MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State returns to Blakeslee Stadium Thursday as it hosts the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2016 season marks the school's 90th season playing football. The Mavericks are 435-382-28 (.531) in 845 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922.  Minnesota State is in its ninth season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 77-12 (.865) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 21 conference championships, including 16 NIC titles. The Mavericks have also made nine appearances in the NCAA Tournament. MSU owns a 7-9 overall record in NCAA postseason play. 

Grabbing the Reins: The 2016 season marks the seventh season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his seven seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 63-18 (.775) record, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009,  2014 and 2015.

Against the Mustangs: Thursday's game between the Mavericks and the Mustangs represents the 15th meeting between them. The Mavericks have won all 14 games against SMSU, including a 55-17 win last season on the road. The Mavericks own an 8-0 record against the Mustangs at Blakeslee Stadium. 

During their 2015 meeting, senior Nick Pieruccini completed 22 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown. Senior Virgil Hammond added 58 rushing yards and a touchdown, while senior Brent Esser caught six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, sophomore Michael Palme recorded six tackles. Sophomore Jayme LaPlante tallied one of MSU's three interceptions as well.

For SMSU, Blake Gimbel completed 24 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown, but he did throw three interceptions. Divonte Beale led the Mustang rushing attack with  82 yards and a touchdown, while Nate Huot posted a team-leading 104 receiving yards and a touchdown. On defense, Caleb Leichtnam led SMSU with 10 tackles.

Last Week for the Mavericks: Minnesota State won its sixth straight game against the Augustana Vikings last weekend as it came away with the 42-35 road victory. In total, the Mavericks posted 412 yards of total offense, including 223 passing yard, in their victory over the Vikings.

Senior Nick Pieruccini completed 14 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Ricky Lloyd threw a touchdown pass as well. Six Mavericks caught at least one pass, including junior Ty Dennis who caught four passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman Shane Zylstra caught three passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. Senior Virgil Hammond led the Maverick rushing attack with 73 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, seniors Mat Andriano and Rufus Wolokolie recorded 10 tackles each. Sophomore Jayme LaPlante recorded an interception for the Mavericks and forced a fumble.

Concerning the Mavericks: Through seven games this season the Mavericks have tallied 2,929 yards of total offense and are averaging 34.7 points per game.

MSU has tallied 1,322 yards on the ground this season, with seniors Nick Pieruccini and Virgil Hammond leading the way with 482 yards and 428 yards, respectively. Pieruccini also has four touchdown carries.

Through the air, Minnesota State has tallied 1,607 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes. Pieruccini has thrown for 1.071 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 2,732 yards of total offense this season, along with 22.4 points per game. 

Senior Ruben Ibarra has posted 64 tackles this season, with senior Marcus Gooden following right behind with 56. Junior Evan Perrizo has tallied a team-leading 9.5 tackles for a loss as well.

Last Week for the Mustangs: Last weekend, Southwest Minnesota State lost its second straight game as it fell to Wayne State 41-39 at home. SMSU owns a 4-3 record, including a 1-2 NSIC South Division record.

The Mustangs tallied 379 yards of total offense against the Wildcats, including 256 passing yards.  

Quarterback Blake Gimbel threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns against WSC. He also threw one interception.

Max Simmons posted 101 rushing yards and three touchdown carries last weekend, while Max Simmons and Gabriel Galamue each caught one touchdown pass.

On defense, Dalin Finley led the Mustangs with 10 tackles. Wes Bednar, Michael Everett and Michael Griffin each recorded an interception as well.

Concerning the Mustangs: On the season, Southwest Minnesota State has tallied 3,449 yards of offense, including 2,278 passing yards. SMSU is averaging 42.4 points a game, and is giving up an average of 36.4 points a game.

Quarterback Blake Gimbel has thrown for 2,131 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, compared to eight interceptions. He has thrown more than 300 passing yards in three games this season.

Nate Huot is leading the SMSU receiving corps with 658 receiving yards and five touchdown catches. Ty Steffensen and Raphael Lawson-Gayle have each caught five touchdowns passes too.

Max Simmons leads the SMSU rushing attack with 387 yards and a 11 touchdowns.

Gene Germain is leading the Mustang defense with 58 tackles. Tyler Flud is right behind Germain with 56 tackles. Michael Everett has tallied three interceptions this season.