The Pittsburg State University football team will travel to Mankato, Minn., Saturday (Nov. 29) to face Minnesota State University-Mankato from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in second-round action of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Pittsburg State, the winningest all-time NCAA Division II program and the No. 5 ranked team in the final regular season AFCA/Division II Top 25 poll, posted a 59-42 home win over Harding University in the first round of the playoffs last Saturday (Nov. 22).
MSU-Mankato, co-champion of the NSIC and the No. 1 ranked team in NCAA Division II, received a first-round bye in the post-season field.
The Gorillas are 11-1 on the season, while the Mavericks bring an 11-0 record into the contest. Pitt State, which defeated No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri, 35-17, on Oct. 18 is trying to become the first team in Division II history – since the advent of the playoff system in 1975 – to beat the No. 1 ranked team twice in the same season.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 1 p.m. (CST) at MSU-Mankato's Blakeslee Stadium.
TicketsGeneral admission tickets for Saturday's game are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/children and $3 for Pitt State Students (with I.D.). Tickets are available at www.MSUMaverickTickets.com or by calling (507) 389-6111.
The CoachesTim Beck is in his fifth season as head coach at Pitt State. He has compiled a 47-13 (.783) career record, including a 7-0 mark in postseason play.
Beck led his alma mater (PSU, '88) to the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship three seasons ago, earning national coach of the year honors from Liberty Mutual, the Don Hansen Football Committee and FieldTurfâ„¢.
Beck became the school's 14th all-time head football coach in December 2009, after serving for 23 seasons as an assistant coach for the Gorillas including 16 years as the team's offensive coordinator from 1994-2009.
In his first season leading the Gorillas, Beck guided Pitt State to a 6-6 record and a victory in the 2010 Mineral Water Bowl. In 2011, Beck led the Gorillas to the program's second NCAA national championship and the school's fourth national title overall in a 13-1 campaign. Pitt State captured the MIAA Championship and ultimately the NCAA-II National Championship with a 35-21 victory over Wayne (Mich.) State on Dec. 17, 2011.
In 2013, the Gorillas opened the season 5-0 before finishing the year 7-3 overall, while last year Pitt State posted the program's 20th all-time 10-win season during a 10-2 campaign that culminated with a lopsided win in the 2013 Mineral Water Bowl.
During his 16 seasons as offensive coordinator, the Gorilla offense consistently ranked among the finest units in NCAA Division II.
In 2008, Beck was selected the inaugural NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com, following a vote of his coaching peers.
In 2004, Beck's offensive unit established itself as the most prolific squad in the history of NCAA football. PSU shattered a 118-year-old scoring record, scoring an amazing 837 points (55.8 ppg). His squad also set the NCAA all division records for rushing (5,320 yards) and total offense (8,976 yards).
Beck's teams led Division II in scoring in two of the last six years (2004, 2006) and ranked in the top two nationally in total offense three times in the last six seasons (2004, 2005, 2006). His squads ranked among the national rushing leaders every season, leading Division II in 1995 (318.8 ypg) and 2004 (354.7 ypg). Beck's "multiple choice" option attack also compiled 16,483 passing yards (216.9 ypg) and 143 aerial touchdowns during the last six years.
Pitt State averaged a staggering 38.8 points and 442.5 yards of total offense per game during his tenure as offensive coordinator.
Prior to assuming the offensive coordinator's role, Beck served two years as Pitt State's defensive coordinator (1992-93). He became a full-time assistant on the Pitt State staff in 1989, after serving first as a student assistant (1987) and then as a graduate assistant (1988).
This will be Beck's first meeting vs. MSU-Mankato.
MSU-Mankato's Todd Hoffner is in his fifth year leading the Mavericks program (2008-11, '14). Hoffner (Valley City State, '89) has guided MSU a 45-13 (.776) record.
