. The rivalry games in this league are legendary. You've got the huge matchups against Central Missouri and the dreaded "Highway 71" battle against Northwest Missouri State.
Key Matchups and Road Trips
- The UCM Game (Sept 20): This was "Turn Back the Clock Night." The atmosphere was electric, honoring the 1975 team, but the result was a tough 26-34 loss.
- The Battle for the Bell (Nov 8): Going up to Maryville to play Northwest Missouri State is always a tall order. The Bearcats took that one 38-7, which honestly stung for the Griffon faithful.
- The Finale (Nov 15): The season wrapped up at home against Central Oklahoma. It wasn't the ending anyone hoped for—a 10-54 loss—but it showed exactly where the program needs to grow.
Why the MIAA Schedule is So Brutal
People talk about the SEC or the Big Ten, but in Division II, the MIAA is a different beast entirely. You don't get "cupcake" weeks. When you look at the missouri western football schedule, you see names like Pittsburg State and Fort Hays State. Those aren't just games; they're three-hour wars.
Take the October 18 game against Pittsburg State. The Gorillas came into St. Joseph and put up 44 points. It's hard to win in this league when you aren't playing mistake-free football. The Griffons found that out the hard way during a middle-of-the-season slump where they dropped games to Emporia State and Nebraska-Kearney in back-to-back weeks.
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However, there were bright spots. The win against Missouri Southern on October 25 (19-12) showed that the defense could travel. Winning in Joplin is never easy, especially in late October when the wind starts picking up.
2025 Results at a Glance
- Aug 30: at Augustana (L, 26-30)
- Sep 13: vs Missouri S&T (W, 27-10)
- Sep 20: vs Central Missouri (L, 26-34)
- Sep 27: at Fort Hays State (L, 23-31)
- Oct 4: vs Emporia State (L, 14-50)
- Oct 11: at Nebraska-Kearney (L, 7-27)
- Oct 18: vs Pittsburg State (L, 20-44)
- Oct 25: at Missouri Southern (W, 19-12)
- Nov 1: vs Washburn (W, 27-24)
- Nov 8: at Northwest Missouri State (L, 7-38)
- Nov 15: vs Central Oklahoma (L, 10-54)
Looking Ahead to 2026
Right now, everyone is asking: what's next? While the full 2026 dates haven't all been finalized with kickoff times, we know the MIAA format. The Griffons will likely open again in late August. The rotation usually flips, meaning those tough road games in 2025 will become home stands in 2026.
If you're planning your travel, keep an eye on those September dates. The non-conference slate often shifts as the MIAA continues to experiment with "Week Zero" games.
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How to Get Tickets and Watch
If you aren't at Spratt Stadium, you're probably on your phone. The MIAA Network is the go-to spot. It’s a subscription service, which kinda sucks for the casual fan, but it’s the only way to see every snap.
For those going in person:
- Tailgating: The lots usually open four hours before kickoff.
- Student Section: It's loud, it's messy, and it’s the heart of the stadium.
- Tickets: You can usually grab these at the gate, but for the Northwest game? Buy them early. Like, weeks early.
The missouri western football schedule is a grueling path every single year. It tests the depth of the roster and the patience of the fans. But when you get a win under the lights in St. Joseph, none of the losses seem to matter as much.
To stay prepared for the next season, start by checking the official MWSU Athletics site (GoGriffons.com) regularly starting in March when spring ball dates are announced. This is usually when the first concrete details for the fall schedule begin to leak. Make sure your MIAA Network subscription is updated by August so you don't miss the opener, and if you're a local business owner, look into the Griffon Booster Club early to secure the best parking passes for the 2026 home slate.