Mankato, Minn. --- Fresh off its 34-21 victory at the University of Mary, the second-rated Minnesota State football team opens its home schedule Saturday as it takes on the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. The opening kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Our History: The 2013 season marks the school's 87th season playing football. The Mavericks are 396-376-28 (.512) in 800 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922.  Minnesota State is in its sixth season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 43-9 (.826) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 18 conference championships, including 16 NIC titles. Last season, the Mavericks advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Grabbing the Reigns: The 2013 season marks the second season with interim Head Football Coach Aaron Keen patrolling the sidelines for Minnesota State. Last season, Keen guided the Mavericks to a 13-1 record, en route to an appearance in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. Keen currently boasts a head coaching record of 37-28, including an unblemished mark of 12-0 in NSIC play. He boasts a 14-1 record at Minnesota State.

Mutual History: Saturday's encounter between Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston marks the third time the Mavericks and Golden Eagles will square off. MSU is 2-0 with a 42-3 win back in 2010 and a 42-0 victory in 2011.

Notes from Last Weekend: Minnesota State cruised to a 34-21 win at the University of Mary last week. The Mavericks opened the game with two touchdown drives as sophomore Kyle Riggott caught a 23 yard touchdown pass from senior Jon Wolf to open the scoring. On the next drive, sophomore Connor Thomas posted his first touchdown on the season as he ran 12 yards into the endzone for the score.

Senior Sam Brockshus booted a pair of field goals from 45 and 37 yards out, while junior Nathan Hancock returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown.

Junior Kris Fleigle led the Maverick defense with eight tackles, while senior Chris Schaudt, sophomore Josh Gordon and sophomore Bryce Dominick each posted a sack. Senior Isaac Kolstad also recovered a Marauder fumble and returned it 56 yards.
 
Concerning the Golden Eagles: Minnesota Crookston suffered a 47-0 loss to the Upper Iowa Peacocks last weekend and currently owns an 0-1 record. Talo Pascal led the Golden Eagles with 21 rushing yards, while Marcus Cheatham tallied 61 receiving yards. Kyle Larson completed 9-of-20 passes for 61 yards and an interception.

On defense, Tate Thompson led the team with seven tackles. Branden Owen, Ethan Douglas and Alex Wahl each posted 1.5 sacks.

The Golden Eagles are coached by interim head coach Mike Fritze, who is currently 0-1 at Minnesota Crookston.

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