Football - Week 3
PSAC Standings
PSAC Composite Schedule/Results (w/applicable live stats, audio and video links)
PSAC Statistics
Like the PSAC on Facebook
Follow the PSAC on Twitter
Divisional play in the PSAC gets underway with four conference games in each division. In a change from the previous four seasons, when divisional play did not start until Week 4 with 'crossover' games occuring in Weeks 2 and 3, this year, there will be two weeks of divsional play in Weeks 3 and 4, followed by the second week of crossover games in Week 5.
Highlighting the slate of games this week is Kutztown at Bloomsburg, in what will be a matchup of the two teams picked to finish at the top of the Eastern Division in the preseason poll. Kutztown was picked to win the division for the second straight year while the Huskies were pegged second. This game, which was been the final game in divisional play in each of the last two seasons, has decided the divisional champion and representative in the PSAC Championship game the last two years, with Bloomsburg winning in 2010 and Kutztown picking up the victory last season. Bloomsburg will be looking to reclaim the upper hand in the series as the Golden Bears' win last season not only handed them the East crown but also ended a long Bloomsburg winning streak in the series that had dated back to the early 1990s.
Shippensburg will travel to East Stroudsburg in the only matchup of undefeated teams this week. The Warriors opened their season last week with a shutout win over Lock Haven while the Red Raiders come in at 2-0 after convincing wins in each of the last two weeks against defending West champion Slippery Rock and WVIAC favorite Shepherd. Speaking of The Rock, it will host Gannon in a rematch of last year's Week 10 game that saw the Golden Knights upset Slippery Rock, which prevented The Rock from clinching the outright West title and played a big part in The Rock being knocked out of NCAA playoff contention. California also travels to Edinboro as the Fighting Scots look to snap a seven-game losing streak against the Vulcans, who are coming off back-to-back wins over ranked teams to start the season.
|
2012 PSAC Football Athletes of the Week
Week 1 – 9/2
East Co-Offensive: Kevin Morton, QB, Kutztown
East Co-Offensive: Zach Zulli, QB, Shippensburg
East Defensive: Jordan Rigby, LB, Millersville
West Offensive: Liam Nadler, QB, Gannon
West Defensive: Andrew Paronish, S, Clarion
Week 2 - 9/9
East Offensive: Zach Zulli, QB, Shippensburg
East Defensive: John O'Donnell, S, West Chester
West Offensive: Peter Lalich, QB, California
West Defensive: Darnell Harding, DL, California
|
AFCA Top 25 Poll
PSAC Teams Ranked This Week – 9/10 (Week 2)
6. California
12. Bloomsburg
17. IUP
21. Kutztown
RV: Shippensbug
D2football.com Top 25 Poll
PSAC Teams Ranked This Week – 9/11 (Week 2)
6. California
14. Bloomsburg
22. IUP
23. Kutztown
PSAC in the Polls
|
|
Pre. |
9-3 |
9-10 |
9-17 |
9-24 |
10-1 |
10-8 |
10-15 |
10-22 |
10-29 |
11-5 |
11-12 |
|
Bloomsburg |
25/21 |
19/19 |
12/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
California |
11/11 |
10/10 |
6/6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IUP |
RV/- |
23/24 |
17/22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kutztown |
12/18 |
11/15 |
21/23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shippensburg |
-/- |
RV/- |
RV/- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Slippery Rock |
RV/- |
RV/- |
-/- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Ranking order: AFCA/D2football.com
PSAC Football – Week Three Notes – 9/12/12
Quick Hits
- Three PSAC running backs have rushed for at least 100 yards in each of the first two games of the season, and two are on the same team. They are Franklyn Quiteh and Eddie Mateo of Bloomsburg and Akeem Satterfield of Slippery Rock.
- There have already been three 200-yard rushing performances in the PSAC in just two weeks of the season so far. Bloomsburg’s Franklyn Quiteh ran for 218 yards in Week 1 against Stonehill and West Chester’s Rondell White rushed for 209 vs. Delaware. Last week, Mercyhurst freshman Brandon Brown-Dukes ran for 215 against Millersville. The three 200-yard rushing performances in the PSAC are the most of any conference in Division II so far this season.
- Shippensburg has won six straight games dating back to last season. That streak is tied for the fourth-longest current winning streak in Division II, behind only Grand Valley State, Urbana and last year’s national champion, Pittsburg State.
- Bloomsburg kicker Dan Fisher kicked a 52-yard field goal for the Huskies in their win over Edinboro last week. It was a career high for him, the third-longest in NCAA Division II this year, tied for the fifth-longest in PSAC history, and is one of just three from beyond 50 yards in Division II this season. This marks the sixth straight season that there has been at least one field goal of at least 50 yards in the PSAC. In two of those seasons – this year and 2009 – it has been a Bloomsburg kicker that accounted for at least one, as Jon Koenig had a 50-yarder in 2009. The last field goal in the PSAC from longer than 52 yards was by East Stroudsburg’s Greg Knauss in 2007.
- Last week in PSAC ‘crossover’ play, Eastern Division teams won five games while Western Division teams came out on top in three contests. Through last week, since the current divisional setup and scheduling format went into effect in the PSAC for the 2008 season, the West leads the East 61-57 in crossover play. The East went 13-10 vs. the West last year, the West won 15-19 and 14-10 in 2008 and 2010, respectively, and both divisions won 12 games apiece in 2009. This year, the second week of crossover play will occur on September 29 after the first two weeks of divisional play in Week 5 rather than in Week 3 as in the last four years. The final week of crossover play is during the final week of the season on November 10.
- PSAC teams went 10-3 in non-conference play this season, including a 10-1 mark against Division II teams. Since the current setup of the PSAC went into effect in 2008, the PSAC is now 42-32 in regular season non-conference action, including 42-26 against Division II opponents.
- The 10 non-conference wins for the PSAC this year is the most since the league’s teams won 12 in 2004 and is the most under the current PSAC divisional setup and scheduling format the went into effect in 2008. The .769 winning percentage in non-conference action this season is also the best non-conference mark for PSAC teams since 2003, when a 22-8 non-conference mark produced a .733 winning percentage and it is the best non-conference winning percentage in at least the last 20 years.
Pass-Happy PSAC
The PSAC has become somewhat of a pass-happy conference, at least over the first two weeks of the 2012 season. Through the first two games, five PSAC teams rank in the top 11 in Division II in passing yards per game. Kutztown leads the way at No. 5 at 395 ypg, followed by Shippensburg, East Stroudsburg, Gannon and California at Nos. 8-11 in that order. All five are among the 21 programs in the country that are currently averaging over 300 ypg in passing.
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 quarterback Nate Daniels leads the country in passing efficiency with a rating of 230.85 after one game.
- Jordan Hallman of East Stroudsburg is averaging 179.0 yards per game to lead the country after posting those plus three touchdowns in last week’s win over Lock Haven.
- LIU Post quarterback Steven Laurino has been responsible for 36 points on three rushing and three passing touchdowns in one game. That average is tops in the country, just edging out Kutztown QB Kevin Morton, who has been responsible for 33 points per game.
- Edinboro defensive back Kenny Pettis’ 19 tackles per game is tops in Division II after one game.
- Brandon Cheney and Joseph Thompson of LIU Post have both recovered a fumble and at one fumble recovery per game, are tied with 28 other individuals for tops in the country.
- Slippery Rock punter James McCombie leads the nation in punting average at 48.78 yards per punt.
- Mercyhurst kick returner Paris Bruner is the nation’s top kick returner at 52.5 yards per return.
- Bloomsburg kicker Dan Fisher is tied for the national lead in field goals per game with 3.0, having kicked six in two games on eight attempts.
- Bloomsburg, Cheyney, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, IUP and LIU Post are six of 37 teams in Division II that are yet to throw an interception in 2012.
- LIU Post has the top team pass efficiency rating in the country at 224.60.
- Edinboro, Kutztown, LIU Post, Lock Haven and Shippensburg are five of the 26 teams in the country that are yet to lose a fumble this season.
- Edinboro and LIU Post are two of seven teams nationally that are yet to lose a turnover.
- California is tied with one other team for fewest tackles for loss allowed this season, having allowed three for just 1.5 per game.
- The Vulcans are also one of 17 teams nationally that are yet to allow a sack on the year.
- East Stroudsburg is one of 14 teams nationally that are perfect on the year on fourth-down conversions, as the Warriors converted on their only attempt in their first game of the season.
- LIU Post is one of 33 teams in the country that are perfect in red zone efficiency. The Pioneers converted on all five red zone trips in their first game last week.
- East Stroudsburg is one of two teams that is yet to allow a point on defense this year. The other, Southern Arkansas, also has played just one game.
- Gannon and Kutztown are two of 37 teams that are yet to allow a fourth-down conversion this season. Both the Golden Knights and Golden Bears have stuffed their opponents on four fourth-down attempts each.
- LIU Post’s +7 turnover margin is tops in Division II.
Single-Game Highs
PSAC individuals and teams are responsible for three single-game highs in NCAA Division II so far this season. Those individuals are listed below.
- Slippery Rock’s Jaimire Dutrieuille accumulated 226 kickoff return yards against Shippensburg last week.
- Edinboro’s Kenny Pettis made 19 tackles against Bloomsburg last week, which is tied for the most in a game this year.
- Kutztown’s 723 yards of total offense against St. Anselm on August 30 is the most for any team in a game this year – by 33 yards.
Game Previews
Clarion (1-1) at Mercyhurst (1-1) Clarion Preview /
Mercyhurst Preview
September 15 – 12:00 p.m.
Erie, Pa.
Tullio Field (2,300)
Conference Ranks Clarion Mercyhurst
Scoring Offense/Defense 16.5/14th; 23.0/4th 43.5/T5th; 33.0/14th
Rush Offense/Defense 206.5/5th; 159.5/9th 249.0/4th; 258.0/T14th
Pass Offense/Defense 208.0/7th; 205.5/7th 186.0/8th; 141.0/2nd
Total Offense/Defense 414.5/8th; 365.0/7th 435.0/6th; 399.0/9th
What to Expect
- If field position ends up being a factor in this game, Mercyhurst would appear to have the advantage. The Lakers are averaging 44.5 net yards per punt compared to just 29.5 for Clarion. Mercyhurst is also on top in the return game as well, as the Lakers lead the league thus far in kickoff return average at 37.0 ypr behind Paris Bruner’s 52.5 average. Bruner has also returned a kick for a touchdown. By contrast, Clarion is only averaging 10.5 ypr on kicks. Mercyhurst has also averaged 26.7 ypr on three punt returns compared to just 4.5 for Clarion on two.
- Turnovers have been a problem for both teams so whichever team wins the turnover battle will likely gain a big advantage. Mercyhurst has turned it over a league-high nine times, including six lost fumbles and a -6 margin, while Clarion has lost eight turnovers and has a -5 margin.
- Both teams’ offensive strength so far is running the ball. Mercyhurst’s defense has been particularly vulnerable against the run, having given up over 500 yards rushing in its first two games combined, so look for Bobby Thomas to carry a heavy load for the Golden Eagles, as he is one of seven PSAC backs averaging over 100 rushing ypg so far. Clarion RB Ben Fiscus threw for 280 yards last week but is still known more as a running threat. For Mercyhurst, the Lakers appear to have a solid 1-2 combination out of the backfield in Brandon Brown-Dukes, who ran for 213 yards and three touchdowns last week, and Allen Jones II.
Series/Game Notes
Mercyhurst leads Clarion 3-1 in the all-time series...Prior to last year, the teams had exchanged home wins in the first three years of the series with the Lakers winning in 2010, 38-14 and in 2008, 41-7 and Clarion winning 29-25 in 2009…Last year marked the first time in the series that the road team came out with a victory, as Mercyhurst escaped Clarion with a 42-38 win on Richie Sanders’ one-yard touchdown run with just :32 seconds left in the game after the Golden Eagles had led for much of the contest.
LIU Post (1-0) at Cheyney (1-1) LIU Post Preview / Cheyney Preview
September 15 – 1:00 p.m.
Cheyney, Pa.
O’Shields-Stevenson Stadium (5,000)
Conference Ranks LIU Post Cheyney
Scoring Offense/Defense 46.0/3rd; 26.0/4th 17.0/13th; 38.5/15th
Rush Offense/Defense 285.0/3rd; 258.0/T14th 108.0/12th; 189.5/12th
Pass Offense/Defense 90.0/15th; 280.0/11th 59.5/16th; 252.0/10th
Total Offense/Defense 375.0/10th; 538.0/16th 167.5/16th; 441.5/14th
What to Expect
- This should be a “ground and pound” type of game as both teams have very good rushing offenses while they rank in the bottom two spots of the conference in passing. The Pioneers had four players rush for at least 45 yards in last week’s opener, led by Jeff Mack (92) and QB Steven Laurino (71). The Wovles ran for over 200 yards in their Week 1 win over Lincoln but were held to just nine yards on the ground and 106 total yards by IUP’s stout defense last week.
- As with any two teams that have good rushing offenses, time of possession could be a key as well. The Pioneers held onto the ball for over 36 minutes last week while Cheyney has averaged just 28:39 per game. Part of the problem for the Wolves has been turnovers, as the Wolves have lost seven fumbles, although they have gained eight for themselves. By contrast, Post picked up seven turnovers from Clarion last week while not committing a single turnover itself.
- Both teams have committed a lot of penalties over the first two weeks of the season so there could be some laundry on the field. LIU Post was flagged 10 times last week while Cheyney has committed a league-high 24 penalties in its first two games for an average of 105 penalty yards per game, the second-most in the PSAC. Cheyney’s opponents have also committed a league-high 32 penalties for a league-high 159 yards.
Series/Game Notes
LIU Post leads Cheyney 4-0 in the all-time series...The Pioneers won last year by a 42-27 score and two years ago by a 63-28 count in Post’s last visit to Cheyney…In the teams’ four all-time meetings, which have come in the last four seasons, the LIU post had outscored Cheyney by a combined score of 191-56…LIU Post has not scored fewer than 35 points in a game vs. Cheyney.
Kutztown (1-1) at Bloomsburg (2-0) Kutztown Preview /
Bloomsburg Preview
September 15 – 2:30 p.m.
Bloomsburg, Pa.
Redman Stadium (4,775)
Conference Ranks Kutztown Bloomsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 51.5/1st; 27.0/T5th 37.0/7th; 21.0/3rd
Rush Offense/Defense 154.5/9th; 109.0/6th 344.0/1st; 68.5/2nd
Pass Offense/Defense 395.0/1st; 247.5/9th 144.0/11th; 289.5/14th
Total Offense/Defense 549.5/1st; 356.5/T4th 488.0/3rd; 358.0/6th
What to Expect
- This game could be one of contrasting offensive styles, as Bloomsburg will take its top-ranked rushing offense behind Franklyn Quiteh and Eddie Mateo, who combined average 307 ypg, against Kutztown’s top-ranked passing offense behind QB Kevin Morton, who has thrown for 768 yards. With the contrasting offensive styles, whichever team goes ahead early could play a big factor in the game. Bloomsburg has played from ahead in its first two games, having trailed for just seven minutes of game time in its first two contests, which has enabled its rushing attack to be fully effective. In Kutztown’s win over Bloomsburg last year, the Golden Bears jumped out to an early lead and the Huskies never led. Although the Huskies still put up 200 rushing yards in last year’s game, its rushing offense became less effective. Last week, Kutztown rallied back from a 27-point deficit to take the lead before falling late against California as Morton threw the ball 52 times.
- With both teams being so strong in a particular area on offense, it could come down to whichever team’s defense plays better and in that area, both teams appear to be relatively even. Bloomsburg has been particularly strong against the run, having allowed just 137 rushing yards combined in its first two games, while Kutztown has allowed fewer passing yards, although they gave up nearly 400 to a strong Cal passing attack last week.
- The two teams have combined to force 12 opponent turnovers while giving away just four combined turnovers in their first two games.
Series/Game Notes
Bloomsburg leads the all-time series with Kutztown 43-21-1...Kutztown won last year’s meeting 52-14 at Kutztown…That win broke an 18-game winning streak by Bloomsburg in the series that had dated back to 1993…Bloomsburg’s last win came in 2010 by a 61-35 margin at home…Prior to last year, the Golden Bears had not defeated the Huskies since 1992, which also is the last time Kutztown has won at Bloomsburg.
Lock Haven (0-2) at IUP (2-0) Lock Haven Preview /
IUP Preview
September 15 – 4:00 p.m.
Indiana, Pa.
Miller Stadium (6,000)
Conference Ranks Lock Haven IUP
Scoring Offense/Defense 0.0/16th; 43.0/16th 44.5/4th; 3.0/2nd
Rush Offense/Defense 66.5/15th; 167.5/10th 316.5/2nd; 28.0/1st
Pass Offense/Defense 114.0/14th; 310.0/15th 143.5/12th; 121.0/2nd
Total Offense/Defense 180.5/15th; 477.5/15th 460.0/5th; 149.0/1st
What to Expect
- IUP’s formula in its first two games has been simple – run the ball well while also stopping the run. Not surprisingly, the Crimson Hawks have possessed the ball for the most time of any team in the PSAC in its first two games. Given Lock Haven’s difficulty in moving the ball and scoring in its first two games, another game of ball control could be in the cards for IUP.
- There is a large discrepancy in the teams’ third-down performance on both sides of the ball. IUP has converted on 52.2 percent of its third down plays compared to just 22.6 for Lock Haven. On defense, the Crimson Hawks have allowed just five third down conversions on 23 chances (21.7 percent), which leads the conference, while Lock Haven is ranked next-to-last, having allowed 16-of-29 opponents’ conversions on third down (55.2 percent).
- Three kick returners have combined to help Lock Haven to a 20.8 average on 10 kickoff returns. IUP has averaged just 12.0 ypr on four kick returns.
Series/Game Notes
IUP leads Lock Haven 55-15-3 in the all-time series...The Crimson Hawks have won the last 30 consecutive meetings with the Bald Eagles, including last year’s 56-6 win at Lock Haven…IUP’s last home game against Lock Haven resulted in a 63-31 victory in 2010...Since the 2007 game, IUP has scored at least 40 points in every meeting with the Bald Eagles and over those last five games, has outscored Lock Haven by a combined 253-57...Lock Haven’s last win in the series came in 1981.
Millersville (1-1) at West Chester (1-1) Millersville Preview /
West Chester Preview
September 15 – 6:00 p.m.
West Chester, Pa.
Farrell Stadium (7,500)
Conference Ranks Millersville West Chester
Scoring Offense/Defense 24.0/11th; 31.0/11th 21.0/12th; 29.0/8th
Rush Offense/Defense 191.5/7th; 241.0/13th 162.0/8th; 130.0/7th
Pass Offense/Defense 136.0/13th; 197.5/6th 185.0/9th; 289.0/13th
Total Offense/Defense 327.5/13th; 438.5/13th 347.0/12th; 419.0/12th
What to Expect
- West Chester is averaging 46.0 net yards per kickoff compared to just 33.0 for Millersville. However, the Marauders, behind the 32.5 ypr average of David Coates, are averaging an impressive 29.3 ypr as a team on kickoff returns compared to just 17.5 ypr for West Chester, so something will have to give in this matchup, which could result in a field position advantage for one team.
- Millersville has had one great game and one bad game, so which team shows up this week will likely decide if this is a close game and the Marauders have a chance at ending a long losing streak to the Golden Rams or if West Chester’s dominance in the series will continue. The Marauders appear to have a decent running game behind RBs Myron Myles and Mike Jones and QB Ted Stachitas, who leads the team in rushing and has an impressive 5.1 ypc average. Millersville had almost twice as many rushing attempts as passes attempted and although West Chester ranks in the lower half of the league in passing yards allowed, the Golden Rams have six interceptions in their first two games, which leads the PSAC, so this may play into an advantage for Millersville.
- The Golden Rams turned to QB Mike Mattei last week as Sean McCartney, who started in Week 1, may be out for a while with an injury. West Chester appears to have a pretty balanced offense this season but they may want to attack the Millersville defense on the ground with Rondell White, who ran for over 200 yards in Week 1 against Delaware. Millersville gave up a 200-yard runner last week to Mercyhurst’s Brandon Brown-Dukes.
Series/Game Notes
West Chester leads Millersville 62-17 in the all-time series...The Golden Rams won last year 49-13 on the road and in the last meeting at West Chester between the two teams, won 45-14 …The Golden Rams have won nine straight in the series and 10 of the last 11...Since 2006, West Chester has scored at least 40 points in each game against Millersville and in the last six games beginning with the 2006 meeting, has outscored the Marauders by a combined 294-88...WCU head coach Bill Zwaan has never lost to the Marauders...Millersville’s last win in the series came in 2002.
Gannon (1-1) at Slippery Rock (1-1) Gannon Preview /
Slippery Rock Preview
September 15 – 6:00 p.m.
Slippery Rock, Pa.
Mihalik-Thompson Stadium (10,000)
Conference Ranks Gannon Slippery Rock
Scoring Offense/Defense 25.5/10th; 27.0/7th 43.5/5th; 30.5/10th
Rush Offense/Defense 32.5/16th; 170.5/11th 192.5/6th; 99.0/5th
Pass Offense/Defense 344.0/4th; 176.5/5th 180.0/10th; 279.5/11th
Total Offense/Defense 376.5/9th; 347.0/3rd 372.5/11th; 378.5/8th
What to Expect
- Gannon has proven that its passing game is much improved while Slippery Rock was burned through the air last week while going up against one of the best passing offenses in the league in Shippensburg. Given that Gannon has only rushed for a total of 65 yards in two games, the Golden Knights will likely look to attack The Rock through the air. Slippery Rock is also tied for first in the PSAC so far with 3.5 sacks in two games.
- Slippery Rock’s offense has put up a healthy number of points and yards in the first weeks of the season but will face what has been a stingy defense in Gannon, which held West Chester to just 100 yards rushing on the ground a week after the Golden Rams rushed for 224 against a Division I team. The running attack with Akeem Satterfield, who has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the first two games, still appears to be The Rock’s offensive strength. At QB, Nigel Barksdale came in and received a good bulk of playing time last week after Jared Buck saw most of the snaps in Week 1.
-Slippery Rock averages 47.7 net yards per kickoff while Gannon only averages 36.0. In a close game, especially one in which turnovers may come into play, as Gannon has seven turnovers in two games compared to just three for The Rock, that 11+-yard difference in starting position could be important.
Series/Game Notes
Gannon leads the all-time series with Slippery Rock 5-2 and are 3-1 against The Rock as a member of the PSAC...The Golden Knights have won three straight meetings with The Rock, winning by a 33-27 score last season in the final divisional game of the season after Rock had already clinched a spot in the PSAC Championship game…The Gannon win prevented The Rock from winning the West outright last year…The Golden Knights also won by a 24-20 count in 2010 in the their last visit to Slippery Rock and in a shootout, 51-48 in 2009...Rock’s last win in the series came in 2008, a 24-16 victory at home...The teams also met previously in three non-conference games prior to Gannon joining the PSAC in 2008, with Gannon winning two of those three games.
California (2-0) at Edinboro (0-1) California Preview /
Edinboro Preview
September 15 – 6:05 p.m.
Edinboro, Pa.
Sox Harrison Stadium (6,000)
Conference Ranks California Edinboro
Scoring Offense/Defense 38.0/7th; 32.5/13th 14.0/15th; 30.0/9th
Rush Offense/Defense 150.5/10th; 91.0/4th 104.0/13th; 319.0/16th
Pass Offense/Defense 337.0/5th; 316.5/16th 209.0/6th; 91.0/1st
Total Offense/Defense 487.5/4th; 407.5/10th 313.0/14th; 410.0/11th
What to Expect
- California is coming off back-to-back wins over ranked teams in which the Vulcans have put up impressive offensive numbers in both games while Edinboro lost to a ranked team in Bloomsburg last week as the Fighting Scots struggled particularly in running the ball.
