MANKATO, Minn. --- #11 Minnesota State concludes its two-game homestand this Saturday as it hosts the Wayne State Wildcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., at Blakeslee Stadium.

Our History: The 2021 season marked the school's 94th season playing football. The Mavericks are 482-387-28 (.552) in 897 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Minnesota State is in its 13th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 118-14 (.893) 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 made their 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2019. MSU owns a 14-12 overall record in NCAA postseason play. 

Grabbing the Reins: The 2021 season marks the 12th season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his 12 seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 110-23 (.827) record, including six NSIC Championships and seven trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Hoffner was named the AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year in 2019, marking the third time that he has received the award, with the first two instances coming during the 2014 and 2018 seasons. He was later named the AFCA Division II National Coach of the Year as the Mavericks advanced to their second NCAA Championship game in five seasons.

Hoffner's 110 coaching victories at Minnesota State are the most in program history. Hoffner passed Dan Runkle's record of 108 career coaching victories after MSU's 68-10 win over Minot State on Sept. 25, 2021.

Series vs. Wayne State: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Wayne State will be their 13th meeting, with MSU leading the all-time series 12-0. The Mavericks own a 6-0 record against the Wildcats at Blakeslee Stadium, including a 62-7 win in the most recent encounter during the 2019 season.

Senior JD Ekowa threw for 44 yards, while junior Jalen Sample caught a 22-yard touchdown pass. Sophomore Kaleb Sleezer recorded a rushing touchdown also.

Sophomore James Williams recorded four tackles and broke up one pass, sophomore Greg Kohler tallied three tackles.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns a 4-1 record on the season after defeating Concordia-St. Paul 58-10 last weekend at Blakeslee Stadium.

As a team, MSU has tallied 2,391 yards of offense, including 1,057 passing yards and 1,334 rushing yards, while scoring 221 points. The Mavericks are also 8-for-13 in fourth down attempts. 

Sophomore Kaleb Sleezer is leading MSU rushers with 355 yards and four touchdowns, while freshman Charles Coleman has tallied 251 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Senior JD Ekowa has six rushing touchdowns as well.

Ekowa has thrown for 522 yards and two touchdowns this season, while Hayden Ekern has tallied 484 yards and six touchdown passes. Junior Jalen Sample leads the Maverick receiving corps with 18 catches for 377 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Parker Gloudemans has tallied seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns also.

The Maverick defense has allowed 21.6  points and 288.0 yards of total offense a game this season, including 888 passing yards and 552 rushing yards.

Senior Eli Thomas leads the Mavericks in tackles with 17, while junior Bedale Naba has tallied 12 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Sophomore Trent Carpenter has tallied 16 tackles, including 4.0 for a loss as well. Senior Ty'Shonan Brooks has recorded a team-best two interceptions also.

Concerning the Wildcats: Wayne State enters the weekend the owner of a 4-1 record, including wins in its last three outings. WSC recently defeated Winona State 38-21 at home last weekend.

As a team, Wayne State is averaging 35.8 points and 430.8 yards of total offense a game this season. The Wildcats are averaging 192.4 rushing yards and 238.4 passing yards a game this season.

Anthony Watkins leads the WSC rushing attack with 288 yards and four touchdowns, while Nick Bohn has tallied 200 yards and four touchdowns.

Tavian Willis has throne for 610 yards and seven touchdowns this season, while Nick Bohn has tallied 582 passing yards and four touchdowns also. Taurean Grady has caught 26 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns, while Trystan Ducker has caught 23 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns.

As a unit, the Wayne State defense has allowed 22.8 points and 373.0 yards of total offense a game this season. Opponents are averaging 123.6 rushing yards and 249.4 passing yards a game.

Alex Kowalczyk leads WSC in tackles with 31, while Josh Taylor has tallied a team-best 6.5 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks. Kevin Ransom has recorded three interceptions also.