MANKATO, Minn. - #11 Minnesota State (1-0) defeated Northwest Missouri State (0-1) with a final score of 38-14, powered by strong second and third quarters in which they scored 14 points at Blakeslee Stadium.
Minnesota State established a 7-0 lead over Northwest Missouri State in the first quarter, highlighted by a nine-play, 75-yard drive culminating in a two-yard touchdown run by sophomore
Sam Backer. Sophomore quarterback
Mitchell Thompson was efficient, completing six of seven passes for 58 yards, with senior
TreShawn Watson leading the receivers with 49 yards on three catches. The Maverick defense held strong, limiting the Bearcats to just 19 passing yards and one first down while forcing three punts.
Minnesota State extended their lead in the second quarter, highlighted by Thompson's 11-yard rushing touchdown and a 38-yard touchdown pass to Watson. Thompson completed three of four passes for 87 yards and also added 30 rushing yards. The Maverick defense held the Bearcats scoreless, with junior
Amaun Williams intercepting a pass and returning it 27 yards. The Mavericks capitalized on this turnover with a touchdown, concluding the quarter with a 21-0 lead.
In the third quarter, Minnesota State extended its lead to 35-0 with a touchdown run by Backer and a touchdown pass from Thompson to
Nassir Jones. The Mavericks' offense dominated with 144 rushing yards, led by Backer's 22-yard and 31-yard rushes, contributing to their two touchdowns. The Bearcats responded with two touchdowns of their own, narrowing the gap to 35-14 by the end of the quarter, but the MSU defense forced a crucial turnover on a fumble recovery, maintaining their substantial lead.
In the fourth quarter, Minnesota State extended its lead with a 24-yard field goal by sophomore
Connor Fournier, bringing the score to 38-14. The Mavericks executed a strategic drive, accumulating 84 yards over 11 plays, highlighted by a balanced mix of rushing and passing, including Backer's 6-yard reception and Thompson's 6-yard pass to Backer. The defense also played a crucial role, with junior
Max Sheridan recovering a fumble at the Mavericks' 13-yard line, effectively halting the Bearcats' advance.
Backer led Minnesota State with 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, also adding two receptions for nine yards. Quarterback Thompson contributed with 177 passing yards on 12-of-17 attempts, throwing two touchdowns and rushing 14 times for 99 yards and a score. Watson was the top receiver, catching seven passes for 155 yards and one touchdown. On defense, Williams made an impact with an interception and a 27-yard return.
Abe Hestdalen contributed with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Northwest Missouri State's Zechariah Owens had a strong performance, completing 10 of 12 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown, adding 44 rushing yards on nine attempts with another score. Freshman tight end Trevor Spady contributed with two receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. Senior linebacker Benjamin Einess led the defense with eight tackles, while junior Jacob Stockard and senior Clayton Power each recorded seven tackles.
With the win, Minnesota State improved to 1-0 overall on the season. The loss left the Bearcats at 0-1 overall.
Looking ahead, Minnesota State will host Minot State on Saturday, September 6, at Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato, Minn. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
