MANKATO, Minn. --- It proved to be a record-setting game for #3 Minnesota State as it trounced #12 Minnesota Duluth 52-7 in front of more than 6,000 fans at Blakeslee Stadium during its annual Homecoming game.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 5-0 on the season, while the Bulldogs drop to 4-1. MSU has now extended its NSIC winning streak to 29 games. The Mavericks have also won their last five games against UMD dating back to the 2013 season, which matches their previous longest winning-streak vs. Minnesota Duluth that stretched from 1984-99. 

Minnesota State's 52 points against Minnesota Duluth are also the most scored by either team in a game between them.

As in their previous meeting back in 2017, the Maverick offense centered around seniors Shane Zylstra and Nate Gunn. Zylstra recorded a career-high 220 receiving yards and three touchdown catches, passing his previous record of 204 yards against UMD back in the 2017 season, while Gunn rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown. Gunn is now Minnesota State's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 41 and its all-time leader in rushing yards with 3,991.
   
Senior Ryan Schlichte completed 9-of-17 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns, while junior JD Ekowa threw for 88 yards and a touchdown. 

Senior Zach Robertson posted a team-leading seven tackles, while freshman Nic Dahlke tallied four tackles, including two sacks. Senior Spencer Hermus recovered a fumble and senior Jack Curtis recorded an interception as well. Senior Cheyenne Bradford Jr. also forced a fumble at the MSU one yard line that then went out the back of the end zone for a touchback.

Minnesota State wasted no time in building a 28-0 lead as the Mavericks reach the end zone on their first four possessions. MSU's first play of the game set the tone as Schlichte hooked up with Zylstra on an 80-yard touchdown pass to put MSU up 7-0. MSU's second drive saw Schlichte connect with Zylstra again, this time from 19 yards out, to put MSU up 14-0.

Freshman Blake Ver Mulm also caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ekowa, before Gunn posted a one-yard touchdown run to put MSU up 28-0 with 11:48 to go in the second quarter. Ekowa added one more touchdown in the closing seconds of the half as he raced into the end zone from six yards out to put MSU up 35-0 heading into the locker room.

In the third quarter, MSU added another pair of scores to go up 45-0. Sophomore Ashton Garner connected on a 43-yard field goal, while Schlichte connected with Zylstra on a 31-yard touchdown pass.

UMD got on the board with 10:30 remaining in the fourth quarter as Armani Carmickle caught an eight-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Olson to end the shutout bid. UMD's touchdown ended MSU's streak of 13 consecutive quarters played without giving up a touchdown. 

Freshman Kaleb Sleezer tallied the game's last score as he raced into the end zone from 45 yards out to bring the final score to 52-7.

Minnesota State continues its season on Saturday, Oct. 12, as it travels to Northern State. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

                                                                    -30-