MARSHALL, Minn. --- #3 Minnesota State proved to be in fine form Saturday evening at Blakeslee Stadium as the Mavericks bested the Augustana Vikings 27-7.

With the win, MSU improves to 2-0 on the season, while AU drops to 1-1. The Mavericks have now won their last 26 NSIC contests and their last nine encounters against the Vikings. 

The first half proved to be a close defensive battle as the Mavericks carried a 10-7 lead into halftime. Sophomore Luke Williams logged the first quarter's only score as he connected on a 36-yard field goal on MSU's opening drive.

MSU held a 3-0 lead into the second quarter, but an MSU fumble gave the Vikings the ball on their own 31 with 7:41 left in the quarter. Augustana then went 69 yards down field, including a 29-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Saddler to Brett Shepley to go up 7-3.

The Mavericks wasted no time in answering the Vikings as they drove 76 yards down field on the following drive to record their first touchdown of the game to go up 10-7. Junior Justin Taormina notched a 47-yard rush down to the AU 11, before senior Nate Gunn forced his way into the end zone from four yards out.

An interception from junior Jack Leius ended the AU's final drive of the half as MSU held a 10-7 lead at halftime. 

The third quarter proved decisive as the Mavericks scored on all three of their drives to go up 27-7. James Williams capped off MSU's first drive of the third quarter with a 36-yard field goal to put the Mavericks up by six at 13-7.

Augustana managed to reach the MSU 23 on its following drive but an interception from senior Jack Curtis in the end zone ended the Augie threat. MSU then marched 80 yards down field using eight plays in just under five minutes to go up 20-7. The scoring drive included a 27-yard run from junior JD Ekowa and a 23-yard touchdown pass from Ekowa senior Shane Zylstra.

Minnesota State then forced a three and out and took over on the AU 45 following the Augie punt. Gunn and Taormina pushed the Mavericks up to the Augie 13, before senior Ryan Schlichte hooked up with Zylstra on a 13-yard touchdown to put the Mavericks up 27-7.

Neither team was able to reach the scoring column in the fourth quarter as the Mavericks cruised to the 27-7 win.  

Gunn finished with 138 rushing yards and a touchdown, while freshman Kaleb Sleezer added 72 yards on the ground. This is the 21st time in his career that Gunn has rushed for more than 100 yards in a game. 

Zylstra led the Maverick receiving corps with six catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. This is the ninth time in his career that Zylstra has tallied more than 100 receiving yards in a game.

Leius and senior Zach Robertson led the Maverick defense with seven tackles each. Leius, Curtis and junior Cole Schroedermeier each recorded an interception as well.

Minnesota State continues its season on the road Saturday, Sept. 21, as it takes on the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.

   
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