MANKATO, Minn. --- The #2 Minnesota State football team opens its 2021 season on Thursday as it hosts the Northern State Wolves. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., at Blakeslee Stadium

Our History: The 2021 season marked the school's 94th season playing football. The Mavericks are 478-386-28 (.551) in 892 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Minnesota State is in its 12th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 114-13 (.897) 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 106-22 (.828) 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 106 coaching victories at Minnesota State are the second most in program history. Dan Runkle recorded 108 career coaching victories during his tenure as head coach of the Mavericks from 1981-2001.

Series vs. Northern State: Thursday's game between Minnesota State and Northern State marks their 11th all-time meeting with the Mavericks leading the series 9-1, including a 5-0 record at Blakeslee Stadium. MSU has won its last nine meetings against the Wolves, including a 39-7 win during their last encounter during the 2019 season in Aberdeen, S.D.

Sophomore Kaleb Sleezer rushed for a team-high 85 yards against the Wolves in 2019, while senior JD Ekowa threw for 121 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Tanner Johnson caught two passes for 21 yards, while senior Parker Gloudemans caught two passes for 20 yards. Seniors Ty'Shonan Brooks, Jack Leius and Tyler Johnson each recorded a tackles as well.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished the 2019 season with a 14-1 as it advanced to its second NCAA Championship game in program history. The 14 wins matched its previous record for wins in a season set during the 2014 season.

As a team, MSU averaged 47.5 points and 517.7 yards of offense a game in 2019. The Mavericks posted 283.1 rushing yards a game, while allowing just 69.1 rushing yards a game.

Sophomore Kaleb Sleezer rushed for 715 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2019 season, while senior JD Ekowa tallied 428 rushing yards and three touchdown carries. Sophomore Chase Devitt added 166 rushing yards and two touchdown carries also.

Senior JD Ekowa threw for 1,352 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019. Senior Parker Gloudemans caught 16 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown while junior Jalen Sample caught 13 passes for two touchdowns.

The Maverick defense allowed just 15.2 points and 268.1 yards of offense per game last season. Opposing teams posted a 28% conversion rate on third down last season and reached the red zone just 27 times. As a unit, MSU has notched 49 sacks, while giving up 19. 

Senior Jack Leius tallied 59 tackles, including seven for a loss and two interceptions. Senior Tyler Johnson posted 29 tackles and recovered two fumbles. Sophomore Nic Dahlke added 27 tackles, including seven for a loss and 4.5 sacks, while junior Tyler Johnson notched 29 tackles and two fumbles.

Concerning the Wolves: Northern State finished the 2019 season with a 6-5 record, including a 2-2 record against NSIC South Division opponents. The Wolves went 4-0 in road games as well.

As a team, the NSU offense averaged 336.9 yards of total offense a game during the 2019 season, including 197.1 passing yards.

Isaiah Cherrier led the NSU rushing attack with 677 yards and five touchdown carries, while Hunter Trautman notched seven rushing touchdowns and 210 rushing yards.

Trautman led the Wolves with 2,132 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. Dakota Larson led the NSU receiving corps with 911 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches, while Greg Lux tallied 416 receiving yards and three touchdown catches.

As a unit, the Northern State defense allowed 26.5 points and 375.5 yards of total offense a game during the 2019 season, including 239.3 passing yards a game.

Chance Olson led the Wolves with 57 tackles, to go along with three interceptions. Chase Teiken added 56 tackles, including seven for a loss, and two fumbles. Zach Bohnenkamp notched 36 tackles and four interceptions also.