He re-assumed the Mavs' head coaching position for the 2014 season after a two-year absence in which former offensive coordinator Aaron Keen served as acting head coach. In 2011, Hoffner guided MSU to a 9-3 record and a victory in the Mineral Water Bowl.
This will be his first meeting vs. the Gorillas.
The Pitt State – MSU-Mankato SeriesThis will be the first meeting between Pitt State and MSU-Mankato.
Gorillas vs. the Northern SunWhile Pitt State and MSU-Mankato have not faced one another in the past, the Gorillas have played 21 games against current Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schools over the years, compiling a 19-2 (.905) record against those teams.
A majority of those contests – 17 of them – came prior to Pitt State joining the NCAA Division II membership in 1989.
The Gorillas are 10-2 against Wayne State (Neb.), 2-0 against Augustana (S.D.) and Northern State, and 1-0 against Bemidji State, Concordia-St. Paul, Minnesota State Moorhead, St. Cloud State and Southwest Minnesota.
Seventh-ranked Pitt State defeated No. 6 SCSU, 46-14, on Sep. 13, 2003, in Pittsburg. The Gorillas defeated Bemidji State, 35-27, in the 2006 Mineral Water Bowl, Concordia-St. Paul, 13-9, in the 2010 Mineral Water Bowl and Southwest Minnesota, 90-27, in the 2013 Mineral Water Bowl.
Pitt State downed MSU Moorhead, 14-13, in the semifinals of the 1981 NAIA national playoffs; and the Gorillas posted a pair of wins over NSU in the first round of the 1987 (57-0) and 1988 (38-14) NAIA playoffs.
Pitt State – MSU-Mankato in the NCAA-II PlayoffsPitt State is making its 18th appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs since joining the NCAA ranks 25 years ago, prior to the 1989 season.
The Gorillas have compiled a 25-15 (.625) mark in the NCAA-II playoffs, with an 18-5 (.783) record at home a 5-8 (.385) record on the road and a 2-2 record at neutral sites in NCAA-II post-season play.
Pitt State captured the 1991 and 2011 NCAA Division II National Championships and finished as the National Runner-up in 1992, 1995 and 2004.
MSU-Mankato is making its eighth appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Mavericks have compiled a 4-7 post-season record, including a 2-3 mark at home. MSU is making its third straight trip to the playoffs, earning first-round byes in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Mavs have played their last five playoff games at Blakeslee Stadium.
Gorillas on the RoadPitt State has posted a 73-21-0 (.777) record in its last 94 road games (including post-season play), including a school and MIAA record 20 straight road wins dating back to the 2010 season.
The Gorillas have not dropped a road game since a 17-14 setback against Emporia State on Oct. 9, 2010. During the current 20-game streak, Pitt State has averaged a 39-15 victory over its opponents.
During the last 20 years (1994-pres.), the Gorillas are an equally impressive 84-23-1 (.782) on the road.
MSU-Mankato has posted a 32-4 (.889) record in home games since the start of the 2009 season. The Mavs are 13-2 (.867) at home since 2012 with both losses coming in post-season play.
Pitt State in the AFCA Top 25 PollPitt State, currently the No. 5 team in NCAA Division II, has been ranked in Division II's top 10 112 times in the last 201 polls and the Gorillas have been ranked in the top 25 poll in 175 of 201 weeks overall (dating back to the 1999 season).
This will be the eighth time Pitt State takes on the No. 1 team in Division II. The Gorillas are 2-5 against No. 1-ranked squads, including a 35-17 road win over previously unbeaten and No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri on Oct. 18, 2014. Pitt State is 16-16 on the road against nationally-ranked foes.
MSU-Mankato is 7-6 (.538) against nationally-ranked Division II squads since the 2009 season.
All-Time Winningest ProgramsPittsburg State is the all-time winningest NCAA Division II football program. The Gorillas, who are in their 107th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 683-332-48 overall record, winning 66.5 percent of their 1,063 all-time games.
