No. 5 @MinnStFootball has won seven straight and remains unbeaten entering Saturday, but No. 22 @WayneStFootball heads to Mankato looking to challenge the Mavericks with first place in the NSIC South on the line. Minnesota State enters at 7-0 under Todd Hoffner, the winningest active head coach in #D2FB. The Mavericks have reached two national championship games under Hoffner and remain among the top programs in the country. The Mavs have been dominant on both sides of the ball this season, averaging 37.4 points per game while allowing an NSIC-best 12.6. Sam Backer leads a rushing attack that averages 244 yards per game. On the other sideline, Logan Masters has Wayne State back in the AFCA Top 25 for the first time since 2021, now ranked for two consecutive weeks. The Wildcats are 6-1 and have won four straight behind a rushing attack led by Dawson Forgy and Brennan Hayes. Wayne State averages 210 yards on the ground per game, while its defense ranks third in the NSIC, allowing 18 points per contest. Both teams are unbeaten in NSIC South play. Wayne State has also won three of the last six meetings between the programs, including last season's matchup. Playoff positioning is also at stake. Minnesota State sits third in Super Region 3 and is chasing a home playoff game, while No. 12 Wayne State has an opportunity to strengthen its postseason résumé with a win over a top-five opponent. Kickoff is set for 1 PM CT at Blakeslee Stadium.