Football - Week 3
Week 3 Football Notes (pdf)
The PSAC once again will take the national stage in a nationally televised game on Thursday night as the CBS Sports Network comes to Indiana's Miller Stadium for a prime time showdown between nationally-ranked Bloomsburg (2-0) and a rejuvenated IUP program (1-0) that is coming off a win in its opening game in head coach Curt Cignetti's first game as the Crimson Hawks coach. The game, which is a part of NCAA Division II's television package with CBS-SN, will kick off at 8:00 p.m. CBS-SN, which was formerly known as both CBS-College Sports and CSTV, is available on DirecTV channel 613 as well as most cable system throughout the country. Check local listings for availability.
The Bloomsburg-IUP game is the only one in the PSAC this week that matches up two teams without a loss in this, the third week of the season and the second of three weeks of 'crossover' games matching the PSAC East vs. the PSAC West. Next week will mark the beginning of the divisional schedule, with the last week of crossover games being the final week of the season.
California will visit East Stroudsburg in the rare matchup of Division II coaches with 200 wins as John Luckhardt will meet up with Denny Douds for the second straight season in a matchup of 1-1 teams. Elsewhere, Slippery Rock, Edinboro and Kutztown will look to stay undefeated and move to 3-0 heading into the conference schedule as they take on West Chester, Cheyney and Lock Haven, respectively. Last year's Slippery Rock-West Chester game was an overtime thriller while the Cheyney-Edinboro game was not decided until late in the fourth quarter and the Lock Haven-Kutztown game was a one-point game at the half before Kutztown pulled away in the second half.
PSAC Football - Week Three Notes - 9/13/11
Quick Hits
- Although Mercyhurst dropped out of the D2football.com Top 25 poll this week, leaving the PSAC with just three teams ranked in that poll, the Lakers remain ranked at No. 25 in the AFCA Top 25 poll, leaving the PSAC tied for the most teams ranked of any conference in the that poll for the third straight week. The MIAA also has four teams ranked in the AFCA poll.
- The PSAC wrapped up regular season non-conference play with an 8-8 record in non-conference action. That includes an 8-7 record against Division II opponents. Since the current setup of the PSAC went into effect in 2008, the PSAC is now 32-30 in regular season non-conference action, including 32-25 against Division II opponents.
- While two teams played non-conference games last weekend, the remaining 14 teams played in seven PSAC ‘crossover’ games, matching up team from opposite divisions against each other. The East won four games while the West came out on top in three contests.
- With last week’s results, the West now leads the East 44-35 in crossover games since the beginning of the 2008 season, when the current divisional setup and crossover format began. The West went 15-9 in crossover games in 2008 and won 14 games to the East’s 10 last year. The divisions each won 12 games apiece in 2009.
- This week marks the second of three weeks of crossover games. The final weekend of crossover games is on the last day of the regular season on November 12. That day will also feature the PSAC championship game.
- For the second straight year, a matchup of two 200-win coaches will take place when California and John Luckhardt (216 career wins) travel across the state to take on East Stroudsburg and Denny Douds (230 career wins), who is the PSAC’s all-time leader in coaching victories. It is believed that this is only the third all-time meeting between a pair of 200-win coaches in Division II and Luckhardt has been involved in all three. There was last year’s meeting as well as the 2009 NCAA playoff semifinal game between California and Northwest Missouri State that matched up Luckhardt with former NMSU coach Mel Tjeerdsma.
- Slippery Rock has scored at least 50 points in each of its first two games this season, hanging 51 on Seton Hill in Week 1 in a 51-14 win and then putting up 54 in a 54-0 win over Cheyney in Week 2. This has marked the first time since 1996 that a PSAC team has scored at least 50 points in each of its first two games of the season. East Stroudsburg was the last team to accomplish the feat, scoring 56 in its season-opening 59-56 loss to New Haven and then putting up 54 in a 54-28 win over Southern Connecticut.
- Mercyhurst’s Trevor Kennedy hauled in four touchdown receptions in Mercyhurst’s loss to Kutztown last week. That performance marked the first time a PSAC receiver caught four TDs since former Millersville WR Jamal Smith also caught four TDs against Kutztown in 2009.
