MARSHALL, Minn. --- The game remained close through three quarter Saturday evening in Marshall, but a strong fourth quarter from #3 Minnesota State proved to be the difference as the Mavericks bested Southwest Minnesota State 38-23 in its season opener. 

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 1-0 on the season, while the Mustangs drop to 0-1. MSU has now won its last 25 NSIC conference games.

Senior Nate Gunn made his presence felt in the first half as he racked up 127 rushing yards and three touchdown carries. He has now rushed for more than 100 yards in the 20 games during his career with the Mavericks. His first touchdown run came from 15 yards out, with his second and third coming from two yards out.

Sophomore Luke Williams connected on a 40-yard field goal as well to opening the scoring in the second quarter.

SMSU reached the scoring column twice in the first half, including a 29-yard field goal from Skyler Crew, to open the scoring. Boyer Bouman also connected with Daniel Davis with a 26-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 25-10 before both teams went into the locker room for halftime.

In total, the Mavericks notched 320 yards of offense in the first half, including 173 rushing yards. Junior JD Ekowa completed seven passes for 108 yards in the first half, while senior Justin Arnold caught five passes for 47 yards.

The Maverick defense limited SMSU to 144 yards of offense, including -18 rushing yards. As a unit, MSU tallied five sacks. Senior Destyn Woody led the defense with five tackles and 1.5 sacks, while senior Parrish Marrow recorded an interception.

The third quarter saw the Mustangs pull within five points of the Mavericks at 28-23. Steven Nava connected on a pair of touchdown passes with Carter Damlo and Quardi Busari, while  MSU's lone score of the third quarter cam via a 34-yard field goal from Luke Williams.

The Mavericks opened the fourth quarter with a 27-yard field goal from sophomore Ashton Garner up 31-23 with 13:40 to go in the game. The Mustangs managed to drive down to the MSU 36 on their following drive but an interception from junior Cole Schroedermeier put an end to their bid to tie the game.

Taking over on their own 10 yard line, the Mavericks proceeded to march 90 yards down field, including a 25-yard touchdown pass from senior Ryan Schlichte to senior Shane Zylstra to put MSU up 38-23. Zylstra now stands alone as MSU's all-time career leader in touchdown catches with 37.

Neither team managed to score in the final eight minutes as MSU claimed the 38-23 win.

Gunn finished his day with 242 rushing yards and three touchdown carries, marking the third time in his career that he has rushed for more than 200 yards in a game. 

Ekowa threw for 108 yards, while Schlichte tallied 99 yards and one touchdown pass. Senior Justin Arnold led the Maverick receiving corps with six catches for 82 yards, while Zylstra tallied three catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.

As a team, MSU tallied 601 yards of total offense, including 94 rushing yards. The Mustangs tallied 350 yards of offense, with 346 coming through the air.

Woody led the Maverick defense with eight tackles, to go along with 1.5 sacks. Senior Zach Robertson tallied six tackles, including a team-best two sacks, while Marrow and Schroedermeier each intercepted a pass.

Minnesota State opens its home schedule on Saturday, Sept. 14, as it hosts the Augustana Vikings. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
   
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