MANKATO, MN – Taking on their fourth nationally ranked opponent this season in addition to two others who were receiving Top 25 votes, the University of Mary threw a scare into #18 Minnesota State University before the Mavericks found their footing midway through the third quarter to defeat the Marauders 49-21.
 
Down 14-0 early, the Marauders fought back to pull even early in the third quarter when reigning Northern Sun Defensive Player of the Week Josh Obisui recovered a Mavericks fumble in the end zone for a touchdown after a sack by Mason Phillips separated MSU quarterback Hayden Eckern from the ball.
 
This is the second straight game Obisui has scored for the Marauders. He had a safety in a win at Southwest Minnesota State University the week before. The defensive lineman also forced a fumble returned by the Marauders for a touchdown against the Mustangs.
 
The Marauders now lead the nation in defensive touchdowns scored this season with five.
 
The Obisui touchdown seemed to spark the Mavericks, who are in the hunt for a spot in the national playoffs. The third-ranked team in NCAA Super Region 4 and the 2^nd place team in the Northern Sun standings ran off touchdowns on their next five possessions to pull away from UMary in Minnesota State's final regular season home game.
 
The Mavericks started fast, scoring on their first two possessions of the game. UMary's defense turned the game around with a 4^th down stop late in the first quarter. With the Mavericks needing 1 yard from the MSU 49 yard line, Adam Knowles stood firm on the Marauders defensive line to make a stop for no gain and turn the ball over to UMary on downs.
 
UMary ranks fourth in NCAA Division II in defensive stops on 4^th down as opponents convert just 20% of the time entering the game.
 
Taking over at the MSU 49, UMary drove to the 23 yard line before an interception on 3^rd and 12 ended the possession.
 
After UMary's defense forced a 3-and-out on MSU' s next possession, the Marauders took over at their own 34 yard line. Sparked by a 21 yard line by Andrew Trandahl, a 12 yard run by Jordan Polo-Solomon and a 15 yard catch by Mujeeb Rufai, the Marauders closed within 14-7. Carl Henry caught a shuffle pass in the backfield, shucked his way out of a tackle attempt behind the line and powered his way 3 yards into the end zone with 8:10 left in the first half.
 
Another defensive stop by the Marauders gave UMary an opportunity to pull even before half. The Marauders drove to the MSU 9 yard line before a misplayed shotgun snap was recovered at the 27 yard line and led to a desperation heave into the end zone two plays later on 4^th down that was intercepted with 19 seconds left in the half.
 
UMary gained 41 yards on the opening drive of the second half before the Marauders were forced to punt. Kevin Powell pinned the Mavericks deep when he dropped the ball on the MSU 2 yard line.
 
Two plays later with the ball on the MSU 5, Phillips pushed aside the Mavericks blockers and crushed Ekern in the end zone to force a fumble. Obisui pounced on the loose ball for the touchdown and Powell converted the extra point attempt to draw the Marauders even 14-14.
 
The Mavericks followed with five straight touchdowns.
 
The Marauders found the end zone again with 7:32 to play when Polo-Solomon connected with Rufai for a 4 yard touchdown pass on a 4^th down play. UMary later drove to the MSU 7 as time ran out in the contest.
 
Trandahl ran for 45 yards and Henry added 39 to lead the UMary ground game. Henry also caught five passes for 24 yards and a score.
 
Polo-Solomon completed 24-of-34 passes for 204 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Rufai finished with six catches for 36 yards. Karsyn Jablonski caught four balls for 60 yards and Jaxon Young three for 57.
 
Sam Backer ran for 93 yards to lead the Mavericks. Ekern passed for 189 yards and two TDs. Cody Brown had 4.0 tackles for loss for MSU.   
 
The Marauders had 21 first downs to 19 for the Mavericks. UMary also led in passing yards (204-189) and time of possession (36:08 to 23:52) while MSU led in rushing yards (251-72) and total yards (440-276).
 
UMary wraps up the 2024 season with the Battle for the Paddle against MSU Moorhead on Saturday, November 16. Game time on Senior Day is 12 noon at the MDU Resources Community Bowl. Tickets are available at www.UMaryTickets.com.
 
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