(Pictured: Blakeslee Stadium. Photo: MSU Athletics)

*This week's column is a collaborative effort between the MIAA and NSIC writers Ian Carlson and Matt Witwicki. You will see feedback from both columnists on the preview below.



Offense Per Game Defense Per Game
Points YPG Passing Rushing TO Ratio Points YPG Passing Rushing
Emporia State 35.6 477 320 157 +6 25.5 409 232 177
MSU-Mankato 40.9 456 229 227 +9 12.9 249 173 76

Players to Watch:

Emporia State HornetsMinnesota State-Mankato MavericksESU Offense vs MSU Defense
Ian: The Hornet offense is by far the strength of the team. The unit finished second in total offense in the MIAA, averaging 477 yards per game, which ended up being good for 20th in the nation. They average 35.6 points per game, ranking 35thth in D2, getting about 320 yards per game through the air. Overall, the offense runs a lot of plays (the fourth most in the nation), averaging a shade over 83 plays per game in order to get their yardage, and are very good at getting into favorable situations on third down, where they have been able to convert into first downs 50% of the time (10th in D2). They have also converted 18 of 31 4thMatt: The Mavs defense is the top unit in the NSIC, allowing just 12.9 points per game, 2ndESU Defense vs MSU Offense
Ian: As consistent as the Hornet offense is, their defense is equally inconsistent. They give up over 408 yards (115th) and 25.5 points (65ththth down conversions they have faced, which has not helped themselves over the course of the season. This is an area they have to improve on.

Matt: Outlook
Ian: Matt: