Foreshadowing: No. 1 Minnesota State returns to Blakeslee Stadium Saturday for its annual homecoming game as it plays host to the Augustana Vikings. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2015 season marks the school's 89th season playing football. The Mavericks are 425-378-28 (.528) in 831 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 67-9 (.881) 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 53-14 (.791) record, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009 and 2014.

Homecoming History: Saturday's game marks the 83rd homecoming game in program history. The Mavericks own a 47-33-2 record during homecoming festivities, including wins in their last four outings. MSU has played host to Augustana three times during homecoming and has come away with three victories, including a 36-6 win during the 2009 season. Previous homecoming victories against Augustana include a 31-8 win in 1970 and a 19-14 win in 1974.

Against the Vikings: Saturday's encounter with Augustana marks the 46th meeting between them with Augustana holding a 23-22 advantage. MSU has won the last four meetings against the Vikings, including a 34-28 win last season in Sioux Falls. The Mavericks own a 14-7 record when playing Augustana at home.

Last season against Augie, sophomore Nick Pieruccini threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns, to go along with 125 rushing yards. Senior Connor Thomas added 109 rushing yards and a touchdown as well. Senior Alden Haffar connected on a pair of field goals as well.

Senior Tyler Henderson notched eight tackles and forced a fumble against the Vikings, while senior Rob Myers added seven tackles.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 5-0 on the season last weekend with a 38-10 road victory over the Upper Iowa Peacocks to extend its NSIC winning streak to 38 games.

The MSU defense once again kept its opponent off the scoreboard in the second half, as the Mavericks tallied 31 points in the second half. MSU has now outscored its opponents 129-0 in the second half this season.

Senior Rob Myers and sophomore Dylan Oleszak each tallied seven tackles against the Peacocks, while seniors Josh Gordon, Tyler Henderson and Justin Otto, along with junior Marcus Gooden, each posted an interception, with Gordon returning his 53 yards for a touchdown. Gordon also registered two sacks and is now MSU's all-time leader in sacks with 34.5.

On the season, Henderson currently leads the Mavericks with 33 tackles, with Gooden following with 30. Gordon has notched a team-leading 9.5 tackles for a loss, to go along with 5.5 sacks.

On offense, senior Connor Thomas posted his 14th career 100-rushing yard effort when he posted 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Upper Iowa. He is currently leading the MSU rushing attack with  524 rushing yards and six touchdown carries.

Sophomore Nick Pieruccini completed 16-of-26 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns against UIU, with senior Kyle Riggott catching five passes for 81 yards. Pieruccini has thrown for 665 yards and five touchdowns this season, with sophomore Ty Dennis leading the team with 276 receiving yards and three touchdown catches.

Concerning the Vikings: The Augustana Vikings enter the week the owners of a 4-1 record, including a 48-23 victory over Southwest Minnesota State last weekend.

As a team, Augustana has tallied 2,289 yards of total offense, including 1,370 passing yards.

Quarterback Trey Heid has completed 87-of-136 passes for 1,365 yards and 11 touchdowns, while throwing five interceptions. Charlie Hayes and Matt Heller lead the AU receiving corps with 501 and 327 receiving yards, respectively, with Hayes hauling in six touchdown catches.

CJ Ham leads the Augie rushing attack with 529 yards and seven touchdowns, with Justin Greenway following with 228 yards and four touchdowns.

Brandon Mohr leads the Augie defense with 55 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss. Jamal Samaha has tallied a team-leading five sacks as well.

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