MANKATO, Minn. --- The third-rated Minnesota State football team will look for its sixth win in a row as it travels to Winona State on Thursday. The opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and can be viewed on the CBS Sports Network.

Our History: The 2014 season marks the school's 88th season playing football. The Mavericks are 411-377-28 (.520) in 816 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 58-9 (.865) 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.

Top of the Heap: MSU completed its second straight undefeated regular season, en route to an NSIC regular season championship and its fifth NSIC South Division championship after finishing its regular season with an 11-0 record.  

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 compiled a 39-13 (.750) record, including a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008 and 2009.

Viewing Options: MSU's game against Winona State will air on the CBS Sports Network this Thursday. Fans in the local Mankato area can view the game on Charter channels 807 & 412. The game will also be available on Direct TV channel 221.

Mutual History: Thursday's meeting between the Mavericks and the Warriors marks the 53rd contest between the two, with MSU owning the series edge at 32-16-4. The Mavericks are currently on a three-game winning streak dating back to the 2011 season.

Last season, MSU defeated Winona State 44-10 at Blakeslee Stadium. Senior Austin Rieder caught three passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, while junior Connor Thomas rushed for 122 yards. The Mavericks defense also tallied seven sacks, with junior Josh Gordon leading the way with three.

Concerning the Mavericks: The Minnesota State Mavericks opened play in the NSIC South Division last weekend with a 56-14 win over Southwest Minnesota State. Despite a scoreless first quarter, the Mavericks exploded for 35 points in the second quarter, en route to another decisive victory at Blakeslee Stadium.

The Maverick special teams unit harried the Mustangs all game long as it blocked two punts, both of which were blocked by junior Chad Zastrow, to go along with a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by senior Austin Rieder with 24 seconds left in the second quarter.

The Maverick defense also came up with a score early in the second quarter. Junior Josh Gordon sacked Charlie Kern and forced a fumble. Gordon would then pick up the fumble and return it 47 yards for MSU's first score of the game. Gordon also led the team in tackles with eight.

On the season, MSU has tallied 2,250 yards of total offense and has outscored its opponents 248-43 through four games. The Maverick rushing attack has accounted for 1,328 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. Through the air, the Mavericks have tallied 922 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Mavericks have two shutouts on the season and have only allowed a total of 43 points through five games.

Junior Tyler Henderson leads the Maverick defense with 41 tackles, while Gordon boasts a team-leading eight sacks.

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

Concerning the Warriors: The Winona State Warriors enter the week the owners of a 3-2 record, including a 1-1 record at home. Recently, WSU lost to Wayne State 27-7.

Jack Nelson has completed 89-of-175 passes for 1,427 yards and 13 touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

Theo Burkett leads the WSU rushing attack with 298 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Josh Mikes has caught 28 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns.

Morgan Weaver leads the Warriors with 34 tackles, while Collin Corcoran boasts a team-high 2.5 sacks.

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