MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State football team returns to Blakeslee Stadium for its annual homecoming game this Saturday as it plays host to Concordia-St. Paul. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2016 season marks the school's 90th season playing football. The Mavericks are 433-382-28 (.530) in 843 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 75-12 (.862) 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 61-18 (.772) record, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009,  2014 and 2015.

Against the Golden Bears: Saturday's game between the Mavericks and the Golden Bears marks the 11th meeting between them, with MSU holding an 8-2 series edge, including a 4-1 record at Blakeslee Stadium. Last season, the Mavericks defeated CSP 51-10 on the road.

During their 2015 encounter, senior Virgil Hammond led the Maverick offense with 116 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Golden Bears, while junior Trevor Nissen caught two passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. On defense, senior Alec Vesper notched four tackles, including 1.5 for a loss.

Alquawn Vickers recorded CSP's lone touchdown last season as he caught four passes, including a four-yard touchdown pass. Ryan McKee tallied three tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and a sack.

Homecoming History: Minnesota State will host its 84th homecoming game this Saturday when it hosts Concordia-St. Paul at Blakeslee Stadium. The Mavericks own a 48-33-2 overall record in homecoming games, including wins in their last five outings. Saturday's game will also be the second time the Mavericks have hosted the Golden Bears in a homecoming game, with the last time coming during the 2012 season (W, 30-10).

Last Week for the Mavericks: Last weekend, the Mavericks fell to Winona State 34-31 after a last-second field goal on the road.

In total, Minnesota State put up 319 yards of total offense, including 228 yards through the air. In comparison, the Warriors tallied 375 yards of offense, including 355 passing yards.

Senior Nick Pieruccini completed 22-of-36 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns vs. Winona State. Pieruccini completed at least one pass to nine different receivers, including junior Ty Dennis who caught seven passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Connor McKeen and junior Erik Fuller each caught a touchdown pass as well.

On defense, the Mavericks were led by senior Marcus Gooden, who tallied a game-high 13 tackles. Junior Evan Perrizo notched seven tackles, including four tackles for a loss, and two sacks.

Concerning the Mavericks: Through five games this season the Mavericks have tallied 2,033 yards of total offense and are averaging 31.2 points per game.

MSU has tallied 940 yards on the ground this season, with seniors Nick Pieruccini and Virgil Hammond leading the way with 414 yards and 240 yards, respectively. Pieruccini also has four touchdown carries.

Through the air, Minnesota State has tallied 1,093 passing yards and 12 touchdown passes. Pieruccini has thrown for 690 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 1,902 yards of total offense this season, along with 22.4 points per game. 

Senior Marcus Gooden lead the Maverick defense with 47 tackles, with senior Ruben Ibarra following right behind with 45 tackles, including four tackles for a loss. Junior Evan Perrizo has notched a team-leading four sacks.

Last Week for the Golden Bears: Last weekend, Concordia-St. Paul fell to 2-3 on the season as it lost to Wayne State 45-10 at home. CSP has now lost its last three games.

As a team, the Golden Bears were able to notch 289 yards of total offense, compared to Wayne State's 383 yards. 

Quarterback Ron Johnson completed 10 passes for 78 yards, but threw one interception. He also rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, Sam Johnson led CSP with 10 tackles. David Reed, Andrew Capirchio and Dominic Nabak each recorded an interception as well.

Concerning the Golden Bears: On the season, Concordia-St. Paul has tallied 1,719 yards of total offense, compared to 1,952 yards by its opponents. CSP is also averaging 24.8 points per game, while giving up 29.2 points a game.

Quarterback Ron Johnson has thrown for 848 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He has also rushed for 151 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Darius Chapes leads the CSP rushing attack with 369 rushing yards.

Marcus Gustaveson leads the CSP receivers with 17 catches, for 237 yards, and three touchdowns. Bruce Russell has also caught four passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

Sam Johnson leads the Golden Bear defense with 44 tackles, with Anotonio Zepeda following right behind with 34 tackles. Kelly Pierce leads the Golden Bears with four tackles for a loss and three sacks as well.