- Bloomsburg RB Eddie Mateo rushed for five touchdowns in the Huskies’ win over Clarion last week. It marked the first five rushing TD performance in the PSAC since Mercyhurst’s Richard Stokes in 2008. Mateo also became the 22nd back in PSAC history to accomplish that feat.
- In doing so, Mateo also made it the first time in PSAC history that at least one back has rushed for five touchdowns in a game and at least two quarterbacks have thrown for six touchdowns in a game in a single season after both Kutztown’s Kevin Morton and East Stroudsburg’s Ray Wagner did so in Week 1.
- With both Wagner and Morton throwing for six TDs in Week 1, it marked only the second time in PSAC history that more than one QB has thrown for six TDs in a game in the same season. The only other time is happened was 1999, when Millersville’s Drew Folmar (who coincidentally is now the Kutztown offensive coordinator) and West Chester’s Mike Mitros both accomplished the feat. Even more ironic, Folmar accomplished the feat against East Stroudsburg while Mitros did it against Kutztown. However, both Folmar and Mitros did so in different weeks of the season, making Morton’s and Wagner’s accomplishment the first time in PSAC history that two different QBs have thrown for six TDs in the same week of a season.
- Kutztown accumulated 697 yards of total offense in its 56-30 Week 1 win over St. Anselm. That total offensive output was the ninth-highest in PSAC history and the most in Golden Bear program history.
- Kutztown was not the only team with over 650 yards of total offense in the opening week of the season as East Stroudsburg also had 667. Those two performances marked the first time since 2005 that two PSAC teams produced at least 650 yards of total offense in the same week of the season. In 2005, both East Stroudsburg (vs. C.W. Post) and California (vs. Mansfield) had at least 650 yards of total offense on September 10.
- Both Kutztown and East Stroudsburg scored 56 points in Week 1. That marked the first time since 1996 that two PSAC teams put up at least 55 points in the first week of the season. That year, both West Chester (62) and East Stroudsburg (56) scored at least 55 in the opening week.
- Bloomsburg sophomore RB Franklyn Quiteh has now played in 15 career games and has 14 100-yard games after rushing for 114 in only one half last week vs. Clarion. The only time he was held below 100 yards was last year against IUP, who the Huskies face this week.
PSAC On the Big Screen Again
For the second straight year, a PSAC game will be a part of Division II’s television package that is being shown on the CBS Sports Network. This Thursday’s Bloomsburg at IUP will be televised live on the CBS SN at 8:00 p.m. Last year, the Shippensburg-West Chester game was beamed out to a live TV audience.
Edinboro Defense Slows Down Potent West Liberty Attack
Edinboro defeated West Liberty 30-14 to open the season, which marked the fourth straight season-opening win for the Fighting Scots over the Hilltoppers. Edinboro has been the one team that West Liberty, which has had the highest-scoring offense in the country for the last two seasons, has been unable to figure out. Since the beginning of the 2008 season, when the teams began their current series, West Liberty has averaged 40.4 point per game in all contests and 43.3 points per contest in games not against Edinboro. In its four regular season games against Edinboro, the Hilltoppers have been held to just 18.3 points per game. Although the Hilltoppers exploded for 84 points in their 84-63 win over ‘Boro in the NCAA playoffs in 2009, West Liberty is just 1-5 against PSAC teams since the beginning of the 2008 season, including 1-4 against Edinboro. The Hilltoppers are 25-10 against all other teams.
National Leaders
Several PSAC teams and individuals are currently leading the country in various statistical categories. Those teams and individuals are listed below.
- East Stroudsburg QB Ray Wagner leads the country in passing yards per game with 349.0, while Mercyhurst QB Travis Rearick is second less than a yard behind at 348.5.
- Kutztown QB Kevin Morton leads the country in points responsible for with 33 points per game and 66 points overall by account of his 10 touchdown passes.
- Both James Jackson of Edinboro and Johnny Franco of IUP are two of five individuals that lead the country in most passes defended per game at 3.0, although Jackson has six in two games and Franco has three in one contest.
- IUP is one of 13 teams nationally that are yet to throw an interception.
