MANKATO, Minn. --- #13 Minnesota State returns to Blakeslee Stadium this Saturday of its home opener as it welcomes in #25 Bemidji State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Our History: The 2024 season marks the school's 97th season playing football. The Mavericks are 507-400-27 (.557) in 934 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 139-22 (.863) 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 132-33 (.800) 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 132 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 52nd all-time meeting between them, with MSU leading the series with a 34-15-2 record. The Mavericks have won their last four meetings against the Beavers, including a 27-24 win on the road last season. 

Last year, senior Hayden Ekern threw for 198 yards and touchdown, while senior Khai West notched five tackles and an interception.

Head coach Todd Hoffner owns a 7-1 record against Bemidji State, including a 2-1 record at Blakeslee Stadium. All-time, MSU owns a 17-6-2 record at home vs. Bemidji State.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns a 1-0 record on the season after defeating Northwest Missouri State 36-22 on the road last week. This marks the 12th consecutive season that the Mavericks have won their season opener.

As a team, MSU is averaging 36.0 points and 423.0 yards of offense a game this season. The Mavericks are averaging 218.0 rushing yards and 205.0 passing yards a game.

Senior Sam Backer leads the Maverick rushing attack with 104 rushing yards. Senior Hayden Ekern has notched 56 rushing yards and four touchdown carries also.

Ekern has thrown for 205 yards and a touchdown this season. Senior Gabe Hagen leads the Maverick receiving corps with six catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Junior TreShawn Watson has tallied 40 receiving yards also.

The Maverick defense has allowed 22.0 points and 251.0 yards of total offense a game this season. MSU has allowed -17 rushing yards on the season.

Senior Cody Brown has tallied seven tackles, including three for a loss and two sacks. Senior Antonio Alzheimer has notched five tackles and a sack also, while senior Max Lommel has recovered two fumbles.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner is in his 14th season with the Mavericks. He owns a 132-33 (.800) record.

Concerning the Beavers: Bemidji State enters the weekend the owner of a 1-0 record, including a 19-13 overtime win over Michigan Tech at home last week 

As a team, BSU has tallied 19.0 points and 368.0 yards of total offense a game this season. The Beavers are averaging 173.0 rushing yards and 195.0 passing yards a game.

Jayden Washington leads the BSU rushing attack with 69 yards, while Jarrett Gronski has tallied 41 rushing yards.

Sam McGrath has thrown for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Brice Peters leads the BSU receiving corps with 72 yards and two touchdowns. Drayton Lehman has caught six passes for 38 yards also.

As a unit, the Beaver defense has allowed 13.0 points and 280.0 yards of total offense a game this season, including 19.0 rushing yards and 261.0 passing yards.

Jacob Drietz leads the defense with seven tackles, while Stephen Hoffman has notched six tackles, including 1.5 for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Kamron Gothard has tallied five tackles and a sack as well.

Bemidji State is coached by Brent Bolte who is in his eighth season as head coach of the Beavers. He owns a 62-22 (.738) record.