bgdavis
Posts: 1958
Joined: 7/31/2007
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Status: offline
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MSU-Mankato (7-0) plays at SMSU (2-5) on Thursday night. Although their records indicate this may not be a close game, a closer look at the stats shows this could be a competitive match-up. SMSU currently leads the NSIC in passing yds/gm, while the MSU-Mankato defense is weaker against the pass (7th in yds/gm) than the run (2nd in yds/gm). On the other side, the Mavs have the league's top rushing attack, but SMSU has a stronger run defense (11th) than pass defense (15th). For the Mustangs to win, they will need to exploit the Mavs passing defense and slow down their running attack. This is also somewhat of a trap game for Mankato, and the Mavs could be at risk of overlooking SMSU toward the possible division-crowning showdown vs. Winona next week. Another X-factor could be penalties. Thus far, the Mavs have been the most penalized team in the conference by a wide margin (avg ~9 penalties per game, 92 yds), and while it hasn't cost them a game yet, making that many mistakes is bound to hurt them eventually. By comparison, SMSU is near the middle (9th in conference) in penalties (avg ~6 per game, 52 yds). For the Mavericks to win, they will need to stay focused and assert their offensive dominance. Thus far, few teams have been able to slow down their rushing attack which has been averaging over 323 yds per game, and over 512 total yds per game, with an average of 7.4 yds per play. On defense, they will need to step up and try to keep the SMSU passing attack in check. The Mavericks continue to be ranked 3rd in the Div II standings, and 4th in the coaches poll. Winona has climbed to 12th (11th in coaches) while Sioux Falls has risen to 15th in both.
< Message edited by bgdavis -- 10/17/2017 9:47:36 AM >
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Heimdall kept the “ringing” horn, Gjallarhorn, which could be heard throughout heaven, earth, and the lower world; he would sound the horn to summon the gods when their enemies drew near. (Norse mythology)
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