ABERDEEN, S.D. --- It was a close game early on at Swisher Field, but top-rated Minnesota State put forth another solid second half performance to come away with a 27-10 victory over Northern State.

With the win, MSU improves to 2-0 on the season and has now won 35 straight NSIC contests. With the loss, Northern State falls to 0-2.

The first half saw both teams put points on the board as the Mavericks carried a 13-10 lead into halftime.

MSU opened the game with a pair of field goals from senior Alden Haffar to go up 6-0 in the first quarter. Haffar connected from 52 and 40 yards out, while missing one from 49 yards. Haffar's 52-yard field goal set a new career long, passing his previous mark of 51 yards.

MSU added its first touchdown early in the second quarter as senior Connor Thomas rushed in from 14 yards out to put the Mavericks up 13-0. Thomas finished the first half with 113 rushing yards, marking the 12th time in his career he has surpassed the 100-yard rushing plateau.

After the touchdown by Thomas, the NSU offense was finally able to set up a pair of scoring drives to bring the score to 13-10. Adrian Krupka got the scoring going for the Wolves with a 40-yard field goal with 7:15 left in the half.

On MSU's next drive, Joe Parsley picked of a pass from junior Ricky Lloyd to set up the NSU offense on the Maverick 18 yard line. Two plays later, Kyle Lavand connected with Tyrell Anderson from 18 yards out to bring the score to 13-10.

The score remained 13-10 up to the Mavericks' second drive of the third quarter. An interception by senior Rob Myers set up the Mavericks with great field position on the NSU 21. Two plays later, Thomas rushed into the endzone for his second touchdown of the game to put the Mavericks up 20-10.

The Mavericks locked down the win late in the fourth quarter as sophomore Nick Pieruccini completed an eight minute drive with a three yard touchdown run to bring the final score to 27-10.   

Once again the Maverick defense shut out its opponent in the second half as it held the Wolves to just 97 yards of total offense in the final two quarters.

In total, the Mavericks put up 404 yards of total offense, including 243 rushing yards. Thomas finished the game with 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His 173 rushing yards established a new career high.

The Maverick defense held the Wolves to just 201 yards of total offense, of which 156 came through the air. Senior Tyler Henderson led the defensive corps with seven tackles. Sophomore Evan Perrizo tallied 1.5 sacks, while senior Joshua Gordon tallied one.

MSU returns to Blakeslee Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, as it played host to the University of Mary. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.


 
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