Pittsburg State is one of just 17 NCAA Division II institutions to have recorded 500 all-time victories and the Gorillas are just one of five schools to have reached the 600-win plateau. Tuskegee is second on the all-time list with 655 victories, followed by Hillsdale (612), Carson-Newman (602) and Central Oklahoma (602).
MSU-Mankato has compiled a 420-379-27 (.525) record in 89 seasons of play.
Gorillas Play AheadPitt State has capitalized on fast starts to build several early first-quarter leads this season.
The Gorillas have scored on their opening drive in six of 12 games. Pitt State has trailed in just six games this season for a total of 151 minutes, 27 seconds. The Gorillas have played in the lead in 468:07 of 720 total minutes played – an average of 40:24 per game. Pitt State has been tied or trailed for just 19:36 per game.
Pitt State, MSU Defenses Among BestThe Pittsburg State and MSU-Mankato defenses have established themselves as two of the top units in NCAA Division II this season, ranking among the nation's top squads in several statistical categories.
The Gorillas, who have posted two shutouts on the season, led NCAA Division II in points allowed for the first nine weeks of the season, before the Mavs overtook them.
For the season, Pitt State has surrendered just 179 points, an average of 14.9 points per game, and 3,297 total yards (274.8 ypg). The Gorillas rank fifth nationally in total defense and eighth in total defense.
Pitt State also ranks fifth nationally in passing yards allowed (150.3 ypg) and first down defense (13.0 pg). The Gorillas rank eighth in third down coversion defense (.289), 10th nationally in red zone defense, allowing just 14 scores in 23 opponent trips inside the Pitt State red zone (.609) and 12th in passing efficiency defense (99.31 rating).
The Mavericks lead Division II in scoring defense (11.7 ppg), rank eighth nationally in passing efficiency defense (97.46 rating) and third down conversion defense (.262), 12th in first down defense (15.7 pg) and 13th in total defense (293.2 ypg) and red zone defense, allowing 15 scores in 24 opponent trips inside the MSU red zone (.625).
Pitt State Passing Attack Leads the MIAA
While it's no secret Pitt State's offensive success has been predicated on running the football, the Gorillas have unleashed a potent passing attack to compliment their stalwart running game.
In fact, Pitt State leads the MIAA in passing, averaging 311.5 yards per game. Gorilla quarterbacks have completed 258 of 428 passes (.603) for 3,738 yards and 32 touchdowns with just nine INTs.
Since the start of the 2004 season, the Gorillas have passed for 29,730 yards and 230 TDs, averaging 236.0 passing yards and 1.8 touchdown passes per game in the last 126 outings.
In 2013, quarterback Anthony Abenoja established a new single-season passing record, averaging 246.2 passing yards per game. Also, against Lincoln on Sept. 28 Abenoja established new school single game records for passing yards (442), passing touchdowns (5) and total offense (463 yards). The Gorillas averaged 247.7 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and five interceptions last year.
This year, Abenoja has become the school's single-season (3,623) and all-time passing yards leader (9,171) and he's averaging 301.9 passing yards with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
During the past two seasons (2013-14), Abenoja has completed 431 of 693 passes (.622) for 6,577 yards (274.0 ypg) and 60 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions.
To compliment the passing game, Pitt State has rushed the ball for the highest yardage total among all NCAA Division II programs since 1986, compiling 99,773 rushing yards (including postseason competition) for an average of 282.6 yards in 353 games overall.
Quick Strike OffenseThe Pitt State offense has exhibited a penchant for being a "quick strike" unit.
During the last 10 seasons (2005-14), the Pitt State offense has generated 681 scoring drives (573 TDs, 108 FGs) and averaged just 2:52 of elapsed time per drive. [Overtime scoring drives not included in elapsed time figures.]
2005   97 scoring drives (86 TDs, 11 FGs)   2:40 elapsed time   2010   41 scoring drives (34 TDs, 7 FGs)   3:04 elapsed time
2006   79 scoring drives (72 TDs, 7 FGs)   2:14 elapsed time   2011   78 scoring drives (60 TDs, 18 FGs)   2:54 elapsed time
2007   64 scoring drives (55 TDs, 9 FGs)   3:02 elapsed time   2012   51 scoring drives (40 TDs, 11 FGs)   2:58 elapsed time
2008   69 scoring drives (61 TDs, 8 FGs)   3:23 elapsed time   2013   83 scoring drives (70 TDs, 13 FGs)   2:29 elapsed time
2009   49 scoring drives (44 TDs, 5 FGs)   3:21 elapsed time   2014   70 scoring drives (51 TDs, 19 FGs)   3:07 elapsed time
The Gorillas have been highly successful when they are quick out of the gates. Pitt State has scored on its opening drive 59 times (47 TDs, 10 FGs) in the last 120 games, posting a 56-3 (.949) record in those games. By contrast, Pitt State is 34-27 (.557) in games it doesn't score on its opening drive during the same span.
Pitt State Displays Prolific OffenseThe Pitt State offense has asserted itself as one of the top units in NCAA Division II the past 11 seasons (2004-14). Pitt State's high octane "multiple choice" offense ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 nationally in both scoring and total offense in three of the last eight seasons.
In 2004, PSU staked its claim as the most prolific offense in the history of NCAA football, leading Division II in scoring (55.8 ppg), rushing (354.7 ypg) and total offense (598.4 ypg).
Pitt State broke the NCAA's 118-year-old all-time all division scoring record with 837 points, besting the old mark of 765 points set by Harvard in 1886. The Gorillas also broke the all-time NCAA all division records for rushing (5,320 yards) and total offense (8,976 yards) in 2004.
Oklahoma set the previous rushing record (5,196 yards) in 1971, and Texas Tech held the previous total offense mark (7,576 yards) in 2003.
In 2005, Pitt State ranked second nationally in scoring and total offense, averaging 46.8 points and 536.0 total yards per game. The Gorillas also ranked seventh nationally in rushing, averaging 295.2 yards a game.
In 2006, Pitt State led NCAA Division II in scoring and ranked No. 2 nationally in total offense, averaging 44.8 points and 454.8 total yards per game in 2006.
In 2007, the Gorillas ranked 21st nationally in scoring and 19th nationally in total offense, averaging 37.4 points and 454.2 total yards per game. In 2008, Pitt State ranked 18th nationally in scoring (35.5 ppg) and 21st in the nation in total offense (432.6 ypg).
In 2009, the Pitt State offense averaged 29.4 points and 434.4 total yards per game, while the Gorillas averaged 22.8 points and 357.7 total yards per game in 2010.
In 2011, the Gorillas ranked sixth nationally in scoring (40.2 ppg) and 19th in the country in total offense (448.5 ypg), while the Gorillas ranked 24th nationally in total offense (454.4 ypg) and 27th in the country in rushing offense (204.6 ypg) in 2012. Last year, Pitt State ranked third nationally in scoring (46.5 ppg) and 10th in the country in total offense (499.0 ypg).
The Gorillas are averaging 36.8 points and 468.2 yards of total offense this season.
Abenoja Candidate for 2014 Harlon Hill TrophySenior quarterback Anthony Abenoja was one of nine players in NCAA Division II Super Region Three nominated for the 2014 Harlon Hill Trophy on Nov. 20.
Abenoja was selected the MIAA's Offensive Most Valuable Player as well as the conference's first-team All-MIAA selection at quarterback, following a vote of the MIAA coaches.
Abenoja (6-3, 217) has compiled a 28-6 (.824) record as the Gorillas' starter under center.
The Overland Park, Kan., native became Pitt State's all-time passing leader on Sept. 11 against Lindenwood, when he completed 20 of 31 passes for 323 yards and three TDs. He garnered MIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 20 when he completed 19 of 33 passes for 330 yards and four TDs against Washburn.
