ABERDEEN, S.D. – Second-year Northern State University head coach Tom Dosch will lead the 2011 version of the Wolves' football squad into action on Thursday, Sept. 1 when the Wolves host Southwest Minnesota State in a non-conference season opener.  Kick-off is slated for 6 p.m. at Swisher Field.

Last Meeting: This marks the second straight year that the two teams have met for a non-conference opener.  The Mustangs survived a furious second-half rally from the Wolves last season in a tight 28-24 decision in Marshall.  SMSU opened up with a 21-0 lead following its first possession of the second half before the Wolves mounted their comeback effort.  NSU put two touchdowns and a field goal on the board to make it a 21-17 affair, but the Mustangs sealed the win with a Gannon Moore TD late in the fourth quarter.  The Wolves scored with 1:12 left on the board, but the Mustangs picked up a key first down and were able to run out the clock.

About the Wolves: The Wolves will look to return the favor this season and will rely on the experience gained with a full year of Coach Dosch's system in place.  NSU features 17 seniors on the roster, all of whom are looking to use last season's 2-9 record as a building block for 2011 success.  The Wolves were picked to finish tenth in the NSIC's Preseason Coaches Poll, one spot ahead of Thursday's opponent.

About the Mustangs: The Mustangs finished the 2010 season 4-10 while compiling a 1-5 record in the NSIC South Division under first-year coach Cory Sauter.  SMSU features a youth-laden roster that includes 11 seniors and 41 true freshmen, but return their top two rushers from last season (Warren Matthews and Gannon Moore), who combined for 943 yards and ten touchdowns.

Series History: The Mustangs have won the last three meetings between the two teams.  Prior to that, the Wolves had won 16 straight.  NSU leads the overall series 20-9-2.

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