- The Crimson Hawks are also the nation’s top team in passing efficiency with a rating of 225.94.
- Cheyney, Edinboro, Kutztown and Slippery Rock are four of 23 teams nationally that are yet to lose a fumble.
- Mercyhurst is tied for the national lead in fewest tackles for loss allowed at just 4.0 total and 2.0 per game.
- Bloomsburg (2-for-2) and Lock Haven (2-for-2) are two of 14 teams that are perfect on fourth-down conversions this year.
- West Chester, Slippery Rock, Edinboro, Shippensburg are four of the 27 teams that have scored in every red zone opportunity.
- Clarion has the nation’s top pass defense, allowing just 74.5 passing yards per game. Slippery Rock is just behind the Golden Eagles in second at just 84.0 ypg.
- Slippery Rock has the lowest pass efficiency defense, allowing opposing passers a rating of just 56.18.
- Slippery Rock has allowed the lowest percentage of third down conversions in the country at just 10.34 percent, allowing only three conversions on 29 opponents’ attempts.
- California, Clarion, IUP and Lock Haven are four of 25 teams that are yet to allow an opponent to convert on fourth down this year.
- Bloomsburg is tied for the fewest average punt return yards allowed, having allowed -5 return yards on just one return.
Single Game HIghs
PSAC individuals and teams are responsible for five single-game highs in NCAA Division II so far this season. Those individuals are listed below.
- East Stroudsburg QB Ray Wagner has the highest single-game pass efficiency rating this season with a 321.5 rating vs. Pace on September 1.
- Bloomsburg RB Eddie Mateo scored 30 points on five touchdowns vs. Clarion on September 10, which is the highest scoring performance by an individual this year.
- East Stroudsburg’s 97-yard touchdown pass from Ray Wagner to Robert Bleiler vs. Pace on September 3 is the longest passing play in the country this year.
- Edinboro CB James Jackson’s four passes defended vs. West Liberty on September 3 are tied for the most in a single game.
- East Stroudsburg’s 456 passing yards against Pace on September 3 are the most in a single game this year.
PSAC in Non-Conference Action
The PSAC went 8-8 in non-conference play this season, including 8-7 vs. Division II opponents. Among the conferences that this year’s non-conference opponents came from include the Northeast 10, WVIAC, CIAA, GLIAC and one independent. Listed below is the conference breakdown of each of this year’s non-conference opponents, followed by the PSAC’s record the last three years in non-conference action, since the current setup of the PSAC went into effect.
Northeast 10: 3-2 (Wins - East Stroudsburg over Pace, Edinboro over Merrimack, Kutztown vs St. Anselm; Losses - New Haven over West Chester, American International over C.W. Post)
WVIAC: 2-3: (Wins - Edinboro over West Liberty, Slippery Rock over Seton Hill; Losses - Fairmont State over Clarion, Shepherd over Shippensburg, West Virginia Wesleyan over Millersville)
GLIAC: 1-1 (Win - Bloomsburg over Ashland; Loss - Lake Erie over Gannon)
Northern Sun: 0-1 (Loss - St. Cloud State over California)
CIAA: 1-0 (Win - Cheyney over Lincoln)
Independent: 1-0 (Win - Mercyhurst over Notre Dame College)
Division I FCS (CAA): 0-1 (Loss -Delaware over West Chester)
2010 - 9-7 overall (9-5 vs. Division II)
Northeast 10: 5-1 (Wins - Slippery Rock over Merrimack, East Stroudsburg over Pace, C.W. Post over American International, Kutztown over St. Anselm, IUP over Southern Connecticut State; Losses - Assumption over Millersville)