Abenoja also set the Pitt State career touchdown passes record (62) when he threw for 438 yards – the second-best single game passing total – and five TDs vs. Emporia State (Oct. 11).
He completed 21 of 29 passes for 290 yards and one TD in the regular season finale vs. Central Oklahoma to break the Pitt State single season passing record. Last week, he completed 25 of 45 passes for 279 yards and four TDs in the first round of the NCAA-II playoffs vs. Harding.
For the season, he has completed 248 of 404 passes (.614) for 3,623 yards (301.9 ypg) and 30 touchdowns with seven interceptions.
He currently leads the MIAA, ranks second in SR-3 and ranks 14th in NCAA Division II in passing efficiency with a 157.8 rating. Abenoja also leads the MIAA in passing yards (301.9 ypg) and total offense (308.9 ypg), ranking fourth in SR-3 in passing yards and sixth in total offense.
He also leads SR-3 in passing yards per attempt (9.7 ypa), ranks second in passing yards per completion (14.6 ypc) and, while ranking in a tie for second place in passing TDs (30). Â
For his career, Abenoja has completed 615 of 1,002 passes (.614) for 9,171 yards and 78 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 634 net yards to compile 9,805 yards of total offense.
Abenoja has recorded the top five single-game passing totals in school history, including a school record 442-yard passing performance against Lincoln as a junior in 2013 and a 438-yard effort against Emporia State (Oct. 11). He already holds the school's career completions record, and he also ranks second on Pitt State's career total offense list with 9,805 yards.
Abenoja has broken into the MIAA's all-time top 10 passing list (he's currently fifth) and he ranks sixth on the conference top 10 total offense list as well.
The top two vote getters in Super Region Three will advance among eight national finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy. Regional ballots, which are voted on by sports information directors at member schools, are due back to the National Harlon Hill Award Committee on Friday, Nov. 28.
Abenoja is joined on the SR-3 ballot by Southern Arkansas QB Si'Darius Blackshire, Augustana QB Trey Heid, Minnesota State DE Joshua Gordon, Sioux Falls QB Luke Papillion, Henderson State QB Kevin Rodgers, Central Missouri RB LaVance Taylor, Azusa Pacific RB Terrett Watson and Harding RB Romo Westbrook.
PSU Career Passing Yards   Comp-Att   Yards
   1.   Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.   615-1002   9171
PSU Single-Season Passing Yards   Comp-Att   Yards
   1.   Anthony Abenoja, 2014   248-404   3623
MIAA Career Passing Yards   Comp-Att   Yards
   1.   Eric Czerniewski, UCM, 2006-10   1043-1678   12847
   4.   Kasey Waterman, MWSU, 1998-2001   730-1304   10025  Â
   5.   Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.   615-1002   9171
PSU Career Passing Touchdowns   TDs
   1.   Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.   78
PSU Career Total Offense   Pass   Rush   Total
   1.   Neal Philpot, 2001-04   5831   4337   10168
   2.   Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.   9171   634   9805
MIAA Career Total Offense   Pass   Rush   Total
   1.   Eric Czerniewski, UCM, 2006-10   12847   131   12978
   3.   Drew Newhart, MWSU, 2007-10   10691   -97   10594
   4.   Neal Philpot, 2001-04   5831   4337   10168
   5.   Kasey Waterman, MWSU, 1998-2001   10025   31   10056
   6.   Anthony Abenoja, 2011-pr.   9171   634   9805
Cushon Leads MIAA in Receiving YardsJunior wide receiver Marquise Cushon recorded his seventh career 100-yard receiving game – and his sixth this season – against Central Missouri on Nov. 8. The Kansas City, Mo., native caught nine passes for a career-high 221 yards and two TDs against the Mules, earning MIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors.
He garnered first-team All-MIAA honors on Nov. 18.
