MANKATO, Minn. --- No. 21 Minnesota State wraps up the north portion of its NSIC schedule Saturday afternoon as it hosts the MSU Moorhead Dragons at Blakeslee Stadium. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2016 season marks the school's 90th season playing football. The Mavericks are 432-381-28 (.530) in 841 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 74-11 (.870) 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 60-17 (.779) record, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009,  2014 and 2015.

Against the Dragons: Saturday's match up between the Mavericks and the Dragons marks the 36th all-time meeting between them. The Mavericks own a 22-13 all-time record against the Dragons, including their current four-game winning streak dating back to the 2008 season.

The Mavericks, who own a 13-6 record at home against the Dragons, defeated MSU Moorhead 69-13 in their last encounter during the 2014 season. Senior Ricky Lloyd threw for 116 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Nick Pieruccini threw for 102 yards and two touchdown passes as well.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Alec Vesper notched six tackles, while junior Corey Brent posted four tackles and defended one pass.

Last Week for the Mavericks: Last weekend, the Mavericks bounced back with a decisive road victory as they defeated St. Cloud State 45-12. MSU's road win against the Huskies marked its third win in their last four meetings. Minnesota State also extended its road game winning streak to 24 games.

In total, Minnesota State put up 503 yards of total offense, including 203 yards on the ground and 300 yards through the air. In comparison, the Mavericks limited the Huskies to just 59 rushing yards.

Three Mavericks, senior Jared Gillespie, senior Troy Garland and junior Larry Moore, recorded an interception against SCSU. Gillespie was able to return his interception 71 yards for a touchdown, marking his first score during his four seasons as a Maverick. Senior Alec Vesper led the Maverick defense with nine tackles, while senior Ruben Ibarra notched seven tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and a sack.

On the offensive side of the ball, Minnesota State was led by senior Nick Pieruccini who threw for 282 yards and four touchdowns. Pieruccini's four touchdown passes established a career-high, while his 109 rushing yards marked the third time in his career that he has rushed for more than 100 yards in a game. 

A total of 10 Mavericks caught at least one pass against SCSU, including junior Ty Dennis who passed the 100-receiving yard plateau for the fourth time in his career as he notched 106 receiving yards and a touchdown catch. Senior Brent Esser caught two touchdown passes as well, while junior Erik Fuller caught one touchdown pass of his own too.

Concerning the Mavericks: Through three games this season the Mavericks have tallied 1,358 yards of total offense and are averaging 32.3 points per game.

MSU has tallied 673 yards on the ground this season, with seniors Nick Pieruccini and Virgil Hammond leading the way with 248 yards and 175 yards, respectively. Pieruccini has three rushing touchdowns as well.

Through the air, Minnesota State has tallied 685 passing yards and six touchdown passes. Pieruccini has thrown for 282 yards and four touchdowns, while freshman Ryan Schlichte has tallied 180 yards and two touchdown passes.

The Maverick defense has allowed 1,198 yards of total offense this season, along with 21.3 points per game. 

Senior Ruben Ibarra is leading the Maverick defense with 28 tackles, with senior Marcus Gooden following right behind with 27. Sophomore Michael Palme has tallied a team-leading 2.5 tackles for a loss.

Last Week for the Dragons: Last weekend, MSU Moorhead improved to 2-1 on the season as it defeated Upper Iowa 23-21 at home.

As a team, the Dragons posted 302 yards of offense against Upper Iowa, including 208 passing yards. Quarterback Demetrius Carr completed 16 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns.

Wide receiver Damon Gibson caught 11 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, while Cory Ambrose caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.

Austin Stone led the MSUM rushing attack with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown.

On defense, Deiondre Taylor and Joe Rademacher each recorded an interception against the Peacocks. Abe Roehrich led the Dragons with 10 tackles.

Concerning the Dragons: On the season, MSU Moorhead has tallied 1,200 yards of total offense, with 755 yards coming through the air. The Dragons are also averaging 28.3 points per game, while giving up 29 points a game.

Demetrius Carr has thrown for 680 yards and eight touchdown passes this season. Carr's favorite target this season has been Damon Gibson, who leads the Dragon receiving corps with 28 catches, 411 receiving yards and five touchdown catches.

Austin Stone leads the MSUM rushing attack with 265 yards and two touchdown carries. Carr has also posted two touchdown runs.

Michael Strand leads the MSU Moorhead defense with 26 tackles. He is also one of six Dragons who has recorded an interception this season. Grant Reuer has tallied 21 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss as well.