MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (4-1) secured a decisive 38-12 victory over the University of Sioux Falls (3-2) on Saturday at Blakeslee Stadium. The Mavericks dominated the second half, scoring 21 points in the third quarter. Freshman quarterback Maximus Sims led the offensive charge with 310 passing yards and one touchdown, while the defense intercepted two passes to contribute to the win. The game drew an impressive attendance of 6,927, marking the fourth largest crowd in Blakeslee Stadium history.
 
Minnesota State started strong in the first quarter with a high-tempo drive, converting three consecutive first downs, including a 15-yard pass from freshman Maximus Sims to senior TreShawn Watson, pushing deep into the Cougars territory before turning over on downs at the USF six-yard line. The Cougars capitalized on the momentum shift, executing a 14-play, 94-yard drive capped by Christian Nash's 5-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds remaining, though JT Frieders missed the extra point. Sioux Falls carried a 6-0 lead into the second quarter.
 
Minnesota State capitalized on a strong offensive drive in the second quarter, starting with a 43-yard pass to Watson to set up a one-yard touchdown run by freshman Sam Backer, giving them a 7-6 lead. The Cougars struggled to convert on critical downs, turning the ball over on downs twice during the period. Sims completed nine of thirteen passes for 131 yards, while sophomore Connor Fournier added to the lead with a 22-yard field goal, helping the Mavericks close the half ahead 10-6.
 
The Mavericks capitalized on an interception by freshman Jefferson Mobry at the start of the third quarter, leading to a touchdown pass from Sims to Backer, extending the lead to 17-6. Minnesota State continued its dominance with another scoring drive, highlighted by Sims' 9-yard rush for a touchdown, bringing the score to 24-6. The Mavericks' offense amassed 163 total yards in the quarter, while the defense held the Cougars to just 23 yards, closing the period at 31-6.
 
Minnesota State capitalized on a key interception by junior Amaun Williams, who returned the ball 10 yards to halt a Sioux Falls drive at the MSU 10-yard line. Following this, Sims led a decisive drive, highlighted by a 31-yard pass to senior Grant Guyett and culminating in Sims' 13-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead. The Cougars responded with a 51-yard pass to Christian Janis that set up a late touchdown, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit as the Mavericks secured a 38-12 victory.
 
Backer led the offensive charge with 69 rushing yards on 14 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns, while also adding a receiving touchdown with six catches for 63 yards. Freshman quarterback Sims showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 310 yards and one touchdown on 24-of-32 passing, and rushing for two additional touchdowns. Watson was a reliable target, recording 11 receptions for 149 yards. Defensively, Williams contributed with an interception, adding to his three tackles, and Marcus Hansen collected six tackles, including one sack.
 
For the Cougars, Camden Dean completed 14 of 21 passes, accumulating 157 yards, though he was intercepted twice. Hank Brown Jr. led the receiving corps with nine receptions for 87 yards. Isaiah Emanuel made a notable impact with three catches for 45 yards, including a touchdown. On the ground, Nash contributed a rushing touchdown on four carries, totaling 22 yards. Defensively, Isaac Rudningen recorded a team-high 10 tackles, while Cain McWilliams recovered a fumble to aid the defensive effort.
 
Minnesota State advanced to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play following their victory. Sioux Falls fell to 3-2 on the season and 2-2 in conference competition.
 
In their next game, the Mavericks will travel to St. Paul to face Concordia-St. Paul at Sea Foam Stadium. Kickoff is set for Saturday, October 4, at noon.