SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- It was a close affair Saturday afternoon in Kirkeby-Over Stadium, but it was the #1 Minnesota State football team that would come away with the win as it downed the Augustana Vikings 34-28.

With the win, MSU improves to 8-0 on the season, while Augustana falls to 4-4. MSU has now won 30 straight NSIC games dating back to week one of the 2012 season.

The first quarter saw both teams march down the field for touchdowns on their opening drive. MSU posted its first touchdown of the game after junior Connor Thomas rushed into the end zone from seven yards out to record his ninth rushing touchdown of the season.

Augustana managed to get another touchdown to reclaim the lead at 14-7, but MSU would post 13 points in the second quarter to take a 20-14 lead into halftime. Junior Alden Haffar connected on a pair of field goals from 21 and 27 yards out, while senior Dorian Buford caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Nick Pieruccini for his 10th touchdown catch of the season.  

The third quarter saw Pieruccini hook up with Buford once again, this time on a nine-yard pass, to put MSU in front 27-14. MSU added another seven points off a 25-yard touchdown run by senior Andy Pfeiffer to put the Mavericks up 34-14.

Augustana managed to pull within six points of the Mavericks at 34-28 with 1:43 left in the game, but MSU was able to field the onside kick before running out the clock to secure the win.

In total, Minnesota State accumulated 535 yards of total offense on, including 341 yards on the ground.

Pieruccini, who threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns, led the Mavericks rushing attack with 125 rushing yards, while Thomas notched his eighth career 100-yard rushing game with 109 yards and a touchdown. Pfeiffer added 95 rushing yards and a touchdown as well.

Buford led the Maverick receiving corps with 70 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. He now has 11 touchdown catches on the season.

Senior Nathan Hancock led the Maverick defense with nine tackles, while senior Kris Fleigle and juniors Tyler Henderson and Rob Myers each tallied seven. Junior Jordan Campbell recovered an Augustana fumbles as well.  

Minnesota State returns home on Saturday, Nov. 1, as it hosts the #14 Sioux Falls Cougars. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.


                                                                    -30-