This was the kind of week that Slippery Rock would need to be squeaky clean you would think. After a dramatic overtime win last Saturday in front of a loud Homecoming crowd, Slippery Rock looked to take its first win streak of the season on the road to visit ranked California (Pa).
Slippery Rock allowed a reeling Edinboro to hang into the game last week with penalties and turnovers at crucial moments. After dominating the first half, and taking a 16-3 score into the locker room, Slippery Rock seemed to get too comfortable. Edinboro went on to score 21 points in the 3rd quarter until The Rock decided to hold it down on defense in the 4th. The win for George Mihalik’s squad gave the team its first back-to-back wins of the season. This streak might not have come at a better time for the Pride, as they traveled to CalU on Saturday.
CalU came in nationally ranked, and certainly not an easy out when playing at Adamson Stadium. Despite the underdog status, Slippery Rock entered the game only two games behind California in the loss column in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West standings.
Nigel Barksdale played efficiently throwing the ball throughout the entire first half. Slippery Rock used the option to set up the passing game, and this was an example of the confusion that can cause for a defense. Barksdale didn’t force passes, and ran the ball with ease when he saw the hole. The SRU quarterback led his team in rushing with 128 yards, and threw for another 283.
Regardless of the efficiency that SRU played with, mistakes and miscues allowed California to hang around, most notably the blocked punts. The Rock took a 14-10 lead into the break, and their defense took the initiative in the second half. Slippery Rock went on to only allow one touchdown the rest of the game, keeping a prolific California offense in check. The 4th quarter presented a last rally for the Vulcans as quarterback Cody Schroeder led them down the field for two field goals and the previously mentioned touchdown. The CalU defense did their part in shutting out the Barksdale option threat. Barksdale seemed to become victim to the beating he received running the ball, and that showed through the offense in the 4th quarter. Not until a rain soaked Schroeder threw a late interception with less than a minute, was the game sealed. The only interception the California quarterback threw was to a cast-handed Anthony Saunders (a Valley High School graduate), which was a fitting end to sloppy game.
Slippery Rock has seemed to find its stride at the right time, and has won despite their mistakes. Slippery Rock has two remaining games on their schedule against winless Lock Haven and a one loss Bloomsburg squad. Bloomsburg will be looking to finish strong after today’s loss to Shippensburg. A strong finish for George Mihalik’s guys is huge as they stand 1 game behind PSAC West leaders IUP, California, and Mercyhurst.
Slippery Rock 28 – California (PA) 26
Slippery Rock 5-4 4-2
California (PA) 6-1 7-2
Photo Credits: Slippery Rock