For the season, Cushon (5-10, 162) has 64 catches for 1,238 yards (19.3 ypc) and eight touchdowns. He currently leads the MIAA, ranks third in Super Region Three and 11th in NCAA Division II in receiving yards (103.2 ypg).
Cushon currently ranks second on Pitt State's single season receiving yards chart with 1,238 yards.
For his career, Cushon has 85 receptions for 1,640 yards (19.3 ypc) and 11 touchdowns. He needs 32 receiving yards to climb as high as fifth on Pitt State's all-time top 10 list.
Cushon also has 39 carries for 406 rushing yards (10.4 ypc) and he's compiled 3,023 career all-purpose yards.
PSU Single Season Receiving Yards   Rec   Yards
   1.   Ronnie West, 1991   74   1495
   2.   Marquise Cushon, 2014   64   1238
PSU Career Receiving Yards   Rec   Yards
   1.   John Brown, 2011-13   185   3387
   5.   Jermaine Carpenter, 2003-04   69   1671
   6.   Marquise Cushon, 2012-pr.   85   1640
Lutman Joins 1,000-yard ClubSenior wide receiver Gavin Lutman set both Pitt State and MIAA single game receiving records when he caught 10 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns on Oct. 11 against Emporia State.
Lutman (6-4, 201) bested Kendall Fisher's Pitt State record of 238 receiving yards set on Oct. 17, 2009, against Emporia State. The Peculiar, Mo., native also topped the MIAA record of 254 yards set by Rod Smith of Missouri Southern on Oct. 19, 1991 against Southwest Baptist.
He followed that game up with a six-catch, 134-yard effort against Northwest Missouri on Oct. 18.
For the season, Lutman has 63 catches for 1,063 yards (16.9 ypc) and 11 touchdowns, ranking second in the MIAA in receiving yards (88.6 ypg) behind only his teammate Marquise Cushon (64 rec., 1238 yds, 8 TDs).
Lutman and Cushon are one of only three 1,000-yard receiving duos in Division II this season, joining:Â Kentucky Wesleyan's Keelan Cole (1,381) and Xavier Mitchell (1,015) and St. Anselm's Ahkeem Williams (1,033) and Justin Bernhard (1,029).
For his career, Lutman has 123 receptions for 1,935 yards (15.7 ypc) and 16 touchdowns. He climbed to third on PSU's career receiving yards list and he currently is tied for second in career receptions as well.
PSU Career Receiving Yards   Rec   Yards
   1.   John Brown, 2011-13   185   3387
   2.   Ronnie West, 1990-91   123   2521
   3.   Gavin Lutman, 2010, '12-pr.   123   1935
PSU Career Receptions   Rec
   1.   John Brown, 2011-13   185
   2.   Ronnie West, 1990-91   123
   2.   Gavin Lutman, 2010, '12-pr.   123
Panko Posts Breakout GameRedshirt freshman wide receiver Austin Panko enjoyed a breakout game for the Gorillas in their first-round playoff win vs. Harding on Nov. 22.
Panko (6-0, 186) caught five passes for a season-best 84 yards with three touchdown grabs.
The Lee's Summit, Mo., native entered the game with 15 catches for 166 yards (11.1 ypc).
He hauled in TD catches of nine and 21 yards from QB Anthony Abenoja as well as a 31-yard reserve pass from WR Bradley Argabright.
For the season, Panko now has 20 catches for 250 yards (12.5 ypc) with three TDs.
Rose Continues to Spark Ground Game
Redshirt freshman running back Michael Rose continues to be a catalyst for the Pitt State ground game.
Rose (5-11, 170) carried the ball 11 times for a team-leading 49 yards against Harding last Saturday. The Abuquerque, N.M., native has rushed the ball 41 times for 231 yards (5.6 ypc) and two TDs in the last four games.
He had a season-best nine carries for 73 yards vs. Missouri Southern on Nov. 1.
