MANKATO, Minn. --- #4 Minnesota State is set to clash with #9 Bemidji State this Saturday as both teams vie to remain atop the NSIC standings. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., at Chet Anderson Stadium

Our History: The 2023 season marks the school's 96th season playing football. The Mavericks are 501-397-27 (.556) in 925 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 134-20 (.870) 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 126-30 (.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 126 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. Bemidji State: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Bemidji State marks their 51st all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 33-15-2. The Mavericks have won their last three encounters against the Beavers, including a 37-34 win at BSU last season.

Junior Hayden Ekern threw for 100 yards and a touchdown, while junior Tony Anger caught three passes for 31 yards.

Senior Nathan Bolton notched six tackles, while senior Jacob Daulton tallied three tackles and an interception.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner owns a 6-1 record against Bemidji State, including a 4-0 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 4-0 last weekend as it bested Concordia-St. Paul 42-10 at Blakeslee Stadium. The Mavericks are one of four NSIC teams to start the season 4-0, along with Bemidji State, Augustana and Minnesota Duluth.

As a team, MSU is averaging 44.7 points and 501.0 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are posting 283.0 rushing yards and 218.0 passing yards a game this season and have allowed just one quarterback sack.

Junior Shen Butler-Lawson leads all of NCAA Division II with 667 rushing yards to go along with nine touchdown carries. Junior Christian Vasser has notched 214 rushing yards and a touchdown also, while junior Tony Anger has notched three rushing touchdowns of his own and 114 rushing yards.

Junior Hayden Ekern has thrown for 800 yards and eight touchdowns. Sophomore TreShawn Watson leads the Maverick receiving corps with 217 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman Mason Perich has tallied 164 yards and two touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 18.7 points and 289.3 yards a game this season. MSU has also recorded 12 sacks and have held opposing teams to a 14-of-46 (30.4%) showing on third down.

Senior Jacob Daulton has tallied 15 tackles, while junior Maven Kretche has notched 13 tackles, including three for a loss and three sacks. Junior Cody Brown has tallied six tackles for a loss and three sacks also, while junior Khai West has recorded two interceptions.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner is in his 13th season with the Mavericks. He owns a 126-30 (.807) record.

Concerning the Beavers: Bemidji State enters the weekend the owner of a 4-0 record, including a 4-0 NSIC record. Last weekend, the Beavers defeated UMary 41-10 on the road

As a team, BSU has tallied 40.0 points and 425.0 yards of total offense a game, including 261.7 passing yards a game.

Ali Mohamed leads the BSU rushing attack with 260 yards and three touchdowns, while Sage Booker has tallied 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Brandon Alt has thrown for 956 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Dhel Duncan-Busby has caught 15 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns, while Jake Hill has recorded 180 receiving yards.

As a unit, the Bemidji State defense has allowed 11.7 points and 313.8 yards of offense a game this season, including 244.0 passing yards and 69.8 rushing yards.

Max Burdis leads the BSU defense with 24 tackles, while Marcus Hansen has notched 18 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Stephen Hoffman has notched 12 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss also. 

Bemidji State is coached by Brent Bolte who is in his seventh season as head coach of the Beavers. He owns a 56-19 record at BSU.