What Happened: The Minnesota State football team opens its 2012 season Thursday with a 6 p.m., contest at Minot State University. The game marks the first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference game for the Beavers as they – along with University of Sioux Falls – joined the NSIC this summer.
A Little History Lesson: The 2012 season marked the school's 86th season playing football. The Mavericks are 382-375-28 (.505) in 785 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Minnesota State is in its fourth season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 31-7 record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 17 conference championships, including 15 NIC titles.
What's in a Win: A win would mark the 38th time in school history that Minnesota State has opened the year with a victory...It would also give MSU its 383th win in school history...Thursday's game marks Aaron Keen's debut as the acting head coach for the Mavericks.
Next of Keen: Thursday's game may be Aaron Keen's first as acting head coach for Minnesota State, but it is not the first time that he has been the "Big Man" for a football team. From 2003-07 Keen served as the head coach for Illinois College. During that time, the BlueBoys went 23-27 while 51 players earned all-conference accolades.
All In the Family: With the expansion of the NSIC, the league will play a 11-game unbalanced schedule. No one in the league will have an exhibition game this season.
More Changes: The NCAA has shifted regions this season as well. The Mavericks will still play in the Central Region but they will be paired with the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Great American Conference.
A Little Bit About Our Opponent: One of two teams nicknamed the Beavers in the NSIC, Minot State enters the 2012 season after posting a 2-8 record in its final year as an independent. Against NSIC foes last year, the Beavers were 0-2, dropping a 27-0 loss to Bemidji State and a 43-31 decision to Concordia.
Senior running back Blake Eggl is the leading returning rusher from last year after rushing 23 times for 107 yards a year ago. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Jorgenson returns after playing in nine games during his maiden season. Jorgenson completed 89 of 198 passes for 989 yards and four touchdowns a year ago, while tossing nine interceptions. He averaged 109.9 passing yards per game and had a quarterback efficiency rating of 84.48. Senior tight end Kirk Mason is the top returning receiver from last year after catching 24 passes for 375 yards and one touchdown, good for 15.6 yards per catch and 37.5 yards per game.
Defensively, the Beavers return their top three tacklers from a year ago. Junior linebacker finished Chad Marshall finished his sophomore season with 81 tackles, while senior cornerback Laron Peoples had 59 tackles and two interceptions. Senior free safety Blair Larson finished with 57 tackles a year ago.
Minot State is coached by Paul Rudolph who is in his sixth season with the program and owner of a 28-23 record with the program. Over the course of his career he is 71-10 in 14 seasons.
Monday Night Coaches Show: Join the Minnesota State coaching staff each Monday night for the Maverick Coaches Show live from the downtown Buffalo Wild Wing location. The show, hosted by the voice Mike Sullivan, of the airs on AM 1230 KYSM the Fan Mankato and run from 7-7:30.
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