The Peacock football team hosted the No. 24 Mavericks of Minnesota State University, Mankato on Saturday for their Hall of Fame Game. Minnesota State scored touchdowns on their first three possessions and controlled the action throughout posting a 58-0 win to improve to 5-2 on the season and 1-1 in the NSIC South. Upper Iowa fell to 0-7 overall and 0-3 against the NSIC South.
 
After the Mavericks scored on their opening possession, the Peacock offense marched down the field looking for the equalizing touchdown. Quarterback Zach Reader found Alexander Stevens for a pair of big completions gaining 16 and 15 yards. Reader then hit DJ Emsweller streaking across the field; Emsweller's reach at the goal line came up just shy but the catch picked up 29 yards and set the home team up with first and goal at the one-yard line. The Mavericks denied the Peacocks entry into the endzone and the drive ended with a missed field goal from 22 yards.
 
Upper Iowa reached the red zone two more times in the game, but in each case turned the ball over on downs just inside the 20-yard line.
 
Minnesota State scored touchdowns on five of their seven first-half possessions and added a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter including a 68-yard punt return for a score by Ty'Shonan Brooks and then capped off the scoring with a field goal and touchdown in the fourth.
 
The Peacock offense found some success on the ground with three rushers totaling more than 40 yards. Willy Camacho ran for 66 yards on 16 carries, while Keontae Luckett picked up 61 yards on 17 totes. Desean Phillips came on in the fourth quarter and racked up 42 yards on 9 rushes.
 
As a team, Minnesota State outgained the Peacocks 521 to 293 in total offense thanks to the Mavericks' 368 passing yards. JD Ekowa led the MSU offense with 286 yards passing and four touchdowns and added 19 yards on the ground. Twelve different Mavericks caught passes from Ekowa (16 completions) and Hayden Ekern (6 completions).
 
Defensively, UIU was led by Joey Rattin. The Peacock safety recorded 10 tackles including one for loss and scooped up one fumble for a 15-yard return. Terrell Powell made seven stops, while Brody Bazile notched five tackles. Nick Peck also dove onto a loose ball after the Mavericks muffed one of UIU's punts.
 
The Peacocks will take their longest trip of the season next weekend. Upper Iowa will face off against Minot State University in Minot, N.D. on Saturday, Oct. 23. Kick off is slated for 11 a.m.