WVIAC: 1-2 (Wins - Edinboro over West Liberty; Losses - Shepherd over Shippensburg, Fairmont State over Clarion)
GLIAC: 2-1 (Wins - Gannon over Lake Erie, California over Saginaw Valley State; Losses - Ashland over Bloomsburg)
Division I FCS: 0-2 (Losses - Delaware (CAA) over West Chester, Virginia Military Institute (Big South) over Lock Haven)
CIAA: 0-1 (Lincoln over Cheyney)
Independents: 1-0 (Mercyhurst over Notre Dame College)
2009 - 9-6 overall (9-5 vs. Division II)
Northeast 10: 3-1 (Wins - IUP over Southern Connecticut State, Millersville over Assumption, Kutztown over St. Anselm; Losses - American International over C.W. Post)
WVIAC: 2-1 (Wins - Clarion over Fairmont State, Edinboro over West Liberty; Losses - Shepherd over Shippensburg)
CIAA: 2-1 (Wins - East Stroudsburg over Virginia Union, Slippery Rock over Bowie State; Losses - Lincoln over Cheyney)
GLIAC: 1-2 (Wins - Bloomsburg over Ashland; Losses - Wayne State (Mich.) over Mercyhurst, Saginaw Valley State over California)
Independents: 1-0 (Gannon over Lake Erie)
Division I FCS (CAA): 0-1 (Losses - Delaware over West Chester)
2008 - 6-9 overall (6-8 vs. Division II)
WVIAC: 1-4 (Wins - Edinboro over West Liberty State; Losses - Fairmont State over Clarion, Glenville State over Lock Haven, Shepherd over Shippensburg, Seton Hill over Slippery Rock)
Northeast 10: 1-2 (Wins - Kutztown over St. Anselm; Losses - AIC over C.W. Post, Bentley over Millersville
GLIAC: 1-1 (Wins - Bloomsburg over Ashland; Losses - Wayne State over Mercyhurst)
CIAA: 1-1 (Wins - East Stroudsburg over Virginia Union; Losses - Bowie State over Cheyney)
Independent: 2-0 (Wins - Gannon over Lake Erie, California over Lake Erie)
FCS (CAA): 0-1 (Losses - Delaware over West Chester)
Game Previews
#8/11 Bloomsburg (2-0) at IUP (1-0)
Sept. 15 - 8:00 p.m.
Indiana, Pa.
Miller Stadium (6,000)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio/Internet: WHLM 930 AM/whlm.com/RedZoneMedia.com
Conference Ranks Bloomsburg IUP
Scoring Offense/Defense 36.0/4th; 15.0/3rd 28.0/7th; 13.0/2nd
Rush Offense/Defense 324.5/1st; 197.5/14th 253.0/3rd; 35.0/1st
Pass Offense/Defense 96.0/14th; 138.5/4th 179.0/12th; 323.0/15th
Total Offense/Defense 420.5/6th; 336.0/6th 432.0/4th; 358.0/7th
What to Expect
- Bloomsburg will likely do what it does best - run the ball - especially after coming off a 442-yard day on the ground against Clarion last week. The Huskies will likely find it a bit tougher to run against the Crimson Hawks as IUP only allowed 35 rushing yards last week to an East Stroudsburg team that had 211 in Week 1.
- The Huskies also have a question mark with RB Franklyn Quiteh, who was injured last week. The IUP game last year was the only game in his career that he did not rush for 100 yds, as he ran for 91. Backup Eddie Mateo ran for 179 yards while filling in last week.
- IUP’s strength is also the run with Harvie Tuck, who ran for 146 yards last week. The Crimson Hawks also appear to have an improved passing game this year with QB Pat Smith healthy again and a deep threat in WR Terrill Barnes.
Series/Game Notes
IUP leads Bloomsburg 16-9 in the all-time series, but Bloomsburg has won the last four straight in the series dating back to 2004...The Huskies have scored at least 40 points in each of their last two wins over IUP, last year and in 2007...IUP’s last win in the series came in 2003, a 42-40 decision...The programs met for 10 straight years from 1996-2005, with IUP winning 7 of 8 contests from ‘96-’02.
C.W. Post (0-2) at #25 Mercyhurst (1-1)
Sept. 17 - 12:00 p.m.
Erie, Pa.
