MANKATO, Minn. --- #3 Minnesota State returns to Blakeslee Stadium this Saturday as it plays host to the Winona State Warriors. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2019 season marks the school's 93rd season playing football. The Mavericks are 467-385-28 (.546) in 880 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 106-13 (.890) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 22 conference championships, including 14 NIC titles and six NSIC championships. The Mavericks made their 11th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last 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 95-21 (.818) record, including five NSIC Championships and six trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Against the Warriors: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Winona State marks their 58th encounter, with MSU leading the all-time series 35-18-4. The Mavericks have won their last two games against the Warriors, including a 31-21 win last season in Winona. MSU trailed 21-7 at halftime, but it scored 24 unanswered points to lock down the win.

Senior Nate Gunn rushed for 126 yards and three touchdowns for the Mavericks, with all three of his touchdown carries coming in the second half. Junior JD Ekowa added 65 rushing yards of his own also.

Senior Ryan Schlichte completed seven passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, while junior Parker Gloudemans led the Maverick receiving corps with 82 receiving yards. Senior Shane Zylstra also caught a 12-yard touchdown pass.

Seniors Parrish Marrow and Spencer Hermus each recorded an interception against the Warriors, that set up Maverick touchdowns on the following drives. Marrow returned his interception 29 yards to the WSU 3, while Hermus set up the Mavericks on the 50.

Senior Alex Goettl tallied a team-leading 11 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for a loss, while junior Cade Johnson and Hermus each tallied seven tackles. Junior Ty'Shonan Brooks blocked a field goal as well.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 3-0 last weekend as it defeated the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears 29-3 on the road last weekend.

As a team, MSU is averaging 31.3 points and 495.3 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are averaging 316.0 rushing yards a game, while allowing just 33.0 rushing yards a game.

Senior Nate Gunn leads the Maverick rushing attack with 483 yards and four touchdowns, while junior JD Ekowa has tallied 144 rushing yards.

Ekowa has thrown for 268 yards and two touchdowns this season, while senior Ryan Schlichte has tallied 214 passing yards and two touchdown passes.

Senior Shane Zylstra is pacing the Maverick receiving corps with 12 catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Justin Arnold has tallied 12 catches for 149 yards also.

The Maverick defense has allowed just 11.0 points and 270.0 yards of offense per game this season. Opposing teams own a 23% conversion rate on third down this season and have reached the red zone just three times. As a unit, MSU has notched 11 sacks, while giving up four,

Senior Zach Robertson is leading the MSU defense with 19 tackles, including 4.0 for a loss and 2.0 sacks. Junior Cole Schroedermeier has tallied 13 tackles and a team-leading three interceptions as well, while junior Jack Leius has tallied 18 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss and an interception as well.

Concerning the Warriors: Winona State got back into the win column last weekend as it shutout Upper Iowa 28-0 at home. WSU now owns a 2-1 record.

As a unit, the Warriors are averaging 25.6 points and 369.3 yards of offense a game this season. WSU has posted 146.7 rushing yards and 222.6 passing yards a game this season.

Sam Santiago-Lloyd is leading the Warrior rushing attack with 274 yards and a touchdown. Landon Jacobson has added 61 rushing yards and two touchdowns also.

Owen Burke has thrown for 635 yards and five touchdowns this season and is completing 57% of his passes this season. Jake Balliu leads the Winona State receivers with 14 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown, while Connor Schultz has caught eight passes for 85 yards.

On defense, the Warriors have given up 18.0 points and 356.0 yards of total offense a game this season. Opponents are averaging 140 rushing and 215 passing yards a game against the Warriors this season.

Cole Monckton leads the WSU defense with 18 tackles this season and has recovered a fumble. Cam Garvin has tallied 12 tackles and a team-best two interceptions, while Nick Pridgeon has posted 16 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss.