WACO, TX – IUP appears at No. 23 in the latest version of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches’ Poll, as it was released on Monday afternoon. The 2012 debut in the poll for the Crimson Hawks marks the first time since November of 2008 that IUP is ranked in a national poll.
The bump into the top 25 comes after an impressive 33-6 season-opening victory over visiting Southern Connecticut on Saturday at George P. Miller Stadium. Senior Harvie Tuck (Akron, OH/St. Vincent-St. Mary) had an exciting debut with 185 rushing yards, including a 23-yard second quarter touchdown run that put IUP on top 14-0. Redshirt freshman Montay Green (Pittsburgh/Fox Chapel) added 101 yards and a score on the ground as the Crimson Hawks accumulated 310 rushing yards.
The defense also played a huge role in the victory, limiting the Owls to 192 yards of total offense and seven first downs. The Southern Connecticut offense went three-and-out seven times and had eight drives go for less than 20 yards.
The Crimson Hawks received 61 points in the poll, just four behind Delta State for 22nd. Valdosta State is 20th and Ouachita Baptist 21st, while Texas A&M-Kingsville and Hillsdale round out the poll at 24th and 25th, respectively.
The top five remain the same, with Pittsburg State at the top, followed by Minnesota-Duluth, Northwest Missouri, Midwestern State and Wayne State (MI).
Other Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) schools in the poll including California (10th), Kutztown (11th) and Bloomsburg (19th).
IUP was ranked 15th at the end of the 2008 season, finishing 7-3 and on a four-game winning streak.
The Crimson Hawks are on the road next week as they travel east to visit Cheyney (1-0). Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: IUP
