MANKATO, Minn. --- The sixth-rated Minnesota State football team opens the home portion of its schedule on Saturday as it hosts the Bemidji State Beavers at Blakeslee Stadium. 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 431-380-28 (.530) in 839 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 73-10 (.879) 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 Reigns: 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 59-16 (.786) record, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015.
Against the Beavers: Saturday's meeting between the Mavericks and the Beavers marks the 47th meeting all-time between them. MSU owns a 30-14-2 overall record against BSU including wins in their last four meetings. The Mavericks own a 16-4-2 record against the Beavers at home as well.
During their last encounter in 2014, the Mavericks defeated Bemidji State 34-16 on the road. Senior
Ricky Lloyd threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns against BSU, to go along with 32 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, junior
Corey Brent posted four tackles.
Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State won its fifth straight season opener last week as it defeated Minot State 35-7 on the road.
In total, the Maverick offense posted 503 total yards of offense, including 291 yards on the ground. In comparison, the Minot State offense posted just 252 yards of offense, including 40 yards on the ground.
The senior duo of
Nick Pieruccini and
Virgil Hammond accounted for 174 rushing yards and three touchdown carries. Pieruccini reached the endzone twice, as he tallied 86 rushing yards, while Hammond added one touchdown carry and 88 rushing yards.
Senior quarterback
Ricky Lloyd finished his game completing 10 passes for 162 yards, while freshman
Ryan Schlichte threw for 50 yards and a touchdown.
The Maverick receiving corps was led by junior
Ty Dennis and sophomore
Trevor Nissen who recorded 70 and 60 yards, respectively. Freshman
Justin Arnold caught MSU's only touchdown pass against Minot State well.
The Maverick defense was anchored by seniors
Marcus Gooden and
Ruben Ibarra. Gooden recorded a team-high 11 tackles, while Ibarra posted eight tackles, including two for a loss, and a sack. Sophomore
Michael Palme and Ibarra each recorded a sack as well.
Concerning the Beavers: The Beavers currently own a 1-0 record after they defeated Upper Iowa 38-24 last weekend in Bemidji.
Jordan Heins finished his game completing 17-of-32 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns, compared to one interception. He also led the Bemidji State rushing attack with 99 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Brad Birchfield and Tahi Nomane each recorded a rushing touchdown as well. Birchfield added 65 rushing yards, while Nomane tallied 55.
Gena Adams led the BSU receiving corps against Upper Iowa with four catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Gunner Olszewski led the Bemidji State defense against Upper Iowa with 17 tackles. He also recorded an interception and recovered a fumble. Evan Tompkins recorded three tackles and an interception as well, while Alex Burgess and Jeff Harris each recorded 1.5 sacks.
