The PSAC West took each other on head-to-head this past week, fleshing out the standings just a little bit. Here’s some news and notes going into Week 5 of the season.
| SCHOOL | CONF | CPCT. | OVERALL | PCT. | STREAK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEST | |||||
| IUP | 2-0 | 1.000 | 4-0 | 1.000 | W4 |
| Gannon | 2-0 | 1.000 | 3-1 | 0.750 | W2 |
| California | 1-1 | 0.500 | 3-1 | 0.750 | L1 |
| Slippery Rock | 1-1 | 0.500 | 3-1 | 0.750 | W1 |
| Edinboro | 1-1 | 0.500 | 2-2 | 0.500 | W1 |
| Clarion | 1-1 | 0.500 | 3-1 | 0.750 | L1 |
| Mercyhurst | 0-2 | 0.000 | 1-3 | 0.250 | L2 |
| Seton Hill | 0-2 | 0.000 | 0-4 | 0.000 | L4 |
QUICK POPS
– After IUP beat Cal U this past weekend, Cal U dropped from the rankings and IUP stayed at number seven. They’re the only team from the PSAC West in the AFCA Top 25 and they moved up from number eight to number seven in the D2Football.com poll.
– The PSAC West has seen some explosive offenses so far in the young season. Slippery Rock is eighth in the country in total offense, gaining 554.0 yards per game. Gannon boasts 472.0 yards and ranks 33rd.
– Slippery Rock’s Teddy Blakeman scored five touchdowns last game with three on the ground, one receiving, and he even threw one.
– IUP has won 10 straight regular season games after last week’s win. IUP has two losses in their last 22 games with both losses being to Cal U.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENSIVE – Liam Nadler, Gannon
DEFENSIVE – Terrell Halloway, IUP
GAME PREVIEWS
#9 Bloomsburg (4-0) at Gannon (3-1)
Gannon is 3-1 for the first time since 2003, and, behind quarterback Liam Nadler, are hoping to improve with a tough win over Bloomsburg. Bloomsburg is led by the active leading rusher in DII, Franklyn Quiteh. Defensively, the Huskies boast the conferences top sack master. Larry Webster leads them with 6.0 sacks. Along with Nadler, who is 3rd in the PSAC with 295.8 yards per game, running back Jansen Jones is a threat on the ground. He’s 2nd in the PSAC with 657 yards. Game time is set for 12 p.m.
Cal U (3-1) at #17 West Chester (4-0)
Cal U will take on their second straight ranked opponent when they travel to play West Chester. The Vulcans are led offensively by receiver Mike Williams, who has 20 catches for 252 yards and 5 touchdowns this season. Defensively, they’ll look to Dewey McDonald, who leads the team with 33 tackles (18 solo) to keep West Chester’s playmakers in check. Speaking of playmakers, West Chester’s Rondell White leads DII in all-purpose yards with 252.2 yards per game by himself. Quarterback Sean McCartney is also a threat, as he boasts an efficiency rating of 176.6, the 9th best in DII. Cal U is in for another tough one. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
Cheyney (0-4) at Mercyhurst (1-3)
Mercyhurst will be looking to get back on track as they host Cheyney this weekend. Running back Brandon Brown-Dukes hopes to keep his dominance going. His 119.5 rushing yards per game is 4th in the conference and the Lakers will be looking to put the ball in his hands. Defensively, Colin Kimball will be looking to improve on his PSAC-best four interceptions. Cheyney, on the other hand, will be looking to get their offense rolling. They’re led by running back Marcus Jones who has 251 yards this season. Defensively, they have the fifth best tackler in the conference in Isaiah Fleming. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
Seton Hill (0-4) at Shippensburg (2-2)
Seton Hill will be going against a tough Shippensburg team this coming weekend in hopes of getting their first win. The Raiders are led by Trevor Harman, who had six catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Jake Metz just set a record for Ship with 24.5 sacks for his career. Seton Hill is led by Norman Darden who has 17 catches for 241 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Tyler Zimmer leads the PSAC with 47 tackles. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
Slippery Rock (3-1) at Kutztown (0-4)
Slippery Rock will take its high-powered offense on the road and take on Kutztown Saturday. Rock quarterback Nigel Barksdale leads the conference in passing with 364.5 passing yards. That number is good enough for 5th in all of DII. Kutztown’s Alec Werner isn’t too far behind Barksdale, as he’s passing for 344.8 yards per game (2nd in PSAC, 8th in DII). It looks to be another shootout. Game time is set for 1:05 p.m.
Lock Haven (2-2) at Edinboro (2-2)
Lock Haven brings in a balanced offensive attack with receiver Jesse Hoover, who has 217 yards and a score, and Brandon Brader, who has 272 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, they’re led by Tony Ballon, who has 40 tackles. Edinboro is led by Marcus Johnson who is 6th in the PSAC with 91 yards per game. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
Millersville (0-4) at #7 IUP (4-0)
Millersville looks to get out of their recent offensive slump. They’ll look to get the ball to running back Ian Sadon, who averages 54.8 yards per game. Defensively Rasheed Johnson leads the way with 34 tackles. IUP, who looks to keep their strong season alive, will do so with a solid ground game all around and then air it out to Terrill Barnes, who is 3rd in the PSAC with 96.8 yards per game. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
Clarion (3-1) at East Stroudsburg (3-1)
Clarion will look to right the ship after their loss last week as they look to spread the ball around with freshman quarterback Darelle Carson and running back Bobby Thomas, who has 307 yards. East Stroudsburg has a strong pass defense and will look to compliment that offensively with Matt Saltes, who is 4th in DII with 316.2 yards of total offense per game. Game time is set for 6:05 p.m.
Photo Credit: IUP Athletics