After seeing limited action in the season opener, Rose did not take the field from week two through week seven. He again saw limited action in week eight vs. Neb.-Kearney, before emerging as a key contributor in week nine vs. MSSU (Nov. 1).
Bausby Climbs PBU ListSenior cornerback De'Vante Bausby garnered first-team All-MIAA honors Tuesday (Nov. 18).
For the season, Bausby (6-2, 179) has made 36 tackles (23 solo), including 2.0 TFLs and 1.5 quarterback sacks. He also has three interceptions and a team-leading eight PBUs to his credit.
The Kansas City, Mo., native now has 29 career pass break-ups, ranking in second place on PSU's career list. He also has 10 career INTs.
PSU Career Pass Break-ups   PBUs
   1.   Ted Adams, 1986-89   40
   2.   De'Vante Bausby, 2011-pres.   29
Wilson Surging in second half of SeasonSophomore defensive end Heath Wilson continues to enjoy a surge during the second half of the season.
Wilson (6-3, 237), who garnered first-team All-MIAA honors, made seven tackles, 0.5 TFL and two fumble recoveries vs. Harding last Saturday (Nov. 22). The Wagoner, Okla., native returned one fumble 28 yards against the Bisons.
Wilson has made 7.0 TFLs and 3.5 QB sacks in the last six games. For the season, he has registered 43 tackles (11 solo) with a team-leading 11.0 TFLs and 6.0 QB sacks.
For his career, Wilson has 72 tackles with 17.5 TFLs and 9.0 QB sacks.
Peete Makes Impact in SecondarySenior safety Jason Peete has battled back from injury to make an impact in the secondary for the Gorillas.
Peete (6-3, 197) has started the last four games at strong safety after playing in a reserve role the first eight games.
The Olathe, Kan., native made a team-leading eight tackles (seven solo) with 3.5 tackles-for-loss vs. Harding (Nov. 22). Since moving back into the starting lineup Nov. 1 vs. Missouri Southern, Peete has made 20 tackles and two INTs. He also made 10 stops in the Gorillas' 35-17 road win over then No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri (Oct. 18).
Peete, a two-time All-MIAA performer (2012-13), has started 38 of 46 career games for the Gorillas, posting 167 tackles with 15.5 TFLs, 17 PBUs and five INTs.
Disney Looks to Return From InjurySenior linebacker Tyler Disney will look to return to the field for the Gorillas Saturday after being sidelined the past seven weeks due to injury.
Disney (6-1, 210), an honorable mention All-American as a junior in 2013, led the Gorillas with 40 tackles, including 7.0 TFLs, during the team's first five games, before going down against Missouri Western (Oct. 4).
He made 101 tackles with a team-leading 11.0 TFLs as well as 3.5 QB sacks as a junior in 2013.
For his career, the Stilwell, Kan., native has made 201 tackles, including 20.5 TFLs and three INTs.
Disney, a two-time All-MIAA performer (2013-14), dressed out each of the past two games – the regular season finale vs. UCO and the playoff game vs. Harding – but did not compete.
Frazell Special Teams Player of the YearSenior place kicker Connor Frazell has provided a steady leg to Pitt State's kicking game the past three seasons. He was rewarded for his consistent play with his selection as the 2014 MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year Tuesday (Nov. 18).
The Iola, Kan., native established a new PSU record by making 14 consecutive field goals – he made the final 10 field goal attempts of the 2013 season and his first four tries in 2014.
Frazell (6-0, 183) booted three field goals – from 25, 25 and 34 yards – in the Gorillas' 23-14 victory vs. Mo. Western on Oct. 4 to earn MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He also made three field goals – from 20, 37 and 38 yards – in Pitt State's 36-21 win vs. Neb.-Kearney on Oct. 25 to claim the conference honors for a second time. Frazell added a third MIAA weekly honor Monday (Nov. 19) after booting two field goals (27, 36) and all five PATs vs. UCO on Nov. 15.
For the season, he has converted 19 of 27 field goals. He claimed the PSU single-season record outright with his 19th make vs. Harding.
