Minnesota State Mavericks gear up to take on the Augustana Vikings

Coming off of a powerful performance against the Moorhead Dragons two weeks ago, the Minnesota State Mavericks (6-1) are gearing up to face the Augustana Vikings (5-2) Saturday.

During their first matchup in 2011, the Mavericks toppled the Vikings in a blowout game 19-0. Within their past ten games, the Mavericks have come out victorious seven times. 

Despite the winning record in previous years, the Mavs did not have the same success in the 2023 season, losing both matchups against the Vikings.

Senior QB Hayden Ekern returns this week, once again leading the Mavs against the Vikings. Last year, Ekern scored one touchdown in his first meeting with the Vikings. In their second game, he found two passing-touchdowns, paired with 261 passing-yards on 44 attempts.

Vikings Sophomore QB Gunnar Hensely will prove to be a challenge for the Maverick defense as last weekend he led his team to a 31-0 victory over Winona State University. Hensley managed 168 passing-yards and two passing-touchdowns against WSU. Saturday will be Hensely’s first time facing the Maverick defense.

The game will prove to be difficult on both sides as each team has experienced an abundance of success so far this season. The 5-2 Vikings fell earlier this season to the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits when they traveled to Brookings.

This season’s history looks up for the Mavericks heading into the game as Augustana’s second loss of the season was against the Moorhead Dragons. Although the game fell down to a close score of 43-41, the Mavericks managed to achieve victory over the team just last weekend.

Team stats also trend in favor of the Mavericks with a season scoring average of 33.57, when compared to the Vikings 28.43. The Mavs currently hold a season scoring total of 235 and the Vikings 199.

Both teams have had trouble holding on to the ball this season as Augustana now stands with six total fumbles, two being lost. The Mavericks currently stand with 10 total fumbles in the season, similarly to the Vikings with two being lost. 

The two teams are scheduled to go head to head Saturday Oct. 26 at Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Photo caption: The Mavericks will find a challenge to play against the Augustana Vikings as both teams have seen massive success. (Courtesy Maverick Athletics)

Write to matthew.beyer@mnsu.edu