Box Score MARSHALL, Minn. --- The Minnesota State football team took advantage of eight Southwest Minnesota State turnovers en rout to a 52-0 shutout of the Mustangs.

With the win, MSU improves to 6-4 on the season, while SMSU drops to 2-8. With its six wins, the Mavericks have secured their 13th consecutive winning season. This is also the fourth time that Minnesota State has shutout the Mustangs.

The Maverick defense posted eight turnovers, including five interceptions. MSU's five interceptions are the most in a game dating back to October 19, 2013 when it recorded six interceptions against SMSU.

Senior Ty'Shonan Brooks, junior Somon Anderson, sophomore Terrell Jennings, sophomore Trent Carpenter and junior Nic Vinson each recorded an interception, with Vinson returning his 87 yards for a touchdown. Brooks, Vinson and freshman Maven Kretche also recovered  fumble.

Junior Payton Conrad, Jennings and sophomore Trent Carpenter each led the team with five tackles. As a unit, the Maverick defense held SMSU to 362 yards of offense, including 98 rushing yards.

In total, the Maverick offense tallied 551 yards of total offense, including 263 rushing yards and 288 passing yards.

Senior JD Ekowa threw for 139 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman Hayden Ekern notched 128 passing yards and two touchdowns. Junior Jalen Sample proved to be their favorite target as he caught 10 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns, marking the sixth time in his career he has tallied more than 100 receiving yards in a game. Senior Nyles Williams and freshman Tony Anger each caught a touchdown pass as well.

Seven Mavericks tallied more 30 rushing yards against the Mustangs, with senior Micah Cooper leading the way with 41 yards and a touchdown. Ekern added 40 yards and a rushing touchdown also.

Minnesota State scored twice in the first quarter to go up 14-0 as Sample caught touchdown pass from Ekowa from 46 yards out and Ekern from 11 yards out. The second quarter saw MSU build a 31-0 lead as Ekowa completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Anger, before Ekern connected with Williams on a seven yard touchdown pass. Junior Luke Williams connected on a 23-yard field goal also.

Cooper record the lone touchdown in the third quarter as he raced into the end zone from four yards out with 3:36 to go in the quarter. Ekern added a one yard touchdown run with 12:09 to go in the fourth quarter, before Vinson returned his interception 87 yards for the touchdown with 1:41 remaining.

Minnesota State finishes its season on Saturday, November 13, as it travels to Winona State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
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