MANKATO, Minn. --- The #12 Minnesota State football team opens its home schedule on Saturday as it takes on the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles at Blakeslee Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2017 season marks the school's 91st season playing football. The Mavericks are 439-383-28 (.532) in 850 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922.  Minnesota State is in its 10th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns an 81-13 (.861) 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 2017 season marks the eighth season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his eight seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 67-19 (.779) record, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009,  2014 and 2015.

Against the Golden Eagles: Thursday's game between the Mavericks and the Golden Eagles marks their fifth all-time meeting, with MSU boasting a 4-0 record. Minnesota State defeated Minnesota Crookston 63-3 on the road during their last encounter in 2015. The Mavericks are 2-0 against UMC at Blakeslee Stadium.

During their 2015 meeting, senior Ty Dennis caught four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. On defense, seniors Corey Brent and Brendan Chrystal, and junior Jayme LaPlanteLaPlante each recorded three tackles.

As a team, the Mavericks recorded 505 yards of total offense, while holding UMC to 138 yards. MSU tallied 385 rushing yards and seven touchdown carries. The Maverick defense also came away with three turnovers and one defensive score.

Last Week for the Mavericks: Minnesota State won it sixth straight season opener last weekend as it defeated the University of Mary 35-7 on the road. 

The Maverick offense recorded 420 yards of total offense, including 273 rushing yards. Sophomore Nate Gunn rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman Justin Taormina added 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Senior Ty Dennis led the Maverick receivers with four catches and 76 yards, while junior Trevor Nissen caught one touchdown pass.

On defense, freshman Cade Johnson led the Mavericks with 10 tackles, while senior Jerry Nash III recovered two fumbles. Senior Evan Perrizo added seven tackles, including two for a loss as well. As a unit, the MSU defense limited U-Mary to 286 yards of total offense last week, including 90 passing yards.

Last Week for the Golden Eagles: Minnesota Crookston fell to Upper Iowa 44-7 at home last week and has now lost its last 13 games. 

The UMC offense recorded 226 yards of total offense, including 131 rushing yards. Minnesota Crookston's lone score came courtesy of a four-yard touchdown pass from Joseph Nava to Adam Connette. Kevin Evans UMC rushers with 70 rushing yards.

On defense, the Golden Eagles gave up 44 points and 517 yards of total offense last week against Upper Iowa. Will Cole and Trevor Long each recorded a team-leading 12 tackles, while Donovan Baker posted one interception.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State won its sixth straight season opener last weekend as it defeated the University of Mary 35-7. MSU now owns a 5-0 all-time record against U-Mary.

The Maverick offense has posted 420 yards of total offense this season, including 273 rushing yards and four touchdowns. 

Sophomore Nate Gunn rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman Justin Taormina added 73 yards and two touchdowns. Gunn is the first Maverick to rush for more than 150 yards since Connor Thomas did so during week two of the 2015 season against Northern State (173 yards).

On defense, senior Jerry Nash III has two fumble recoveries, while freshman Cade Johnson leads the Mavericks with 10 tackles.

Concerning the Golden Eagles: Minnesota Crookston owns a 0-1 record this season after falling to Upper Iowa 44-7 last weekend. 

The UMC offense has tallied 226 yards of total offense this season, including 131 on the ground and 90 through the air. 

Kevin Evans leads UMC rushers with 70 rushing yards, while Adam Connette leads all receivers with 29 yards. Joseph Nava has completed eight passes for 67 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, the Golden Eagles are led by Will Cole and Trevor Long who have each tallied 12 tackles.