- The Vulcans have been particularly successful in throwing the ball in the first two weeks with QB Peter Lalich completing 60 percent of his throws. Lalich and the Vulcans may find it a little tougher this week against the very strong Edinboro secondary, which was the best in the PSAC last year and held the Huskies to under 100 yards passing last week. However, part of that was because the Scots gave up over 300 yards rushing to Bloomsburg, which is the PSAC’s best rushing team thus far in 2012. With that type of discrepancy and with the strength of Edinboro’s secondary, the Vulcans may elect to run more behind Lamont Smith and Cody Cook, who have combined for average over 4.8 ypc. The Vulcans have also utilized their tight end more so far this year, with TE Blake Williamson having hauled in 12 passes to rank second on the team, which is nearly halfway to his total of 30 from all of last season.
- After starting out the game very well, Cal’s secondary was torched by Kutztown’s Kevin Morton last week, particularly in the second half, as the Golden Bears rallied back from a 27-point deficit to take the lead before the Vulcans scored late to take the win. That 359 passing yards allowed by the Vulcans last week marked the first time a team went for over 300 yards through the air against the Vulcans since Mercyhurst threw for 301 in 2010 and the most since West Liberty threw for 365 in Cal’s win in the 2009 NCAA playoffs. Meanwhile, dating back to last year, the Vulcans have held seven of their last 15 opponents under 100 yards rushing, so Edinboro may find an easier time passing against the Vulcans, particularly with the very accurate Cody Harris. Last year, Harris completed over 70 percent of his passes and he was also very accurate last week, completing over 65 percent against Bloomsburg without an interception.
Series/Game Notes
California leads the all-time series with Edinboro 41-35-2...The Vulcans won last year’s meeting 34-28 at home and also topped ‘Boro 24-0 in 2010 in the teams’ last meeting in Edinboro…The Vulcans have won the last seven meetings in the series...The Fighting Scots’ last win in the series came in 2004.
Shippensburg (2-0) at East Stroudsburg (1-0) Shippensburg Preview /
East Stroudsburg Preview
September 15 – 6:05 p.m.
East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Eiler-Martin Stadium (6,000)
Conference Ranks Shippensburg East Stroudsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 46.5/2nd; 31.5/12th 31.0/9th; 0.0/1st
Rush Offense/Defense 141.0/11th; 130.5/8th 70.0/14th; 84.0/3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 372.0/2nd; 226.0/8th 355.0/3rd; 151.0/4th
Total Offense/Defense 513.0/2nd; 356.5/T4th 425.0/7th; 235.0/2nd
What to Expect
- This game has the potential to be a shootout as both teams will likely air it out. Shippensburg has attempted 80 passes in its first two games, which ranks third behind only Kutztown and California, which resulted in nine TD passes and an average of 9.3 yards per pass attempt. East Stroudsburg averaged 12.7 yards per pass in its win last week against Lock Haven, and those two averages per attempt rank as the top two in the PSAC.
- The Red Raiders like the spread the wealth in their passing, as 10 different receivers have caught passes in their first two games, and six have caught touchdowns, including one TD catch by QB Zach Zulli, who has thrown eight TDs and just one interception. Of the 10 players that have at least one catch, seven are averaging at least 10 yards per catch.
- East Stroudsburg’s trifecta of Jordan Hallman, Robert Bleiler and Dusty Reed will likely be QB Nate Daniels’ top three targets. The Warriors also have two experienced senior RBs in Kendrick Williams and Eric Deery, who combined to average over 4.9 ypc last week.
Series/Game Notes
Shippensburg leads the all-time series with East Stroudsburg 28-17-2...Shippensburg has won the last three meetings, including last year’s 44-14 win…The Red Raiders also won 20-17 on the road in 2010, which was the teams’ last meeting at East Stroudsburg…Shippensburg has won 10 of the last 12 meetings in the series...East Stroudsburg’s last win in the series came in 2008, a 44-41 overtime decision.