MANKATO, Minn. --- #1 Minnesota State continues its NSIC South Division schedule on the road this Saturday as it takes on the Augustana Vikings in Sioux Falls, S.D. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2018 season marks the school's 92nd season playing football. The Mavericks are 452-384-28 (.539) in 864 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 92-13 (.876) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 22 conference championships, including 14 NIC titles and five NSIC championships. The Mavericks also made their 10th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. MSU owns a 9-10 overall record in NCAA postseason play. 

Grabbing the Reins: The 2018 season marks the ninth season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his nine seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled an 80-20 (.797) record, including four NSIC Championships and five trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

Against the Vikings: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Augustana marks their 49th meeting, with MSU leading the all-time series 25-23. MSU has won its last seven encounters against AU, including a 42-21 win at Blakeslee Stadium last season. The Mavericks own a 6-15 record against the Vikings in Sioux Falls, including wins in their last three road games against them.

Last season, junior Nate Gunn rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns, while junior Shane Zylstra caught 10 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Ryan Schlichte threw for 126 yards and one touchdown, while sophomore JD Ekowa threw two touchdown passes.

On defense, the Mavericks were paced by junior Alex Goettl who led the team with seven tackles. Junior Jack Curtis also recorded an interception. 

Senior Casey Bednarski also went 2-of-2 in field goal attempts from 38 and 45 yards out.

Augie quarterback Kyle Saddler threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw a pair of interceptions. Both Jake Welsheimer and Chet Peerenboom each caught a touchdown pass. On defense, the Vikings were led by Kirby Hora who posted 13 tackles, including one tackle for a loss and a sack. 

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 1-0 last week with its 49-13 win over Southwest Minnesota State. MSU has now owns a 17-0 all-time record against the Mustangs.

As a team, MSU tallied 268 rushing yards and 518 yards of total offense, while limiting the Mustangs to 45 rushing yards and 335 yards of total offense. The Mavericks also converted on 3-of-9 third down attempts and scored on all five of their trips to the red zone.

Junior Nate Gunn led the Maverick rushing attack with 119 yards and two touchdowns, while JD Ekowa tallied 91 rushing yards and one touchdown. Junior Ryan Schlichte threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns and Ekowa tallied 49 passing yards and one touchdown pass.

Nine Maverick receivers caught at least one pass against the Mustangs, including junior Justin Arnold who paced the MSU receiving corps with four catches and 75 yards. Senior Trevor Nissen, junior Shane Zylstra and sophomore Parker Gloudemans each caught a touchdown pass as well.

Sophomore Cole Schroedermeier led the Maverick defense with 10 tackles, while senior Michael Palme record eight tackles. Junior Alex Goettl, sophomore Jake Schaper, sophomore Chance Bowen and freshman Bedale Naba each recorded a sack as well. 

Concerning the Vikings: The Augustana Vikings enter the weekend the owners of a 1-0 record after defeating Upper Iowa 48-45 on the road.

As a team, AU posted 489 yards of total offense against the Peacocks, including 189 rushing yards and 300 passing yards. The Viking defense allowed 436 yards of total offense, including 325 yards through the air.

Quarterback Kyle Saddler completed 22 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Sean Engel led Viking receivers with five catches and 77 receiving yards.

Rudolh Sinflorant led the Augie rushing attack with 119 yards and two touchdowns, while Braiden Peterson notched 66 rushing yards and one touchdown. 

On defense, the Vikings were led by Cody Kujawa who recorded eight tackles, including one sack. Kirby Hora tallied six tackles and recovered a fumble, while Michael Kloza intercepted two passes.