Tullio Field (2,300)
Conference Ranks C.W. Post Mercyhurst
Scoring Offense/Defense 10.0/16th; 27.0/T8th 26.0/8th; 29.0/T10th
Rush Offense/Defense 154.5/7th; 190.0/13th 120.0/12th; 182.0/12th
Pass Offense/Defense 105.0/13th; 218.0/9th 345.5/2nd; 210.5/8th
Total Offense/Defense 259.5/14th; 408.0/10th 465.5/3rd; 392.5/8th
What to Expect
- C.W. Post is going through some growing pains on offense as it has struggled both moving the ball and scoring in its first two games. The QB situation is also a bit unsettled with both Steven Laurino and Tyler Heuer having played almost an equal amount of time in last week’s game at Cal. The Pioneers have had to rely on their running game, so teams have been ready for it, which Mercyhurst will likely be as well, although the Lakers also have several new faces on defense and gave up nearly 500 yards to a much more potent Kutztown offense last week.
- The Laker offense has not had as many problems as the defense and Mercyhurst appears to be firing on all cylinders behind Travis Rearick, who although passing for over 400 yards last week, also threw five picks. However, going up against a Pioneer defense that yielded over 500 yards to an equally dangerous Cal offense last week, the Lakers should put some points up this week.
Series/Game Notes
The all-time series between C.W. Post and Mercyhurst is tied 2-2, however this will be just the second matchup between the teams as PSAC members...Both schools joined the PSAC prior to the 2008 season...The Pioneers won in 1993 and 1994 by a combined score of 76-6...Mercyhurst won in 1995 by a 17-13 count and the Lakers won last year’s meeting on Long Island, 28-20, behind former RB Gerald Anderson’s 237 rushing yards and two TDs.
Millersville (1-1) at Gannon (0-2)
Sept. 17 - 12:00 p.m.
Erie, Pa.
University Field (2,500)
Radio/Internet: MSBN/Millersvilleathletics.com/Jet Radio 1400 AM/wergfm.com
Conference Ranks Millersville Gannon
Scoring Offense/Defense 12.0/13th; 37.5/15th 11.5/14th; 27.0/T8th
Rush Offense/Defense 98.0/14th; 95.5/4th 78.5/15th; 161.5/11th
Pass Offense/Defense 89.5/15th; 317.0/14th 186.0/T10th; 261.5/11th
Total Offense/Defense 187.5/15th; 412.5/11th 264.5/13th; 423.0/12th
What to Expect
- That game will match up a pair of struggled offenses that both rank near the bottom of the PSAC. Fortunately for both offenses, the opposing defense that they will be facing has also had trouble in the first two weeks, with both squads giving up a large number of points in at least one of their first two games, so this contest has the potential to be either a defensive struggle or a shootout.
- Gannon has struggled particularly in the running game but WR Jonathon Jones has emerged as a reliable threat in the passing game. The Golden Knights’ best offensive weapon right now may be PR Justin Caliste, who has averaged 25.2 ypr on six punt returns so far, including one for a TD.
- Millersville’s rush defense, which has been ranked at or near the bottom of the PSAC the last few years, has greatly improved over the first two games but so far, that hasn’t translated to the overall defense.
Series/Game Notes
Millersville leads Gannon in the all-time series 1-0...The teams’ only previous meeting came last year at Millersville, and the Marauders came away with a 29-26 win as former WR Jamal Smith scored the game-winning TD with just 1:06 left in the fourth quarter, capping a 252-yard receiving day.
Clarion (0-2) at Shippensburg (1-1)
Sept. 17 - 1:00 p.m.
Shippensburg, Pa.
Grove Stadium (7,700)
Radio/Internet: WCCR 92.7 FM/WKQW 96.3 FM/Redzonemedia.com/WSYC 88.7 FM/wsyc.org
Conference Ranks Clarion Shippensburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 13.5/12th; 38.0/16th 34.0/6th; 33.0/13th
Rush Offense/Defense 190.5/6th; 351.5/16th 107.5/13th; 148.5/9th
Pass Offense/Defense 186.0/T10th; 74.5/1st 300.5/3rd; 302.5/13th
Total Offense/Defense 376.5/10th; 426.0/14th 408.0/8th; 451.0/15th
What to Expect
- Clarion’s defense has given up at least 30 points in its first two games, while Shippensburg has averaged over 30 points in its first two contests, so based on that, Shippensburg will likely put up some points on Clarion.