During his three-year career, Frazell has converted 43 of 57 (.754) field goals and 161 of 164 (.982) PATs. He has converted his last 117 consecutive PATs.
Frazell holds PSU's career highest PAT pct. mark (.982) and his string of 117 consecutive PATs ranks second-best in school history
Frazell leads the MIAA in scoring (9.3 ppg) on the season and he ranks fourth in NCAA Division II among kickers in scoring.
PSU Career Field Goals   FGs
   1.   Josh Barcus, 1995-98   44
   2.   Connor Frazell, 2012-pr.   43
              Â
PSU Career Kick Scoring   Points
   1.   Nathan Alleman, 2003-06   401
   2.   James Jenkins, 1988-91   300
   3.   Connor Frazell, 2012-pr.   290
Scouting the MavericksMSU-Mankato enters the NCAA Division II playoffs with an 11-0 regular season record. The Mavericks shared the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship (with Minnesota Duluth).
MSU earned the No. 2 seed in Super Region Three and a bye in the first round of the playoffs No. 22 after wrapping up the regular season with a 45-14 home win over Upper Iowa University on Nov. 15.
The Mavericks are scoring 44.1 points per game and averaging 460.5 total yards (263.5 rushing, 197.0 passing). MSU ranks sixth in Division II in scoring, while sporting the No. 12 ranked rushing offense in the country.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Nick Pieruccini (6-1, 210) has started the last three games for the Mavs, after sophomore Ricky Lloyd (6-3, 205) started the first eight games.
Pieruccini has completed 80 of 164 passes (.645) for 1,162 yards (105.6 ypg) and 12 touchdowns with just four INTs. He also has carried the ball 93 times for 527 yards (5.7 ypc) and six scores. Lloyd, who missed the Sioux Falls game in week nine but returned in a reserve role the last two games, has completed 66 of 107 passes (.617) for 961 yards (96.1 ypg) and 11 TDs with five INTs. He's also carried the ball 44 times for 158 yards (3.6 ypc) and three scores.
Junior tailback Connor Thomas (5-11, 205) has rushed the ball 165 times for 1,010 yards (6.1 ypc) and 11 TDs, averaging 91.8 yards per game, while senior tailback Andy Pfeiffer (6-1, 210) has 117 carries for 646 yards (5.5 ypc) and eight scores.
Senior wide receiver Dorian Buford has a team-leading 44 catches for 707 yards (16.1 ypc) and 13 touchdowns, while senior wide receiver Austin Rieder (5-11, 180) has 22 grabs for 401 yards (18.2 ypc) and five TDs. Junior tight end Bryce Duncan (6-5, 250) also has 18 catches for 173 yards (9.6 ypc) and five TDs.
Defensively, the Mavs are allowing just 11.7 points and 293.2 total yards per game (106.2 rushing, 187.0 passing). MSU leads the nation in scoring defense and ranks 13th nationally in total defense.
Junior linebacker Tyler Henderson (6-3, 235) has made a team-leading 90 tackles (36 solo) with 6.5 tackles-for-loss and four PBUs.
Junior defensive end Joshua Gordon (6-2, 250) has 60 stops (32 solo) with 18.0 TFLs including 16.5 quarterback sacks. Gordon, a candidate for the Harlon Hill Trophy ranks second in Division II in sacks (1.5 pg).
Senior safety Nathan Hancock (6-2, 195) also has 54 stops (29 solo) with a team-leading four INTs.
Junior kicker Alden Haffar (5-10, 205) has converted 12 of 20 field goals and 63 of 64 PATs on the season. Freshman Darin Howell (6-0, 215) has punted 55 times for a 36.8 yard average with 18 kicks inside the opponent 20 yard line.
Rieder has returned 23 points for a 15.0-yard average, while junior Kyle Riggott (5-10, 190) has returned eight kickoffs for a 27.4-yard average.
