November 4th, 2026 3:00pm
By Chuck Bitner, D2Football.com
A Top 25 showdown highlights the NSIC schedule this weekend as No. 3 Minnesota State puts its perfect 9-0 record on the line against No. 21 Augustana. The Mavericks have been one of the nation's most dominant teams all season and enter the week firmly entrenched near the top of the national rankings. Meanwhile, Augustana has fought its way back into the D2Football.com Top 25 after spending several weeks on the outside looking in, bringing a 7-2 record and renewed momentum into this rivalry clash.
There are plenty of storylines surrounding this matchup, but the most intriguing may be the battle between Augustana's high-powered offense and Minnesota State's suffocating defense.
Augustana leads the NSIC in scoring offense at 42 points per game, a mark that ranks ninth nationally. The Vikings also boast one of Division II's most explosive passing attacks, averaging 347 yards per game through the air, the third-highest total in the country.
Senior quarterback Gunnar Hensley has cemented himself among Division II's elite players and is expected to be a top contender for the Harlon Hill Award. He currently leads the nation with 3,090 passing yards and 343 passing yards per game while his 26 touchdown passes are tied for fourth nationally.
While Hensley is the centerpiece of the offense, he's far from the Vikings' only weapon. Running back Breylon Blount is closing in on a 1,000-yard campaign, averaging 101 yards per game with 910 total rushing yards. Top receiving target DJ Page ranks among the national leaders with 62 receptions and 832 receiving yards. Although he has reached the end zone only twice this season, fellow receiver Klayton Sattler has hauled in 12 touchdown catches. Deep-threat Cody Oswald leads the team with an impressive 20.9 yards per reception.
Up front, Augustana's offensive line has developed into one of the team's strengths. What began the season as a unit blending youth and experience now looks like a veteran group entering Week 10. Seniors Corbin Wirkus and Josh Larsen have provided steady leadership while helping anchor one of the conference's most productive offenses.
Simply put, the Augustana offense presents problems for every defense it faces. But if any team in the NSIC has answers, it may be Minnesota State.
The Mavericks allow just 10.8 points per game, the second-best mark in Division II and only half a point behind national leader Findlay. Running the football against Minnesota State has been especially difficult, as opponents are averaging just 73 rushing yards per game.
The Mavericks' defensive success starts at the line of scrimmage. Defensive end Jack Hawkins leads the team with 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Ian Burau (5.5 sacks) and Tanner Olson (four sacks) provide additional pressure off the edge and will present a major challenge for the Augustana offensive line.
Behind them is a fast, physical linebacker corps led by Nathan Drumm and Jefferson Mobry, who rank first and second on the team with 45 and 40 tackles, respectively. In the secondary, Jamal Spiyee and Amaun Williams headline a ball-hawking defensive backfield that has combined for 15 interceptions and 32 pass breakups this season.
Earlier this week on NSIC Weekly, our resident experts Matt Witwicki and Tom Frederick shared their thoughts on the matchup.
Matt Witwicki:
"I think Augustana will lead this game for three quarters, but I think the Mavs will take over in the fourth quarter. I think the running game will be too much once this wraps up. I expect it to be a great game. I've got the Mavs winning somewhere around 30-27."
Frederick sees a similar outcome.
Tom Frederick:
"I think a higher-scoring game is in the cards, but it will be the Mavericks protecting their home field."
You can watch the full episode of NSIC Weekly here.
Here's how the rest of the Inside D2Football crew sees the matchup:
Kris Ferguson:
"Augie has a great offense and they've been resilient all season. The defense has stepped up down the stretch, too. However, Mankato's defense has been on another level, and they have more than enough to slow down Augustana."
Chuck Bitner:
"Augie needs this one more. Minnesota State is the better team. They're more physical, and their defense is going to create a lot of challenges for Gunnar Hensley. But I think he's up for it. He looks like a Division I quarterback to me. The Augustana defense will have to step up, but I'm going with the upset. This league is incredibly difficult to navigate undefeated, and this feels like the spot where a team playing with a little desperation rises up and gets the win."
Tony Nicolette:
"I like the Mavs at home."
Augustana and Minnesota State are set to kick off at 1 p.m. Central Saturday afternoon from Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato.
Chuck Bitner is the national columnist for D2football.com and host of Inside D2Football. Questions or comments for Chuck can be directed to [email protected]