MANKATO, Minn. --- Seventh-rated Minnesota State begins a two-game road trip Saturday as it takes on the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2015 season marks the school's 89th season playing football. The Mavericks are 427-379-28 (.528) in 834 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922.  Minnesota State is in its eighth season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 69-10 (.873) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 20 conference championships, including 16 NIC titles. Last season, the Mavericks claimed their second straight NSIC title and third in the last four seasons.

Grabbing the Reigns: The 2015 season marks the sixth season with head coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his six seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 55-15 (.785) record, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009 and 2014.

Against the Mustangs: The Mavericks enter Saturday's contest boasting an unblemished 13-0 record against Southwest Minnesota State, including a 5-0 record in Marshall. Last season, MSU defeated the Mustangs 56-14 at Blakeslee Stadium.

Last season, junior Ricky Lloyd threw a pair of touchdown passes, to go along with 52 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Senior Bryce Duncan caught two passes, including one touchdown catch.

On defense, senior Josh Gordon led the Mavericks with eight tackles, including one sack, against the Mustangs last season. Gordon also forced and recovered a fumble that he returned 47 yards for a touchdown. Senior Justin Otto recorded an interception as well.

Regional Rankings: The Mavericks ranked sixth in the first edition of the NCAA Super Region Three Rankings. The top seven teams at the end of the season advance to the NCAA Tournament, with the #1 seed receiving a first round bye.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State saw its 40-game NSIC winning streak come to an end last weekend as the Mavericks fell to Winona State 31-27 at Blakeslee Stadium. MSU now owns a 7-1 overall record, including a 3-1 record in south division action.

Last weekend, the Mavericks tallied 445 yards of total offense, including 263 passing yards. Four Mavericks tallied 50 or more receiving yards last week, including seniors Chad Zastrow and Bryce Duncan who each caught five passes for 57 yards. Senior Kyle Riggott and sophomore Ty Dennis each posted 50 receiving yards, with Dennis hauling in the lone touchdown pass. Dennis still leads the Mavericks with 499 receiving yards and six touchdown catches.

Zastrow also gained 61 yards on the ground, to go along with two touchdown carries. Sophomore Nick Pieruccini passed 100 rushing yards for the second time in his career as he notched 106 against the Warriors. Zastrow has 445 rushing yards and seven touchdown carries on the season.

Senior Tyler Henderson currently leads the Maverick defense with 53 tackles, while Josh Gordon leads MSU with 17.5 tackles for a loss, including 11.5 sacks.

Concerning the Mustangs: The Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs enter the weekend the owners of a 6-2 record, including a 34-19 win against Upper Iowa last week. SMSU trailed 19-14 at the end of the first half but would go on to post 20 unanswered points in the second half to seal the win.

Davontay Stevens leads the SMSU rushing attack with 760 yards and eight touchdown carries, with Ashanti Stevens following with 525 yards and three touchdowns.

Blake Gimbel has thrown for 2,372 yards and 21 touchdowns, compared to two interceptions, this season. Nate Huot has caught 41 passes for 558 yards and six touchdowns as well.

Tyler Flud leads the Mustang defense with 67 tackles, while AJ Page boasts a team-leading 14 tackles for a loss, including 5.5 sacks. Caleb Leichtnam has a team-leading four interceptions as well.

The Mustangs are coached by Cory Sauter, who is in his sixth season at the helm of the SMSU football program. He owns a 27-37 overall record.

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