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Minnesota State Returns Home to Face Southwest Minnesota State in NSIC Action

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Minnesota State, ranked 18th in the nation, returns home this Saturday to face the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs at Blakeslee Stadium. With a 6-2 record and a 5-2 NSIC record, the Mavericks are looking to bounce back from a 35-20 loss to Wayne State on the road. This will be the 22nd all-time meeting between the two teams, with Minnesota State leading the series 21-0.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 season marks the 98th season of football for Minnesota State, with a 523-406-27 (.561) record in 956 games since its inception as a varsity sport in 1922.
  • The Mavericks are in their 16th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and own a 151-27 (.848) record in league action, claiming 25 conference championships, including 14 NIC titles and eight NSIC championships.
  • Head Coach Todd Hoffner has led the Mavericks for 15 seasons, compiling a 148-39 (.791) record, including seven NSIC Championships and 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament.
  • The Mavericks have made their third trip to the NCAA Tournament semifinals, reaching the semifinals in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2019, with their most recent appearance in 2023.
  • Grant Guyett, Brock Galetich, and Cayden Lovett are key players for the Mavericks, while Jacob Honstetter, Tariq Parker, and Macloud Crowton are leading the Mustangs offense.
  • Josiah Hendensten, Parker Knutson, and Gideon Ervasti are key defenders for the Mustangs, while Antoine Johnson, Jefferson Mobry, and Amaun Williams lead the Mavericks defense.

Statistics:

  • Minnesota State is averaging 34.2 points and 411.0 yards of offense a game this season, including 201.1 rushing yards and 209.9 passing yards.
  • Sophomore Sam Backer leads the Maverick rushing attack with 566 yards and 12 touchdowns, while sophomore Carter Henderson has tallied 343 yards and a touchdown.
  • The Mavericks defense has allowed 17.6 points and 354.6 yards of total offense a game this season, including 194.5 rushing yards and 160.1 passing yards.
  • Southwest Minnesota State is averaging 15.5 points and 276.1 yards of offense a game this season, including 40.6 rushing yards and 235.5 passing yards.

Sources:

  • [Source: Minnesota State University Athletics news release]
  • [Source: NCAA Super Region Three Rankings]
  • [Source: MSU Touchdown Club Luncheon information]

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