MANKATO, Minn. — MSU Moorhead (8-3, 7-3 NSIC) defeated #14 Minnesota State (8-3, 7-3 NSIC) 31-23 on Saturday at Blakeslee Stadium. The Mavericks rushed for 206 yards and scored three touchdowns on the ground in the contest.

Minnesota State opened the first quarter with a methodical drive, highlighted by a 10-yard rush from freshman Carter Henderson, but was unable to capitalize, leading to a punt. The Dragons responded with a 75-yard drive over 14 plays, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Jack Strand to Carson Elbert, putting them ahead 7-0. The Mavericks' defense managed a sack by sophomore Ian Burau for a 3-yard loss but struggled to contain MSU Moorhead's passing attack, which completed 7 of 10 attempts for 49 yards.

The Mavericks fought back in the second quarter, highlighted by a critical interception by senior Kobe Jenkins, who returned it 27 yards, setting up a scoring drive that ended with sophomore Mitchell Thompson's six-yard rushing touchdown. Despite the Dragons' efficient passing game, which saw Strand complete 10 of 12 passes for 113 yards, the home team capitalized on defensive opportunities and special teams, with sophomore Connor Fournier adding a 29-yard field goal. The quarter concluded with the Dragons leading 14-10.

MSU Moorhead controlled the third quarter, extending their lead with a 32-yard field goal by Max Watson at 8:47 and a late touchdown pass from Strand to Gage Florence with 33 seconds remaining. Minnesota State's defense managed three sacks, including a critical one by junior Nathan Drumm for a six-yard loss, but struggled to contain Strand, who completed nine of 15 passes for 78 yards and added a rushing element with 66 yards on the ground. The quarter concluded with the Dragons leading 24-10.

The Mavericks opened the fourth quarter with a determined drive, highlighted by Thompson's four-yard touchdown rush at 14:05, narrowing the deficit to 24-17. Despite a strong offensive showing, including 72 passing yards in the quarter, they struggled to capitalize fully, missing a crucial extra point after Sam Backer's two-yard touchdown run at 6:03. MSU Moorhead responded with a touchdown drive of its own, maintaining a lead to conclude the game at 31-23.

Thompson led the Mavericks with a strong performance, rushing for 126 yards on 26 carries and adding two touchdowns. Backer contributed to the scoring with a rushing touchdown over 42 yards on 14 attempts. On defense, sophomore Cade Stingle posted 10 total tackles, anchoring the defensive effort. Drumm recorded two sacks, providing key pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Strand led the Dragons offensively, completing 26 of 40 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing 27 times for 118 yards. Florence was a key target, recording 10 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Owen Wiersma contributed with five carries for 31 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Gavin Jarchow stood out with a team-high 14 tackles, and McKale Pierson added nine tackles to the effort.

Minnesota State will learn its NCAA Tournament fate during the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday. The selection show will air on NCAA.com at 5:00 p.m. (CST).