MANKATO, Minn. --- Top-rated Minnesota State wraps up the northern portion of its 2015 schedule on the road Saturday as it takes on the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. 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 423-378-28 (.527) in 829 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 65-9 (.878) 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 51-14 (.784) record, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009 and 2014.

Against the Golden Eagles: Saturday's encounter between Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston marks the fourth all-time meeting between them. MSU has won each of the three previous encounters, including a 68-26 victory at Blakeslee Stadium during the 2013 season. The Mavericks won their only meeting against the Golden Eagles in Crookston back in the 2010 season when MSU claimed a 42-3 victory.

In their last meeting with the Golden Eagles, the Maverick rushing attack was led by seniors Chad Zastrow and Connor Thomas. Zastrow led the rushing attack with 84 yards, while Thomas chipped in with 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, seniors Jordan Campbell and Josh Gordonn each posted four tackles, with Gordon notching 1.5 sacks.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 3-0 on the season after posting a 48-0 shutout victory against the University of Mary at Blakeslee Stadium. MSU's shutout victory is its first since week 10 of the 2014 season when it shutout Wayne State 49-0.

Sophomore Ty Dennis eclipsed the 100-receiving yard plateau as he hauled in four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Marauders. Junior Jameer Jackson snagged five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown as well. Dennis is currently leading the MSU receiving corps with 194 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.

Senior Chad Zastrow finished with 72 rushing yards and a pair of touchdown carries against the Marauders, while senior Connor Thomas added 73 rushing yards. Thomas is leading all MSU rushers with 294 rushing yards.

Sophomore Nick Pieruccini notched 165 passing yards and a touchdown against U-Mary, while junior Ricky Lloyd added 137 passing yards and a touchdown. On the season, Pieruccini leads the MSU passing attack with 429 passing yards.

Senior Alden Haffar notched two field goals for the third straight game as he connected on kicks from 29 and 36 yards out.

On defense, senior Patrick Schmidt brought an interception back 22 yards for a touchdown against U-mary, while sophomore Evan Perrizo recovered a fumble. Senior Tyler Henderson led the defense with eight tackles, while Perrizo and junior Alec Vesper each tallied a sack.

For the season, Henderson leads the Mavericks defense with 22 tackles, with junior Marcus Gooden following with 17. Senior Josh Gordon leads the team in tackles for loss and sacks with 5.5 and three, respectively.

Concerning the Golden Eagles: The Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles enter the weekend with a 0-3 record, including a 45-3 loss to Upper Iowa last weekend. UMC has lost 18 straight games dating back to week eight of the 2013 season.

Harold Halcomb is leading the UMC rushing attack with 77 rushing yards and a touchdown, with Dre Person following with 72 rushing yards.

Nathan Cole has thrown for 469 yards and two touchdowns, compared to four interceptions. Tristn Richert leads the UMC receiving corps with 167 receiving yards and one touchdown catch.

On defense, Lethzee Calderon leads the Golden Eagles with 38 tackles and three passes defended. Jake Newman has tallied 21 tackles, while Dion Wallisch and Connor Finnestad each have a team-leading three tackles for a loss.

To view the complete release click HERE