MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State returns home for its annual Homecoming game this Saturday as it takes on the University of Mary Marauders. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., at Blakeslee Stadium.

Our History: The 2022 season marks the school's 95th season playing football. The Mavericks are 486-392-28 (.551) in 906 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Minnesota State is in its 14th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 122-19 (.865) 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 2022 season marks the 13th season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his 13 seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 114-28 (.802) 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 114 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. University of Mary: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and the University of Mary marks their seventh overall meeting, with MSU winning all six of their previous meetings. The Mavericks own a 3-0 record against the Marauders at Blakeslee Stadium, including a 74-17 win in their most recent encounter during the 2019 season.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 2-1 record as the Mavericks fell to Northern State on the road last weekend 23-22.

As a team, MSU has tallied 277.7 yards of offense a game this season, including 201.3 passing yards and 76.3 rushing yards, while scoring 25.3 points. The Mavericks are also 2-for-4 in fourth down attempts. 

Freshman Mitch Randall leads the Mavericks in rushing yards with 115 yards and a touchdown, while junior Shen Butler Lawson has tallied 26 rushing yards.

Last weekend freshman Camden Dean threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Jalen Sample leads the Maverick receiving corps with 242 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Nyles Williams has tallied 143 receiving yards and a touchdown catch also.

The Maverick defense has allowed 22.3  points and 318.7 yards of total offense a game this season, including 195.3 passing yards and 123.3 rushing yards.

Junior Trent Carpenter and sophomore Joey Daulton have each tallied 17 tackles this season. Sophomore Terrell Hall has notched 15 tackles and has broken up five passes. Sophomore Maven Kretche has posted three tackles or a loss and two sacks also.

Concerning the Marauders: The University of Mary enters the weekend the owner of a 0-3 record. Last weekend, the Marauders fell to Southwest Minnesota State 31-28 at home

As a team, UMary is averaging 24.3 points and 343.7 yards of total offense a game this season. The Marauders are averaging 253.3 passing yards and 90.3 rushing yards a game.

Dave Small Jr. leads the UMary rushing attack with 175 yards and three touchdowns. Gabe Levy has tallied 99 rushing yards and three touchdowns also.

Logan Nelson has thrown for 731 yards and five touchdowns this season. Danny Kittner leads the UMary receiving corps with 344 yards and two touchdowns. Riley Potthast has recorded 122 receiving yards and a touchdown also.

As a unit, the UMary defense has allowed 29.6 points and 382.7 yards of total offense per game this season. Opponents have averaged 231.0 rushing yards and 151.6 passing yards a game this season against the Marauders this season.

Devyn Charles leads the Marauders with 23 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for a loss. Jamire Jackson has tallied 21 tackles as well, while Ty'Rhae Gibson has tallied 15 tackles and an interception.

Homecoming History: Minnesota State will compete in its 89th Homecoming game when it takes on the UMary Marauders this Saturday. The Mavericks own a 53-33-2 record in Homecoming games, including wins in their last 10 outings. This will be the first time MSU has hosted UMary during Homecoming.