- Red Raider QB Zach Zulli has developed into a passing threat as he has put up nearly 300 ypg through the air while throwing to an assortment of receivers as Ship has opened up its offense a bit more to include more throwing. However, the Raiders may elect to run more against Clarion, which has given up more than 700 rushing yards and allowed eight rushing TDs over its first two games.
- Clarion’s offense revolves around QB Ben Fiscus, who is also the team’s leading rusher. Both RBs Brandon Akins and John Fuhrer are averaging 5.0 ypc.
Series/Game Notes
Clarion leads Shippensburg 34-19-1 in the all-time series…However, the Red Raiders have won eight straight in the series from 2001-07 and last year’s 28-24 win at Clarion…The teams met every year from 1958-2007 when Shippensburg was a member of the PSAC West…Clarion’s last win in the series came in 2000, a 56-49 shootout victory.
Slippery Rock (2-0) at West Chester (0-2)
Sept. 17 - 1:00 p.m.
West Chester, Pa.
Farrell Stadium (7,500)
Radio/Internet: WISR 680 AM/msasports.net/BrandywineRadio.com/WCUR 91.7 FM
Conference Ranks Slippery Rock West Chester
Scoring Offense/Defense 52.5/1st; 7.0/1st 24.5/9th; 31.5/12th
Rush Offense/Defense 238.5/4th; 65.5/2nd 121.0/11th; 135.0/8th
Pass Offense/Defense 191.0/9th; 84.0/2nd 291.5/4th; 183.5/7th
Total Offense/Defense 429.5/5th; 149.5/1st 412.5/7th; 318.5/5th
What to Expect
- Both Slippery Rock’s offense and defense have operated like finely tuned machines so far, but both will be going up against their toughest challenge so far this year in West Chester, which has dropped an overtime heartbreaker and then lost by just 11 to last year’s Division I FCS runner-up Delaware while outgaining the Blue Hens on offense and tallying more first downs.
- Ram QBs Sean McCartney and Matt Carroll have been splitting time. Both have been distributing the ball well as four different receivers have at least 10 catches.
- Rock will look to mix it up between the run and pass as it has gone for over 200 yards on the ground in both games while QB Cody Endres’ 241 passing yards last week vs. Cheyney marked the most for a Rock QB since 2008.
Series/Game Notes
Slippery Rock leads West Chester 7-6 in the all-time series, with the tiebreaker coming last year as The Rock won 33-27 at home in overtime…The Golden Rams won the previous meeting by one point, 21-20, in 2006…Prior to last year, Slippery Rock’s last win in the series came in 1997, 27-14…The teams’ first meeting came in 1929, a Slippery Rock win...Slippery Rock will be seeking its third straight 3-0 start to the season.
Cheyney (1-1) at Edinboro (2-0)
Sept. 17 - 1:00 p.m.
Edinboro, Pa.
Sox Harrison Stadium (6,000)
Radio/Internet: Redzonemedia.com/GoFightingScots.com
Conference Ranks Cheyney Edinboro
Scoring Offense/Defense 10.5/15th; 36.5/14th 39.5/3rd; 16.5/4th
Rush Offense/Defense 132.0/9th; 127.5/7th 198.0/5th; 79.0/3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 45.5/16th; 296.0/12th 200.5/8th; 232.5/10th
Total Offense/Defense 177.5/16th; 423.5/13th 398.5/9th; 311.5/4th
What to Expect
- After showing signs of life in its first game, Cheyney’s offense struggled mightily last week, barely gaining over 100 yards. It might be in for more of the same against Edinboro, which has shut down two of the top offenses in Division II over the last few weeks in West Liberty and Merrimack. The Fighting Scots have also been very good at stopping the run, which is what Cheyney’s whole offense is based around.
- The Cheyney defense also showed some promise in Week 1 and held the potent Slippery Rock offense scoreless in the first quarter last week before giving up 54 points in the last three quarters. Edinboro has boasted a much-improved offense so far this year, as QB Cody Harris was opened things up, recording his first career 300-yard game last week. While Cheyney has been better at defending the pass over the last few years, the Wolves have been better at stopping the run so far this year, while Edinboro has a potential big play threat in the backfield in Drew Herrell, who is averaging 7.9 ypc and over 100 ypg so far.
