MANKATO, Minn. --- The #2 Minnesota State football team returns to Blakeslee Stadium as it hosts the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears on Friday. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Our History: The 2014 season marks the school's 88th season playing football. The Mavericks are 412-377-28 (.521) in 817 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922.  Minnesota State is in its seventh season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 59-9 (.867) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 19 conference championships, including 16 NIC titles. Last season, the Mavericks won the NSIC Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Grabbing the Reigns: The 2014 season marks the fifth season with head coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his five seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 40-13 (.754) record, including a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008 and 2009.

Mutual History: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul will be the ninth meeting between them, with MSU leading the all-time series 6-2. The Mavericks own a 3-1 record against the Golden Bears at Blakeslee Stadium and have won the last three meetings against them.

Last season, MSU defeated Concordia-St. Paul 27-7 in St. Paul. Senior Andy Pfeiffer rushed for 67 yards and caught two passes for 47 yards against the Golden Bears last season

Concerning the Mavericks: The Minnesota State Mavericks improved to 2-0 in NSIC South Division competition last Thursday as they defeated the Winona State Warriors 44-24. MSU improved to 6-0 overall on the season and has now won 28 consecutive NSIC games dating back to week one of the 2012 season.

The Maverick defense combined for seven total sacks against the Warriors, with junior Josh Gordon leading the way with four. Senior Shonquille Dorsey, junior Tyler Henderson and sophomore Colt Nero each tallied one sack. Senior Nathan Hancock also notched his third interception of the season, while junior Rob Myers led the team with seven tackles.

On offense, senior Dorian Buford caught six passes for 136 yards, including two touchdowns. Junior Bryce Duncan also caught a touchdown pass.

Senior Andy Pfeiffer rushed for 57 yards and two touchdowns, while junior Connor Thomas notched 52 rushing yards and one touchdown.

On the season, MSU has tallied 2,671 yards of total offense and has outscored its opponents 292-67 through six games. The Maverick rushing attack has accounted for 1,488 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Through the air, the Mavericks have tallied 1,183 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Mavericks have two shutouts on the season and have only allowed a total of 67 points through six games.

Henderson leads the Maverick defense with 47 tackles, while Gordon boasts a team-leading 12 sacks.

The MSU defense has also tallied 10 interceptions and has recovered six fumbles.

Concerning the Golden Bears: The Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears enter the week the owners of a 1-5 record, including a 0-3 record on the road. Recently, CU fell to Wayne State 54-14 at home.

Jared Russo has completed 94-of-161 passes for 925 yards and eight touchdowns, while throwing four interceptions.

Cordell Smith has caught 26 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns, while Tre Spears has rushed for 533 yards and one touchdown.

Jordan Halverson leads the Golden Bear defense with 63 tackles, while Dion Roche leads the team in sacks with 5.5.

Abdullah Asad has two interceptions on the season.
 
Nationally Speaking: Minnesota State currently ranks in the top-10 in the nation in several categories including blocked punts (2nd), scoring defense (5th), scoring offense (7th), pass efficiency defense (7th) and total defense (9th).

Several Mavericks are also making their presence felt including junior Josh Gordon,  who leads Division II in sacks per game with 2.00. Senior Dorian Buford is currently sixth in the nation in receiving touchdowns with nine.

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