MANKATO, Minn. --- #10 Minnesota State will wrap up its regular season road schedule this Saturday as it takes on the Winona State Warriors. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.

Our History: The 2023 season marks the school's 96th season playing football. The Mavericks are 505-398-27 (.557) in 930 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 138-21 (.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 130-31 (.807) 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 130 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. Winona State: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Winona State marks their 62nd all-time meeting. The Mavericks lead the series with a 38-19-4 record, including a 20-10-2 record at Winona. During their last meeting during the 2022 season, MSU defeated WSU 40-13 at Blakeslee Stadium. 

Junior Shen Butler-Lawson notched 57 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Junior Hayden Ekern threw for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Terrell Hall notched one sack, recovered a fumble and recorded an interception.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner owns an 8-4 record against Winona State, including a 3-3 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 8-1 last weekend as it defeated Southwest Minnesota State 30-12 at Blakeslee Stadium last weekend. The Mavericks are tied with Augustana and Minnesota Duluth atop the NSIC standings with 7-1 conference records.

As a team, MSU is averaging 35.0 points and 442.2 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are posting 230.6 rushing yards and 211.6 passing yards a game this season and have allowed just six quarterback sacks.

Junior Shen Butler-Lawson leads the Maverick rushing attack with 1,180 yards to go along with 12 touchdown carries. Junior Christian Vasser has notched 381 rushing yards and two touchdowns also, while junior Tony Anger has notched five rushing touchdowns of his own and 176 rushing yards.

Junior Hayden Ekern has thrown for 1,833 yards and 18 touchdowns. Sophomore TreShawn Watson leads the Maverick receiving corps with 370 yards and three touchdowns, while freshman Mason Perich has tallied 260 yards and four touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 19.3 points and 326.0 yards a game this season. MSU has also recorded 22 sacks and have held opposing teams to a 39-of-117 (33.3%) showing on third down.

Senior Jacob Daulton has tallied 40 tackles, while junior Maven Kretche has notched 25 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss and 8.5 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 130-31 (.807) record.

Concerning the Warriors: Winona State enters the weekend the owner of a 4-5 record, including a 20-17 road loss to MSU Moorhead last weekend. 

As a team, WSU has tallied 24.9 points and 350.6 yards of total offense a game, including 224.7 passing yards a game.

Cair'ron Hendred leads the Warriors rushing attack with 531 yards and five touchdowns. Ty Gavin has rushed for 276 yards and three touchdowns also.

Cole Stenstrom has thrown for 1,939 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Kaleb Skelly has caught 37 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns, while Sylvere Campbell has recorded 416 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

As a unit, the WSU defense has allowed 26.9 points and 387.0 yards of offense a game this season, including 222.0 passing yards and 165.0 rushing yards.

Clay Schueffner leads the WSU defense with 65 tackles including 8.5 for a loss, while Trey Borske has notched 48 tackles, including 6.0 for a loss. Kyjuan Vengrowsky has notched 28 tackles, including 11.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks also.

Winona State is coached by Brian Bergstrom who is in his second season with the Warrior. He owns a 12-8 (.600) record.

Regional Rankings: Minnesota State has been ranked sixth in the latest 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. The top-seven teams will advance to the NCAA Tournament.