MANKATO, Minn. --- #3 Minnesota State returns to NSIC action on the road this weekend as it takes on #17 Augustana in a meeting between the two remaining undefeated teams in the conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., at Kirkeby-Over Stadium.

Our History: The 2023 season marks the school's 96th season playing football. The Mavericks are 504-397-27 (.557) in 928 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Minnesota State is in its 15th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 137-20 (.872) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 25 conference championships, including 14 NIC titles and eight NSIC championships. The Mavericks made their 13th appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2022. MSU owns a 15-13 overall record in NCAA postseason play. 

Grabbing the Reins: The 2023 season marks the 13th season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his 13 seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 129-30 (.811) record, including seven NSIC Championships and eight trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.

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 129 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. Augustana: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Augustana marks their 53rd all-time meeting with the Mavericks leading the series 28-24. Last season, MSU bested AU 35-14 on the road.

Junior Shen Butler-Lawson notched 54 rushing yards and three touchdown carries. Junior Hayden Ekern three for 199 yards and rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown. Senior Nathan Bolton recorded three tackles, including two for a loss and two sacks.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner owns a 9-3 record against Augustana, including a 4-2 record in Sioux Falls. 

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 7-0 last weekend as it defeated Western Oregon 45-14 at Blakeslee Stadium. The Mavericks are one of two NSIC teams to start the season 7-0, along with Augustana.

As a team, MSU is averaging 39.2 points and 469.3 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are posting 252.6 rushing yards and 216.7 passing yards a game this season and have allowed just two quarterback sacks.

Junior Shen Butler-Lawson leads all of NCAA Division II with 1,026 rushing yards to go along with 12 touchdown carries. Junior Christian Vasser has notched 346 rushing yards and a touchdown also, while junior Tony Anger has notched five rushing touchdowns of his own and 132 rushing yards.

Junior Hayden Ekern has thrown for 1,445 yards and 14 touchdowns. Sophomore TreShawn Watson leads the Maverick receiving corps with 336 yards and three touchdowns, while freshman Mason Perich has tallied 229 yards and four touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 19.1 points and 316.3 yards a game this season. MSU has also recorded 19 sacks and have held opposing teams to a 29-of-89 (32.5%) showing on third down.

Senior Jacob Daulton has tallied 30 tackles, while junior Maven Kretche has notched 18 tackles, including six for a loss and six sacks. Junior Cody Brown has tallied seven tackles for a loss and four sacks also, while junior Khai West has recorded three interceptions.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner is in his 13th season with the Mavericks. He owns a 129-30 (.811) record.

Concerning the Vikings: Augustana enters the weekend the owner of a 7-0 record, including a 48-28 win at Winona State last weekend. AU and MSU are tied for first in the NSIC standings with 6-0 conference records.

As a team, AU has tallied 36.4 points and 416.4 yards of total offense a game, including 262.1 passing yards a game.

Jarod Epperson leads the Vikings' rushing attack with 5047 yards and six touchdowns, while Rashad Lampkin has tallied 215 yards.

Casey Bauman has thrown for 1,819 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Jack Fisher has caught 23 passes for 484 yards and four touchdowns, while Devon Jones has recorded 293 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

As a unit, the Augustana defense has allowed 16.5 points and 303.1 yards of offense a game this season, including 210.4 passing yards and 92.7 rushing yards.

Peyton Buckley leads the Augustana defense with 46 tackles including five for a loss, while Haden Wallace has notched 36 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss. Brayden Hooper has notched 31 tackles also.

Augustana is coached by Jerry Olszewski who is in his 11th season with the Vikings. He owns a 102-57 (.641) career record.

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