MANKATO — With its starting quarterback and All-American wide receiver out you’d think No. 14 Minnesota State would struggle.
In the famous words of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson “it doesn’t matter what you think”.
The Mavericks jumped ahead early and forced five turnovers in a dominating 47-21 home win over Winona State.
“It was a very business-like kind of game,” MSU head coach Todd Hoffner said. “The guys played hard. Coaches did a great job putting them in positions to make plays. Hats off to everybody who contributed to this victory.”
Redshirt freshman quarterback Maximus Sims appears to have sustained an upper body injury. He was seen during the game in street clothes, his No. 11 jersey and a sling supporting his left arm, his non-throwing arm. Senior TreShawn Watson was spotted with crutches on the sidelines.
Sims was completing 62.6% of his passes, racking up 876 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions while netting 290 yards and four scores on the ground. Watson, a First-Team All-American selection last season, led the Mavericks in receptions (40), receiving yards (732) and receiving touchdowns (5).
Hoffner said he doubts that they’ll be available in the next games moving forward.
“You have to play with the guys that you have. It’s unfortunate that we’ve had eight guys today that were supposed to be in our two deep rotations that were not on that football field,” Hoffner said. “We’re hoping to get a couple back here soon so that we can try and get to full strength and try and compete for a championship. Every game we have to ask for a little help, but we also have to take care of our own business. That’s crucial moving forward.”
Yet, despite suffering a pair of losses that cripples a majority of teams, the Mavericks looked polished and on point against the Warriors.
MSU (6-1, 5-1 NSIC) scored on its first possession of the game when sophomore Sam Backer scored from one yard out. The Mavericks attempted a pop pass on the two-point try, but WSU (3-4, 3-3) caught the batted pass for an interception.
Then MSU’s defense sunk its teeth in like a bear snagging a fish out of a river.
Ian Burau recovered a WSU fumble, giving the Mavericks possession at the Warriors’ 30-yard line. Five plays later sophomore Mitchell Thompson connected with Jake Cicero from eight yards out to take a 13-0 lead.
The Warriors went three-and-out on the ensuing drive. Backer struck again, capping off a 13-play, 60-yard drive with a 22-yard score for a 20-0 lead 50 seconds into the second quarter.
“It feels good to just get comfortable knowing that you’re up by a few scores,” Backer said. “You should see how excited (MSU’s offensive line) gets outside and we’re up by a few scores. It’s really motivating.”
Minnesota State sophomore Sam Backer (5) sprints in the open field against Winona State on Oct. 11, 2025 at Blakeslee Stadium.
Connor Fournier drained a 51-yard field goal off a Jefferson Mobry fumble recovery and Thompson connected with senior Grant Guyett for a 29-yard score to take a 30-7 lead into halftime.
MSU’s defense put the game out of reach, and it didn’t take a lot of time either.
The Warriors attempted to throw the ball to the perimeter out of the gate. The catch was fumbled and recovered by Mobry, who ran into the endzone for a touchdown.
It was Mobry’s fifth turnover in his last four games.
“We talk about starting off hot,” Mobry said. “Turnovers are huge for us. We need them to get the offense going.”
MSU’s Cade Stingle came up with a 36-yard pick six on 3rd and 6 for another score. On the ensuing drive it was Antoine Johnson Jr. who came up with an MSU interception which led to a 29-yard field goal and a 47-7 lead 7:19 into the third quarter.
Thompson was 10 of 18 for 169 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Backer netted 71 yards and two scores off 13 carries. Carter Henderson netted 136 yards off 20 carries.
Guyett had three receptions for 127 yards, 71 yards after the catch, and a touchdown.
Johnson Jr. led the Mavericks with seven total tackles. Jason Dandridge had five tackles and a tackle for loss.
The Mavericks are idle next week and play at Wayne State Oct. 25.
