MARSHALL, Minn. – The No. 5 Minnesota State Mavericks continued their impressive season Saturday afternoon, defeating Southwest Minnesota State 44-9 to improve to 9-0 overall and 8-0 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play.
The victory marked the first time since 2019 that Minnesota State has started a season 9-0 and secured at least a share of the NSIC South Division title.
The Mavericks set the tone early, scoring the game's first 34 points while dominating both sides of the ball. Minnesota State finished with 461 total yards, including 291 passing yards and 170 rushing yards, while limiting the Mustangs to just 253 total yards and 13 rushing yards.
Carter Henderson opened the scoring with a nine-yard touchdown run in the first quarter after a key fourth-down conversion by punter
Matt Maldonado kept the opening drive alive.
Minnesota State added three touchdowns in the second quarter.
Mitchell Thompson connected with
Lebarion Gilmore for a 25-yard touchdown, followed by
Maximus Sims' 41-yard scoring pass to
Ishmael Emmanuel-Holloway. Henderson added his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon before Sims and Gilmore connected again for a 23-yard touchdown with just 34 seconds remaining in the first half.
The Mavericks entered halftime with a commanding 34-0 advantage and a 342-30 edge in total yardage.
Minnesota State continued its defensive dominance in the second half. Antoine Johnson Jr. intercepted a Tommy Hoffman pass and returned it for a touchdown, marking the Mavericks' fourth interception return for a score this season.
Southwest Minnesota State eventually got on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass from Hoffman to Josh Lancifort late in the third quarter. The Mustangs also benefited from a safety after a sack of Sims in the end zone.
Maldonado capped the scoring with a 50-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, giving the Mavericks their final 44-9 margin.
Offensively, Henderson led the rushing attack with 54 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries.
Sam Backer added 63 yards on 10 carries. Gilmore finished with four receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns, while Dillon recorded four catches for 83 yards.
Sims completed six of 10 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns, while Thompson added 127 passing yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Mavericks delivered one of their strongest performances of the season, recording a season-high eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Johnson finished with his third interception of the season, while senior
Jamal Spiyee recorded his fourth interception.
Minnesota State head coach
Todd Hoffner praised his team's strong start and ability to establish momentum early in the contest.
With the win, the Mavericks remain undefeated and continue their pursuit of an NSIC championship.
Minnesota State returns home next Saturday to host Augustana at noon at Blakeslee Stadium. The game will also serve as Senior Day.
