MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State football team returns to Blakeslee Stadium for its final regular season game of the season Saturday against Upper Iowa. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2016 season marks the school's 90th season playing football. The Mavericks are 437-383-28 (.531) in 848 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 79-13 (.858) 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 65-19 (.773) record, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015.

Against the Peacocks: Saturday's game between the Mavericks and the Peacocks marks their 11th all-time meeting. MSU has won all 10 of their previous encounters, including a 38-10. The Mavericks are 5-0 against UIU in games played at Blakeslee Stadium.

During their 2015 meeting, senior Nick Pieruccini threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns against the Peacocks last season. Junior Erik Fuller caught one of MSU's two touchdown passes as well.

On defense, the Mavericks recorded four interceptions including one by senior Marcus Gooden. Senior Mat Andriano notched six tackles as well.

The Upper Iowa offense was held to just 235 yards of total offense. Dimitri Morales threw for 190 yards and a touchdown, but he did throw four interceptions. David Esswein caught four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Nate Roemer recorded three tackles and recovered a fumble.

Last Week for the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished the road portion of its 2016 regular season schedule on a high note as it defeated Wayne State 41-30. With the win, the Mavericks improved to 7-3 on the season, including a 4-2 NSIC South Division record.

Senior quarterback Nick Pieruccini was involved in all five of MSU's touchdowns. He finished the day completing 21 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns. He also tallied 60 rushing yards and two touchdown carries.

Seven Mavericks also caught a pass in MSU's win vs. Wayne State. Senior Brent Esser caught seven passes for 73 yards, while freshman Justin Arnold caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Junior Erik Fuller caught two touchdown passes as well.

Freshman Anders Gelecinskyj tallied 11 points against the Wildcats as he went 5-of-5 in extra point attempts and 2-of-2 in field goal attempts (21 yards & 32 yards).
On defense, sophomore Zach Dodge recorded five tackles, including two sacks. Senior Marcus Gooden also recovered a fumble.

Concerning the Mavericks: Through 10 games this season the Mavericks have tallied 4,165 yards of total offense and are averaging 33.3 points per game.

MSU has tallied 1,801 yards on the ground this season, with seniors Virgil Hammond and Nick Pieruccini leading the way with 602 yards and 543 yards, respectively. Pieruccini also has six touchdown carries.

Through the air, Minnesota State has tallied 2,364 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes. Pieruccini has thrown for 1,450 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 4,025 yards of total offense this season, along with 23.1 points per game. 

Senior Ruben Ibarra has posted 83 tackles this season, with senior Marcus Gooden following right behind with 75. Junior Evan Perrizo has tallied a team-leading 13 tackles for a loss and eight sacks as well.

Last Week for the Peacocks: Last weekend, Upper Iowa fell to #4 Sioux Falls 51-7 on the road. The Peacocks managed to post 312 yards of total offense, with 183 yards coming through the air. 

Quarterback Dimitri Morales threw for 174 yards and a touchdown against the Cougars. Jalen Amis caught UIU's lone touchdown pass.

On defense, Jordan Rommes and Zach Gardner led the Peacocks with nine tackles each. Gardner tallied two tackles for a loss as well.

Concerning the Peacocks: On the season, Upper Iowa has tallied 4,215 yards of offense, including 2,475 passing yards. UIU is averaging 29.4 points a game, and is giving up an average of 31.8 points a game.

Quarterback Dimitri Morales has thrown for 1,991 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, but has also thrown 14 interceptions. Derrick Porter leads UIU rushers with 706 rushing yards and seven touchdown carries.

Jalen Amis has posted a team-leading 748 receiving yards, while Jarred Edmonds has caught a team-high seven touchdown passes.

Zach Gardner leads the UIU defense with 59 tackles this season. Jojo Simpson has posted a team-leading 10.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks as well.