Series/Game Notes
Edinboro leads the all-time series with Cheyney 5-1…Cheyney’s only win came in the teams’ first-ever meeting in 1967, a one-point win…Edinboro has won the last five meetings, topping the Wolves in 1970, 1996, 2006, 2007 and last year, a close 27-21 win at Cheyney
Lock Haven (0-1) at #16/15 Kutztown (2-0)
Sept. 17 - 6:05 p.m.
Kutztown, Pa.
University Field (5,600)
Radio/Internet: KUBears.com
Conference Ranks Lock Haven Kutztown
Scoring Offense/Defense 20.0/11th; 21.0/T6th 45.5/2nd; 29.0/T10th
Rush Offense/Defense 47.0/16th; 111.0/5th 306.0/2nd; 111.5/6th
Pass Offense/Defense 281.0/6th; 134.0/3rd 288.5/5th; 344.0/16th
Total Offense/Defense 328.0/12th; 245.0/2nd 594.5/1st; 455.5/16th
What to Expect
- Lock Haven turned in a very respectable performance in its season debut last week, greatly improving on both offensive and defensive averages from the last few years. The Bald Eagles even had their first 100-yard rusher and passer in the same game since 2004. With QB Jarryd Burkett now an experienced senior, the Eagles may look to come out throwing and attack the Golden Bears’ secondary, which has been torched for nearly 700 yards combined in its first two games.
- While Kutztown has been giving up yardage in chunks so far, the Golden Bear offense has more than made up for it, gaining nearly 600 ypg so far. With an array of options in both the running and passing games, the Bears will look to attack the Eagles in a variety of ways. As potent of a QB as Kevin Morton is, the Bears actually have more rushing yards so far behind the two-headed attack of Robbie Frey and Josh Mastromatto, both of which are averaging over 100 ypg and at least 7.5 ypc. As a team, Kutztown is average a whopping 6.7 ypc.
Series/Game Notes
The series between Lock Haven and Kutztown is tied 12-12-1…The Bald Eagles won the first meeting between the schools back in 1930…The Golden Bears have won the last four games in the series, including last year’s 38-13 decision at Lock Haven...LHU’s last win came in 2002…The teams met for eight straight years from 1997-2004, with Kutztown winning all of those matchups except for the ’02 game.
#21/18 California (1-1) at East Stroudsburg (1-1)
Sept. 17 - 6:05 p.m.
East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Eiler-Martin Stadium (6,000)
TV: B2livetv.com
Radio/Internet: WCAL 91.9 FM/WCAL.cup.edu/WVPO 840 AM/Redzonemedia.com
Conference Ranks California East Stroudsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 22.0/10th; 19.5/5th 34.5/5th; 21.0/T6th
Rush Offense/Defense 145.5/8th; 156.5/10th 123.0/10th; 219.5/15th
Pass Offense/Defense 215.5/7th; 152.0/5th 389.5/1st; 182.0/6th
Total Offense/Defense 361.0/11th; 308.5/3rd 512.5/2nd; 401.5/9th
What to Expect
- After being shut down in Week 1, California’s offense exploded last week for 41 points, doing most of its damage early. Leading receiver Thomas Mayo had 180 receiving yards. After East Stroudsburg also allowed a 100-yard receiver last week, look for Mayo to possibly have another big game as he has been the Vulcans’ top target in the passing game. The Vulcans will also look to get their running game going against an East Stroudsburg rush defense that has given up allowed more than 200 ypg so far.
- The Warriors, who nearly had two 100-yard rushers in Week 1, were stopped on the ground by IUP last week and forced throw the ball 51 times. If ESU can avoid an early deficit, they may be able to balance the offense more.
Series/Game Notes
East Stroudsburg leads California 3-2-1 in the all-time series…Cal picked up its first win in the series in the 2007 season opener at home and also beat ESU last year, 45-20 at home…The Warriors’ last win the series came in 2006, which was the last win in a three-game winning streak that also saw them beat Cal in 1992 and 1993…The teams tied in their first-ever meeting in 1968.