It’s that time of year where separation is created in college football. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is no different. This weekend’s slate of games could go far in determining who is a legitimate 2012 championship contender. Both California University (PA) and IUP have pedigrees that make it understandable of their D2 Top 20 Rankings, but it’s Bloomsburg and Shippensburg who might be here to steal the show. Four PSAC schools crowd the NCAA Division II weekly rankings. What this displays is the competitive landscape in local college football. With many remaining games between top teams, the fun could just be starting.
California welcomes a struggling Lock Haven squad this Saturday. Coming off a loss at last Saturday, LHU tries to take some tough lesson’s learned last week and turn that into success. Lock Haven, who has the worst scoring offense in the PSAC, has to find a way to get points on the board. California needs a win to help stay atop the PSAC West rankings along with the previously mentioned IUP Crimson Hawks and the surprise Mercyhurst Lakers. Taming the California pass game will be crucial, where the Eagles are giving up 247 yards per game. The game will take place on Saturday October 13th, on the campus of California University of Pennsylvania.
California University (PA) 5-1 (3-0)
Lock Haven University 0-6 (0-3)
The Crimson Hawks of Indiana University of Pennsylvania take their stout defense on the road to Edinboro. IUP could be in for a similar match up as Cal U considering they are both facing two downward trending programs that are looking for one game to ignite their seasons. IUP might be facing a tough task on the road, where it will be the annual Edinboro homecoming game. The Fighting Scots are riding a three game win streak, and hope that momentum can carry over this weekend at Sox Harris Stadium.
Indiana University (PA) 5-1 (2-1)
Edinboro University 3-2 (2-1)
Freshman Will Graham, a cornerback for Slippery Rock said that “The teams’ focus has been good in practice”, and that “We’ve all been giving 100 percent.” Slippery Rock will need 100 percent if they do not want to fall further behind in the standings. The Rock travels to Clarion this weekend as they try to avoid a four-game skid. The Golden Eagles would like to improve their conference mark which stands tied with Slippery Rock. Clarion quarterback Ben Fiscus looks to come out strong after setting school marks in completions and attempts last week against a great California squad. Both teams would be very pleased to bring home the third annual Milk Jug Game honors, and corresponding Milk jugs back to their respective schools. The game will take place at 1pm at Clarion University.
Clarion University 3-3 (1-2)
Slippery Rock University 2-4 (1-2)
Photo Credits: Flickr
