After a long PSAC Football season, only two teams get the opportunity Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Shippensburg University will get on Saturday evening in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Of the various numbers, statistics, and references we can make as it pertains to these two teams, all of it is thrown out the window in Championship type scenarios like the one this weekend. In a season where both teams might have still been over looked by either defending champions or just other favored squads, the Hawks and Raiders came out and showed much different kinds of consistency, but consistency none the less.
The Crimson Hawk Defense versus the prolific pass attack of the Raiders might be the show case this weekend. The IUP defense this year has been nothing short of stout. They have distanced themselves in rush defense, as they have allowed 68 yards per game. The next closest team is California who still gives up double the amount of the Crimson Hawks (122 ypg). The IUP Defense has also keyed in on many big interceptions this year, picking off 15 passes. Disrupting the Raider passing game will be essential for the Hawks.
The IUP run game will be a key factor. Much of the Crimson Hawk’s success on offense was on the ground, led by Rushing leader Harvey Tuck. Tuck is second in the PSAC in rushing yards at 1,548, and much of the Hawk’s success on Saturday could be gauged on how well of a start Tuck gets off to. The Raiders plan to counter attack Tuck and the running game by getting around their blocks well and getting to Tuck and fellow runners in the backfield. Raider Defensive Lineman Jake Metz will be relied on to get around blocks and get to guys like Tuck. Metz leads the PSAC in sacks with 9, and he and the rest of the defensive front will be looked upon to play a huge role in Saturday’s game.
From the Raiders offensive vantage point, they will have to continue the things they have done to this point to be successful on Saturday. Much of that success lies on the shoulder of Junior Quarterback, Zach Zulli. The Shippensburg Quarterback has been outstanding; leading the PSAC in passing yards (3,845), Passing Efficiency (188.2), and Touchdown passes (49). What is remarkable about these types of outputs is the distance he has created in those categories to the guy sitting second. The intangibles are the things the junior might be most looked to for, as his leadership might be more impressive than his sky-high numbers.
Zulli and the Raiders have been a unique bunch this year. Their Unity and determination seemed to keep them free of any spoiler upsets, and got them through the big games against Bloomsburg and other PSAC East foes. Zulli is modest about the numbers “I’m not really a big stats guy but the wins feel amazing. Having all these wins in a row is crazy and we’re excited to be in the position that we are in. This season is awesome and I’m just thankful to be in this position.” The obvious unity is attributed to the closeness of this group says Zulli, “We are a close group of kids and we’re all really close friends.” The unity of this group may be exactly why they may be PSAC Champions come Saturday night.
The determination that brought the Crimson Hawks and Raiders to this game Saturday is immeasurable. The battle of wills on Saturday could boast the best Championship game to date. Whether it be players like Zach Zulli, or guys like IUP Corner Johnny Franco who has 2 clutch interceptions last week, the game will come down to how well the Hawk’s defense can contain the Shippensburg passing attack. If the Raiders end up zipping the ball around with ease, expect more of the same from Zulli and the Raiders.
