MANKATO, Minn. --- #18 Minnesota State concludes its regular season home schedule this Saturday as the Mavericks host the University of Mary Marauders. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Blakeslee Stadium.

Our History: The 2024 season marks the school's 97th season playing football. The Mavericks are 513-402-27 (.559) in 942 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Minnesota State is in its 16th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 145-24 (.858) 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 14th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season against Augustana. MSU owns a 15-14 overall record in NCAA postseason play. 

Grabbing the Reins: The 2024 season marks the 14th season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his 14 seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 138-35 (.797) record, including seven NSIC Championships and nine trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

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 138 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 UMary marks their eighth meeting between them, with MSU leading the all-time series 7-0. In their last meeting during the 2022 season, the Mavericks defeated the Marauders 31-28 at Blakeslee Stadium.

Junior Isaiah Emanuel caught four passes for 67 yards and a touchdown, while senior Christian Vasser notched 31 rushing yards.

On defense, senior Maven Kretche recorded five tackles, while senior Antonio Alzheimer notched three tackles.

Head coach Todd Hoffner owns a 6-0 record against UMary, including a 4-0 record at Blakeslee Stadium.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 7-2 overall record, including a 6-2 NSIC record. Last weekend on the road, MSU defeated Northern State 24-14. The Mavericks are tied with Sioux Falls for second place in the NSIC standings.

As a team, MSU is averaging 30.1 points and 420.9 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are averaging 182.2 rushing yards and 238.7 passing yards a game.

Freshman Sam Backer leads the Maverick rushing attack with 585 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Senior Christian Vasser has tallied 346 rushing yards and four touchdowns also, while senior Hayden Ekern has notched 325 rushing yards and 10 touchdown carries.

Ekern has thrown for 2,099 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Junior TreShawn Watson leads the Maverick receiving corps with 566 yards and six touchdowns, while senior Gabe Hagen has notched 409 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

The Maverick defense has allowed 23.6 points and 353.8 yards of total offense a game this season. MSU has allowed 143.9 rushing yards a game this season.

Senior Antonio Alzheimer leads the Maverick defense with 73 tackles, while junior Karson Dunn has notched 36 tackles and an two interceptions. Senior Cody Brown leads the team with 8.5 tackles for a loss and 6.0 sacks, while senior Max Lommel has recovered two fumbles.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner is in his 14th season with the Mavericks. He owns a 138-35 (.797) record.

Concerning the Marauders: The University of Mary enters the weekend the owner of a 2-7 overall record, including a 1-7 NSIC record. Last weekend, UMary defeated Southwest Minnesota State 15-6 on the road.

As a team, UMary is averaging 13.1 points and 216.7 yards of total offense a game this season. The Marauders are averaging 48.8 rushing yards and 167.9 passing yards a game.

Carl Henry leads the UMary rushing attack with 195 yards, while Andrew Trandahl has tallied 134 rushing yards.

Sofian Massoud has thrown for 1,041 yards and five touchdowns this season. Mujeeb Rufai has caught 44 passes for 455 yards and two touchdowns. Karsyn Jablonski has tallied 392 receiving yards and two touchdowns also.

As a unit, the UMary defense has allowed 29.2 points and 366.6 yards of total offense a game this season, including 169.2 rushing yards and 197.3 passing yards.

Christopher Federico leads the UMary defense with 69 tackles, while Mason Phillips has tallied 46 tackles, including 9.0 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Justus Breston has tallied three interceptions also.

UMary is coached by Shann Schillinger who is in his second season as head coach of the Marauders. He owns a 4-16 (.200) record.

NCAA Regional Rankings: Minnesota State was ranked third in the latest edition of the NCAA Regional Rankings. The NCAA Selection Show is set for Nov. 17, at 5 p.m.