MANKATO, Minn. --- #13 Minnesota State returns home this Saturday as it takes on the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., at Blakeslee Stadium.

Our History: The 2023 season marks the school's 96th season playing football. The Mavericks are 504-398-27 (.557) in 929 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 137-21 (.867) 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 129-31 (.806) 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. Southwest Minnesota State: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Southwest Minnesota State marks their 21st all-time meeting. The Mavericks have won all 20 of their previous games against the Mustangs, including a 45-24 win at Blakeslee Stadium last season.

Junior Shen Butler-Lawson notched 119 rushing yards. Junior Hayden Ekern threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Trey Vaval notched five tackles, including one sack.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner owns a 12-0 record against Southwest Minnesota State, including a 6-0 record at Blakeslee Stadium.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State dropped to 7-1 last weekend as it fell to Augustana 28-10 on the road last weekend. The Mavericks are tied with Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State for second in the NSIC standings with a 6-1 conference record.

As a team, MSU is averaging 35.6 points and 447.5 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are posting 235.3 rushing yards and 212.2 passing yards a game this season and have allowed just five quarterback sacks.

Junior Shen Butler-Lawson leads the Maverick rushing attack with 1,065 yards to go along with 12 touchdown carries. Junior Christian Vasser has notched 371 rushing yards and a touchdown also, while junior Tony Anger has notched five rushing touchdowns of his own and 137 rushing yards.

Junior Hayden Ekern has thrown for 1,626 yards and 15 touchdowns. Sophomore TreShawn Watson leads the Maverick receiving corps with 355 yards and three touchdowns, while freshman Mason Perich has tallied 242 yards and four touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 20.2 points and 322.6 yards a game this season. MSU has also recorded 20 sacks and have held opposing teams to a 33-of-101 (32.6%) showing on third down.

Senior Jacob Daulton has tallied 36 tackles, while junior Maven Kretche has notched 21 tackles, including 7.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks. Junior Cody Brown has tallied 7.5 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 129-31 (.806) record.

Concerning the Mustangs: Southwest Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 1-7 record, including a 34-17 loss against MSU Moorhead last weekend. SMSU has lost its last seven games.

As a team, SMSU has tallied 13.3 points and 273.6 yards of total offense a game, including 195.5 passing yards a game.

Donald Austin leads the Mustang's rushing attack with 598 yards and four touchdowns.

Marcus Martin has thrown for 1,518 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Peter Osman has caught 33 passes for 395 yards and two touchdowns, while Eric Lira has recorded 275 receiving yards a touchdown.

As a unit, the SMSU defense has allowed 31.3 points and 392.4 yards of offense a game this season, including 241.6 passing yards and 150.8 rushing yards.

Josiah Hedensten leads the SMSU defense with 60 tackles including six for a loss, while Jalani Jefferson has notched 43 tackles and two interceptions. Avery Johnson has notched 20 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss and five sacks also.

Southwest Minnesota State is coached by Scott Underwood who is in his 2nd season with the Mustangs. He owns a 5-14 (.263) record.

Regional Rankings: Minnesota State appeared in the first edition of the NCAA Super Region Four Rankings. Super Region Four consists of teams from the NSIC, Lone Star Conference and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.