Foreshadowing: The #2 Minnesota State football team begins its 2013 campaign on the road as it takes on the University of Mary Saturday, in the confines of the MDU Resources Community Bowl. The opening kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m.

Our History: The 2013 season marks the school's 87th season playing football. The Mavericks are 395-376-28 (.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 42-9 (.823) 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 36-28, including an unblemished mark of 11-0 in NSIC play.

Mutual History: Saturday's meeting between marks the third time that the Mavericks and the Marauders will square off. MSU owns a 2-0 all-time record against U-Mary, including a 35-14 win in their last encounter back in the 2009 season.

Concerning the Marauders: The University of Mary finished its 2012 season with a 4-7 record. The Marauders began the 2012 season winning their first three games, but went 1-7 through their final eight contests.

Offensively, the Marauders return their starting quarterback Craig Bagnell from a season ago. Bagnell threw for 2,101 yards and 22 touchdowns in eight games. Elby Pope returns after leading U-Mary with 977 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games last season. U-Mary returns its leading rusher in Dariouse Gravely, who tallied 536 yards on the ground to  go along with a team-leading four rushing touchdowns.

On defense, U-Mary return its three leading tacklers including Grant Singer, Scott Maldonado and John Oyloe. Singer led his squad with 91 tackles, including six sacks. Maldonado tallied 87 tackles, while Oyloe posted a team-high 10 sacks.   

The University of Mary is coached by Myron Schultz, who is in his 15th season with the Marauders. He currently boasts an overall record of a 97-55 record, including a mark of 73-37 in league play.

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