D2-CFB Game Preview: Winona State Warriors (3-3) vs. Minnesota State Mavericks (5-1)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Blakeslee Stadium, Mankato, Minnesota

Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. CT

Event: NSIC Conference Game

Broadcast: NSIC Network / ESPN+

Weather Forecast (Mankato, MN)

Kickoff Temp: ~58°F

Conditions: Partly cloudy, cool fall afternoon

Wind: NW at 10–12 mph

Impact: Slight wind could affect special teams and deep passing

Injury Report

Winona State: No major injuries reported; QB Jackson Flottmeyer fully active.

Minnesota State: No major injuries reported; RB Sam Backer (10 rushing TDs) expected to play full reps.

Player Matchups

Winona State Warriors

QB Jackson Flottmeyer: 10 TDs in last 4 games, no turnovers in last 2.

RB Anthony Powell: 331 yards, 5 TD.

WR Nolan Ginskey (Fr.): 24 catches, 324 yards, 3 TD.

LB Blake Schraufnagel: 44 tackles, defensive leader.

DL Conner Haggerty: 5.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks.

Minnesota State Mavericks

QB Maximus Sims: 876 passing yards, 4 TD; also 290 rushing yards, 4 TD.

RB Sam Backer: 457 yards, 10 TD; red-zone hammer.

WR TreShawn Watson: 40 receptions, 732 yards, 5 TD (league leader).

DB Jefferson Mobry: 25 tackles, 3 INTs.

Defense: #1 in NSIC scoring defense (14.2 PPG allowed).

Key Battle: Flottmeyer’s passing efficiency vs. MSU’s elite secondary led by Mobry.

Team Records & Recent Form

Winona State

L vs Minn. Duluth 35-7

W vs Bemidji State 21-17

L @ MSU Moorhead 45-21

W vs Minot State 35-25

L @ Augustana 34-26

W vs Wayne State 21-14

Minnesota State

W vs NW Missouri State 38-14

W vs Minot State 34-16

L vs Minn. Duluth 17-14

W vs Jamestown 36-7

W @ Sioux Falls 38-12

W @ Concordia-St. Paul 47-19

Series History

All-time: Minnesota State leads 39-19-4.

Last meeting (Nov 4, 2023): MSU 49, WSU 42.

Last 10 matchups: MSU leads 7-3.

WSU’s last win: 2021 (18-16 in Winona).

Betting Trends

Winona State: 3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS; 3-3 O/U.

Minnesota State: 5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS; 3-3 O/U.

MSU has covered in 4 of last 5 home games.

WSU is 0-2 on the road this season.

Projected Score: Minnesota State 31, Winona State 14

Game Odds

Winona State Warriors                  52.5

Minnesota State Mavericks         – 14

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 10, 2025

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NCAAFB Editor
Profile: A dedicated college football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical complexity, recruiting landscape, and conference‑wide dynamics. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage of the NCAA football season, blending film study, statistical insight, and historical context to explain how programs evolve from Week 1 through bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Background: With extensive experience covering Division I football, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term program trajectories across all major conferences. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical matchups Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Recruiting analysis, transfer‑portal movement, and roster‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, scheme evolution, and conference‑wide trends Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes, advanced metrics, and recruiting data into insights that resonate with both long‑time college football fans and new followers of the sport. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the tradition, passion, and unpredictability that define NCAA football.