MANKATO — The good news for the Minnesota State University football team is that it got into the NCAA playoffs.
The bad news is that it drew Augustana, which has defeated the Mavericks three times in the last two years, all by at least two scores.
“We have to find a way to win a football game,” coach Todd Hoffner said. “We have to play better on both sides, make some big plays and be a lot more efficient on special teams.”
On Sunday, the Mavericks (8-3) watched as the announcement was made they would be traveling for a noon game at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. That decision was put in some peril with Saturday’s 30-16 loss at Minnesota Duluth, but strength of schedule was a huge factor in the Mavericks getting chosen over some other teams in the Super Region 4.
“I think the players were happy; their reaction to the announcement was strong,” Hoffner said. “I don’t think they dread the opponent.”
MSU lost 34-16 to Augustana on Oct. 26 at Blakeslee Stadium. Last season, the Mavericks lost to Augustana 28-10 in the regular season and 51-24 in the first round of the playoffs.
“We have to be able to pass the ball consistently,” Hoffner said. “And we have to find a way to run the ball, even if it means doing something differently. We might have to get creative. Augustana has one of the premier defenses in our league.”
This is the third consecutive season in which the Mavericks have qualified for the NCAA playoffs, and 10th time in coach Hoffner’s 14 seasons at MSU.
The Mavericks are 12-9 in NCAA tournament games under Hoffner, including three super region championships and trips to the NCAA Championship in 2014 and 2019.
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