MANKATO, Minn. --- The No. 4 Minnesota State football team returns to action this Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament as it hosts No. 9 CSU-Pubelo at Blakeslee Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2019 season marks the school's 93rd season playing football. The Mavericks are 475-385-28 (.550) in 888 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922.  Minnesota State is in its 11th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 114-13 (.897) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 23 conference championships, including 14 NIC titles and seven NSIC championships. The Mavericks are making their 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament this season. MSU owns an 11-11 overall record in NCAA postseason play. 

Grabbing the Reins: The 2019 season marks the 10th season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his 10 seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 103-21 (.830) record, including six NSIC Championships and seven trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Against the ThunderWolves: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and CSU-Pueblo marks their fourth all-time meeting with MSU holding the 2-1 series edge. All three of the previous meetings have taken place during the NCAA Tournament, including MSU's 24-10 home win in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.

As a unit, Minnesota State tallied 329 yards of total offense against the ThunderWolves last season, including 187 passing yards. CSUP tallied 291 yards of total offense, including 200 passing yards.

Senior Ryan Schlichte and junior JD Ekowa each threw a touchdown pass, while Schlihcte tallied 119 passing yards. Senior Shane Zylstra caught four passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, while senior Justin Arnold caught six passes for 75 yards and a touchdown.

Senior Nate Gunnnn notched 114 rushing yards and a touchdown carry also.

Senior Zach Robertson paced the Maverick defense with a game-high 10 tackles, while seniors Jordan Bergren and Alex Goettl each tallied seven. Senior Jack Curtis and junior Cade Johnson also recorded an interception.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished its regular season schedule with an 11-0 record as it defeated Upper Iowa 73-21. MSU received a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament for its efforts.

As a team, MSU is averaging 48.8 points and 533.8 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are averaging 302.1 rushing yards a game, while allowing just 65.3 rushing yards a game.

Senior Nate Gunn leads the Maverick rushing attack with 1,309 yards and 21 touchdowns, while freshman Kaleb Sleezer has tallied 586 yards and six touchdown carries. 

Senior Ryan Schlichte has thrown for 1,247 yards and 15 touchdowns, while junior JD Ekowa has thrown for 975 yards and eight touchdowns.

Senior Shane Zylstra is pacing the Maverick receiving corps with 61 catches for 1,226 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior Justin Arnold has tallied 36 catches for 471 yards and two touchdowns also.

The Maverick defense has allowed just 12.5 points and 233.2 yards of offense per game this season. Opposing teams own a 27% conversion rate on third down this season and have reached the red zone just 15 times. As a unit, MSU has notched 37 sacks, while giving up 11. 

Senior Zach Robertson is leading the MSU defense with 52 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss and 4.0 sacks. Junior Cole Schroedermeier has tallied 45 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions, while junior Jack Leius has tallied 47 tackles, including 7.0 for a loss and two interceptions.

Concerning the ThunderWolves: CSU-Pueblo enters the week the owner of an 11-1 record, including wins in its last nine games. Last weekend, CSUP shutout Augustana 17-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

As a team, CSU-Pueblo has averaged 33.1 points and 374.3 yards of offense a game this season. CSUP has averaged 198.2 passing yards a game and has tallied 30 rushing touchdowns.

DJ Pennick leads the ThunderWolves in rushing with 760 yards and nine touchdown carries. Gunnar Lamphere has tallied six rushing touchdowns also.

Jordan Kittna has thrown for 1,893 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Nick Williams leads the ThunderWolve receiving corps with 41 catches for 670 yards and four touchdown catches. Max Fine has tallied 23 catches for 286 yards and three touchdowns also.

On defense, CSUP's opponents have averaged 13.3 points and 275.2 yards of offense a game this season. Team's have managed 55.8 rushing yards a game against the ThunderWolves this season and have tallied five rushing touchdowns.

James Maxie leads the CSU-Pueblo defense with 104 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. Jackson Wibbels has tallied 74 tackles, including 19.0 for a loss and 9.5 sacks. Amu Aukusitino has notched four interceptions and one fumble recovery also.