Kari Gibb/MDN MSU sophomore Connor Raetzman sacks NSU junior quarterback Daniel Britt in the homecoming win at Herb Parker Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, as the Beavers moved to 3-0 on the season.

There are three undefeated teams atop the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) currently. Two of those 3-0 teams are set to clash on Saturday, September 21, in Mankato, Minnesota when the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers travel to take on the Mavericks of Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Looking at the current NSIC standings and statistics, the Mavericks are third in offense while the Beavers are at fourth with three games played. Minnesota State has scored 102 points with 13 touchdowns and three field goals. Minot State has scored 97 points with 12 touchdowns and four field goals. The teams are even in the scoring game.

In the total offensive look, the Mavericks are second with 667 rushing yards and 739 passing yards with 233 plays run. The Beavers are eighth on the rankings with 814 rushing yards and 124 passing yards on 179 plays over the three games. Minnesota State has the edge in moving the ball, but that has not led to a significant edge in scoring points.

On the other side of the ball, Minot State is the top ranked scoring defense. In three games, the Beavers have allowed four touchdowns and one field goal for a ten point per game average. Minnesota State is at ninth place as a scoring defense. The Mavericks have allowed 11 touchdowns and one field goal for just over 26 points per game.

For total defensive outlook, Minot State is in fourth place with 476 rushing yards and 393 passing yards allowed for a game average of just under 290 yards per game. Minnesota State is at seventh in NSIC rankings with 414 rushing and 570 passing yards over three games for a 328 yards per game average.

The numbers support a competitive game with the Beavers needing to control the time of possession, running the ball and let the Minot State defense rest and be aggressive when on the field. Time of possession and kicking game were winning factors for the first three games for the Mavericks as well. Minnesota State has used the same style of play for their 3-0 start to the season.

How did the matchup look last year between Minot State and Minnesota State?

The game was played in Minot at Herb Parker Stadium with the Mavericks jumping off to a 28-7 lead in the first quarter of play enroute to the 52-25 win for Minnesota State.

The Mavericks getting off to the early lead forced the Beavers into throwing more than running. Minot State had 274 yards rushing last year and four touchdowns in the game compared to Minnesota State with 180 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.

While the Beavers have had limited success – as needed – throwing the ball this season, the matchup between Minnesota State and Minot State last year showcased 283 yards on 19-31 passing for the Mavericks with no interceptions and three touchdowns compared to Minot State with 16 yards on 2-7 passing and no scores.

Minnesota State ran 75 plays in last year’s matchup while Minot State had 47 plays in the game.

Again, the numbers based on last year’s game and the tendencies and strengths of both teams point to the time of possession and the defensive ability of Minot State to shutdown the passing attack of the Mavericks.

Tune in Saturday to watch the Clash of the NSIC Titans unfold in real time.