SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — #16 Minnesota State (8-2, 7-2 NSIC) defeated #5 Augustana (9-1, 81 NSIC) with a score of 45-21 at Kirkeby-Over Stadium, powered by a dominant rushing attack that accounted for 286 yards and five touchdowns. This victory secured at least a share of the NSIC South Division Championship for the Mavericks, marking their 11th south division championship since 2008.
Minnesota State struggled to find momentum early, as their opening drive resulted in a punt after only three plays and one yard gained. Despite a strong rushing effort, accumulating 65 yards on 13 attempts, they were unable to convert on third and fourth downs, going 0-for-3 and 0-for-1, respectively. Augustana capitalized on these opportunities, scoring a touchdown with a 15-yard rush by Mack Molander at 10:44. The quarter concluded with Augustana leading 7-0.
Minnesota State capitalized on a strong ground game in the second quarter, with sophomore
Mitchell Thompson rushing for 101 yards and three touchdowns to help the team overcome a 7-7 tie. A pivotal fumble recovery by senior
Abe Hestdalen at the Vikings' 25-yard line set up one of the scoring drives. The Mavericks' defense also contributed with one sack for an 11-yard loss, effectively stalling Augustana's progress. The quarter closed with Minnesota State leading 21-14.
The Mavericks capitalized on defensive plays and efficient offense in the third quarter to extend their lead over the Vikings. Senior
Jamal Spiyee's pivotal blocked field goal at 12:04 and his 24-yard fumble recovery touchdown at 3:10 contributed significantly to the team's 14-point quarter. Thompson's 6-yard touchdown run at 8:10, combined with 59 passing yards, helped Minnesota State extend its lead to 35-14 by the end of the third quarter.
Minnesota State used a powerful ground game in the fourth quarter to widen the gap against Augustana. Thompson and sophomore
Sam Backer combined for crucial rushing plays, including a touchdown run by Backer, contributing significantly to Minnesota State's control of the clock with over 12 minutes of possession. The team also capitalized on a 35-yard field goal by sophomore
Connor Fournier. Despite the Vikings finding the end zone late, Minnesota State maintained its lead, closing the quarter with a 45-21 victory.
Spiyee was a standout with one interception, a fumble recovery returned for a 24-yard touchdown, and a blocked kick. Thompson led the offensive charge, rushing for 133 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries while completing 8-of-13 passes for 108 yards. Backer added to the scoring with two rushing touchdowns and totaled 78 yards on 18 carries. Fournier was perfect in the kicking game, converting all six extra point attempts and making a 35-yard field goal.
Freshman quarterback Rich Lucero Jr. led the Augustana offense with 169 passing yards on 18-of-31 attempts, throwing two touchdowns despite two interceptions. On the ground, Breylon Blount, a freshman running back, contributed 73 rushing yards over 15 carries. Junior tight end Klayton Sattler added to the scoring with a touchdown reception among his five catches, totaling 50 yards. Defensively, sophomore linebacker Brock Salm anchored the team with 12 tackles, the highest on the squad.
In their regular season finale, the Mavericks will host MSU Moorhead on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Blakeslee Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.
