Another week has gone and gone in the PSAC West. Let’s take a look at the conference heading into Week 6.
2013 Football Standings
| SCHOOL | CONF | CPCT. | OVERALL | PCT. | STREAK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEST | |||||
| IUP | 2-0 | 1.000 | 5-0 | 1.000 | W5 |
| Gannon | 2-0 | 1.000 | 3-2 | 0.600 | L1 |
| Slippery Rock | 1-1 | 0.500 | 4-1 | 0.800 | W2 |
| California | 1-1 | 0.500 | 3-2 | 0.600 | L2 |
| Edinboro | 1-1 | 0.500 | 3-2 | 0.600 | W2 |
| Clarion | 1-1 | 0.500 | 3-2 | 0.600 | L2 |
| Mercyhurst | 0-2 | 0.000 | 2-3 | 0.400 | W1 |
| Seton Hill | 0-2 | 0.000 | 0-5 | 0.000 | L5 |
– The PSAC West hosts two undefeated teams in divisional play in #7 IUP and Gannon. IUP is undefeated overall with a 5-0 record.
– IUP ranks 1st in D2 in total defense (213.4 ypg), scoring defense (6.0 ppg), interceptions (12), and red-zone defense (33.3%).
– Mercyhurst ranks 1st in D2 in red-zone offense (100%).
– Slippery Rock’s James McCombie ranks 1st in D2 in punting (46.7 yards per punt).
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: West Offensive: Nigel Barksdale, Slippery Rock
West Defensive: Devin Ghafoor, Edinboro
GAME PREVIEWS:
Edinboro (3-2) at Gannon (3-2)
Edinboro’s offense is looking to take it to Gannon, who has prided themselves on their defensive efforts all season. Edinboro’s Marcus Johnson has 28 catches for 380 yards and a TD and is averaging 76 yards per catch this season. Gannon will be looking at their two playmakers, Liam Nadler and Jansesn Jones to come up big for them as they look to improve to 3-0 in conference play. Jones is 7th in D2 in rushing yards per game with 145.2.
#7 IUP (5-0) at Slippery Rock (4-1)
Probably the game of the week, two high powered offenses will square off in this conference match. IUP boasts a strong ground game with a plethora of running backs and boasts a wideout in Terrill Barnes, who is fourth in the conference in receiving with 86.4 yards per game. Slippery Rock’s Nigel Barksdale will be looking to keep his stellar season alive. Barksdale is first in the PSAC with 353.0 passing yards per game and 18 touchdowns.
Mercyhurst (3-2) at Seton Hill (0-5)
This could have the makings of a trap game, but Mercyhurst will be looking to get back on the right side of things. Running back Brandon Brown-Dukes, who’s averaging 96.4 yards per game on the ground, will be tough for Seton Hill to stop. Seton Hill’s quarterback Nick Halfhill, who’s averaging only 125.2 yards passing per game, will be looking to step things up just a bit going into the game.
Clarion (3-2) at Cal U (3-2)
Calrion will be turning to freshman signal caller Darelle Carson once again as they take on Cal U’s defense, led by safety Dewey McDonald. Running back Bobby Thomas will try to shoulder some of the load for the Golden Eagles as they look to continue their solid start after dropping two straight games. The Vulcans will look to wideout Mike Williams and the passing game, as they often do, to get on the board early and often against a Clarion defense that has been down this season.
Photo Credit: IUP Athletics
