MANKATO, Minn. --- After posting a 44-17 win over the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs last weekend, the Minnesota State football team will host the Concord Mountain Lions at Blakeslee Stadium in the fourth round of the NCAA Tournament. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Our History: The 2014 season marks the school's 88th season playing football. The Mavericks are 419-377-28 (.525) in 824 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 62-9 (.873) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 20 conference championships, including 16 NIC titles. This season, the Mavericks claimed their second straight NSIC title and third in the last four seasons.

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 47-13 (.783) record, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009 and 2014.

Mutual History: Saturday's game between the Mavericks and the Mountain Lions will be their first ever meeting.

Viewing Options: Fans who cannot make the trip to Blakeslee Stadium Saturday afternoon can view the game online at ESPN 3.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 13-0 overall last weekend as it defeated the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 44-17 at Blakeslee Stadium. With the win, MSU improved to 4-3 all-time in NCAA Tournament games at Blakeslee Stadium.

Sophomore Ricky Lloyd finished the game connecting on 14-of-24 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Seniors Dorian Buford and Austin Rieder, along with junior Bryce Duncan, each caught a touchdown pass, with Buford posting a team-leading 110 receiving yards.

Junior Alden Haffar went 3-of-3 in field goal attempts as he connected from 24, 32 and 38 yards out.

Junior Connor Thomas eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark for the sixth time this season as he ran for 135 yards and a touchdown.

The Maverick defense came up with four turnovers in Saturday's win over Minnesota Duluth. Juniors Josh Gordon and Tyler Henderson, along with sophomore Marcus Gooden, each recovered a fumble, while junior Rumeal Harris intercepted a pass. Gordon tied for the team-lead in tackles with eight, along with junior Rob Myers and freshman Cory Brent.

Concerning the Mountain Lions: The Concord Mountain Lions enter the weekend the owners of a 13-0 record, including a 32-26 win over Bloomsburg in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

On the season, Brian Novak has connected on 203-of-328 passes for 3,511 passing yards and 33 touchdowns, compared to 12 interceptions. TJ Smith leads the CU receiving corps with 1,143 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Ryan Stewart has tallied 640 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

Calvinaugh Jones leads the Mountain Lion rushing attack with 1,664 rushing yards and 12 touchdown carries.

Nick Ortiz leads the CU defense with 82 tackles, including 19 for a loss. Ortiz, along with Ervin Moore, are tied for the team lead with six sacks.

Derrick Johnson has recorded seven interceptions, with Jeremiah Johnson and Mike Carey following with four.
 
Nationally Speaking: Minnesota State currently ranks in the top-10 in the nation in several categories including scoring defense (1st), 3rd down conversion defense (2nd),  interceptions (4th), turnover margin (5th) and scoring offense (9th).

Several Mavericks are also making their presence felt including junior Joshua Gordon,  who is sixth in Division II in sacks per game with 1.27. Senior Dorian Buford is currently fifth in the nation in receiving touchdowns with 15.

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