MANKATO, Minn. --- The No. 1 Minnesota State football team returns home Saturday as it plays host to the Marauders of the University of Mary. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Our History: The 2015 season marks the school's 89th season playing football. The Mavericks are 422-378-28 (.526) in 828 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 64-9 (.875) 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 50-14 (.781) record, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009 and 2014.

Battle with the Marauders: Saturday's encounter between Minnesota State and the University of Mary will mark the fourth ever meeting between them, with MSU winning all three of the previous meetings.

The Mavericks defeated U-Mary 34-21 in Bismarck during their most recent encounter during the 2013 season. Senior Connor Thomas led the MSU rushing attack with 48 yards and a touchdown, while senior Kyle Riggott caught one touchdown pass. Senior Josh Gordon also notched seven tackles, including one sack.

Concerning the Mavericks: The Mavericks improved to 2-0 after posting a 27-10 road victory against Northern State last Saturday. Once again, the MSU defense held its opponent scoreless in the second half.

Senior Connor Thomas established a new career-high of 173 rushing yards against the Wolves, to go along with two touchdown carries. His 173 rushing yards also marks the 12th time in his career that he has eclipsed the 100 rushing yard plateau. Sophomore Nick Pieruccini also ran in a touchdown. Pieruccini and Thomas have each tallied two rushing touchdowns this season, with Thomas leading the MSU rushing attack with 221 yards.

Senior Alden Haffar notched the first two scores for the Mavericks against NSU, as he connected on a pair of field goals from 52 and 40 yards out. His 52-yard field goal established a new career long.

A total of nine Mavericks have caught at least one pass this, including senior Kyle Riggott who leads the team with 91 receiving yards. Sophomore Ty Dennis has caught MSU's lone touchdown pass this season that he took 72 yards to the house.

On defense, four Mavericks have more than 10 tackles on the season, including senior Josh Gordon, who leads the team with 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Senior Tyler Henderson and junior Marcus Gooden each have 14 tackles, while sophomore Evan Perrizo has 11.

The Maverick defense has also forced four turnovers, two of which have come courtesy of senior Rob Myers, who has tallied two interceptions.

Concerning the Marauders: The University of Mary enters the weekend the owner of a 0-2 record, including a 34-16 loss to Upper Iowa last weekend. U-Mary is currently on a five-game losing streak dating back to week eight of the 2014 season.

Caleb Buck leads the Marauder offense with 216 passing yards and one touchdown pass compared to two interceptions. Adam Woroniecki and Coleman Olivas have each posted a rushing touchdown, to go along with 76 and 73 rushing yards, respectively.

Brennan Doan is leading the U-Mary receiving corps with 107 receiving yards, with Ben Joliffe recording the team's lone touchdown catch.

Preston Tescher leads the Marauder defense with 16 tackles, while Shawn Fulwider follows close behind with 13 tackles, including 1.5 sacks. Danielle Whitaker and Seth Walton have each tallied an interception as well.

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