FINDLAY, Ohio — #21 Minnesota State (9-3) defeated #12 Findlay (10-2) with a 37-14 victory at Donnell Stadium. The Mavericks capitalized on all four red-zone opportunities, scoring 23 points, while also blocking a Findlay field goal attempt.
Minnesota State now owns a 19-15 all-time record in NCAA Tournament games.
Minnesota State responded quickly after Findlay's early touchdown, with sophomore
Sam Backer's 24-yard rushing touchdown at 7:15 leveling the score. The Mavericks showcased efficiency, converting two of three third-down attempts and accumulating 76 yards in a 10-play drive. On defense, the visiting team blocked a 31-yard field goal attempt at 1:29, preventing Findlay from regaining the lead. The first quarter concluded with both teams tied at 7-7.
The Mavericks gained momentum in the second quarter with an impressive 14-point surge, highlighted by a critical turnover recovery and efficient passing game. Sophomore
Mitchell Thompson completed 11 of 17 passes for 125 yards, setting up multiple first downs, while sophomore
Ian Burau capitalized on a fumble return for a touchdown, swinging the scoreboard in Minnesota State's favor. Despite two sacks and penalties, the visitors maintained pressure, closing the half with a 21-7 lead over the Oilers.
The Mavericks capitalized on an interception by senior
Marcus Hansen at the Oilers' 13-yard line early in the third quarter, leading to a 23-yard field goal by sophomore
Connor Fournier. The interception halted a potential Findlay drive and shifted momentum, with Minnesota State extending its lead to 31-7 by the end of the period after Thompson connected with senior
Nassir Jones for a five-yard touchdown pass. The Maverick's defense was effective, holding Findlay to just 52 passing yards and recording a sack, maintaining their advantage heading into the final quarter.
Freshman
Carter Henderson spearheaded the fourth quarter with a commanding 18-yard touchdown run at 12:49, extending their lead to 37-7. Despite a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Findlay's Marcus Medina, the Mavericks maintained their advantage, finishing the game with a 37-14 victory. The final period showcased their effective ground game, accumulating 45 rushing yards on 10 attempts.
Thompson completed 20 of 27 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown, adding another touchdown on a 23-yard rushing effort. Backer contributed with a rushing touchdown on six carries for 28 yards and caught three passes for 34 yards. Henderson bolstered the ground game with 72 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. On defense, Hansen recorded an interception and six tackles, while Burau returned a fumble recovery 30 yards for a touchdown.
Findlay's defense was anchored by Kevin Henderson, who led the team with 13 total tackles. Senior linebacker Sam Weihrauch contributed with seven tackles, solidifying the defensive effort. On the offensive side, Denny Furlong emerged as a key receiver, hauling in four catches for 74 yards. Christian Davis provided a spark in the rushing attack, carrying the ball four times for 24 yards and scoring the team's sole touchdown. Londyn Claxton made an impact on the defensive line with one sack among his two total tackles.
Looking ahead, #21 Minnesota State will take on #8 Indianapolis in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Key Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is to be determined.
