#14 – MINNESOTA STATE MAVERICKS

In 2008, all of Mankato was abuzz with the team’s first playoff bid in 15 years before getting dumped in the first round.  That bittersweet success along with a 10-0 run, NSIC South title and a #4 national ranking last season ushered in much greater expectations as the final regular season game with rival St. Cloud State was on the horizon.  The Mavs came up short on the road as the Huskies pulled ahead with a late score.  Yet, they had a chance for redemption as they were awarded their first home playoff game in history.  The outcome was a heartbreaking over-time loss to Hillsdale from the GLIAC.

MSU started last season by defeating of out-of-conference foe Truman State, a bottom dweller of the MIAA, before a couple of close calls in overtime contests with fellow NSIC rivals Bemidgi State (8-3) and Wayne State (8-3).  They also had the good fortune of not having to play defending National Champ and eventual NSIC North Champion Minnesota-Duluth.  That said, they took care of the NSIC South handily and will hope the third time’s during the 2010 post-season.

The Mavericks will be led on offense by returning All-NSIC South and second-team All-Region running back Jake Aberg, who averaged over 100 yards per game.  He was named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 205 yards in the win over Wayne State.  The defense will be anchored by returning All-NSIC South and All-Region defensive back Jesse Hamilton, who tied the school record with seven interceptions in a season last year.

Minnesota State opens the season on the road against a solid Northern Michigan team from the GLIAC.  This game will prove very important as a barometer for the Mavericks season and how the two conferences compare for regional rankings purposes.  Then, during a full slate of NSIC opponents they will get the chance to avenge one of their losses by hosting St. Cloud State mid-season before the regular season finale with the most formable of the group, the aforementioned Minnesota-Duluth.

D2 Sports Network predicts the Mavericks will defend their NSIC South title, but lose to Duluth before bouncing back and advancing to the second round of the NCAA playoffs finishing 11-2.