Football - Week 2
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After the most successful non-conference season that saw the PSAC pick up the most non-conference wins since 2004, attention turns this week to the first round of 'crossover' games in which teams from the Eastern and Western divisions will match up against each other. The highlight of this week's schedule appears to be the matchup of nationally-ranked teams as California travels to Kutztown in the teams' first meeting in 15 years. This game could have NCAA playoff and seeding implications depending on how the remainder of the year goes for both teams and could also be a possible preview of the PSAC championship game in November. The Golden Bears are the defending PSAC champions while the Vulcans, although they have not been to the PSAC title game since 2009, have won at least a share of the last seven PSAC West titles. The Bears and Vulcans will be the final game of the eight-game slate on Saturday, kicking off at 6:05 p.m. from Kutztown's University Field.
Elsewhere, East Stroudsburg, LIU Post and Edinboro each kick off their seasons after being idle during opening week. The Warriors host Lock Haven, the Pioneers host Clarion in the first-ever matchup of those teams as the Pioneers will play for the first time under the name LIU Post, while Edinboro travels to Bloomsburg to meet the Huskies, who turned in a dominating performance in its Week 1 road win at Stonehill. Shippensburg will host Slippery Rock in a matchup of 1-0 teams after both squads looked good in Week 1 wins, while IUP travels to Cheyney in another matchup of 1-0 teams where the Crimson Hawks and Wolves will meet for the just the fifth time in the schools' history.
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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
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AFCA Top 25 Poll
PSAC Teams Ranked This Week – 9/3 (Week 1)
11. California
11. Kutztown
19. Bloomsburg
23. IUP
RV: Shippensburg, Slippery Rock
D2football.com Top 25 Poll
PSAC Teams Ranked This Week – 9/4 (Week 1)
10. California
15. Kutztown
19. Bloomsburg
24. IUP
PSAC in the Polls
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Pre. |
9-3 |
9-10 |
9-17 |
9-24 |
10-1 |
10-8 |
10-15 |
10-22 |
10-29 |
11-5 |
11-12 |
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Bloomsburg |
25/21 |
19/19 |
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California |
11/11 |
10/10 |
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IUP |
RV/- |
23/24 |
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Kutztown |
12/18 |
11/15 |
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Shippensburg |
-/- |
RV/- |
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Slippery Rock |
RV/- |
RV/- |
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*Ranking order: AFCA/D2football.com
PSAC Football – Week Two Notes – 9/5/12
Quick Hits
- 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.
- The 10 non-conference wins also marked the ninth time in the last 20 seasons that the PSAC posted double digit victories in non-conference play and the first time since 2004.
- This week marks the first of three weeks of ‘crossover’ games in the PSAC this year, pitting teams from opposite divisions in the PSAC against each other. In addition to this week, crossover play will occur this year on September 29 and November 10. Last year, the East won more games than the West for the first time in the four-year history of the current divisional setup, going 13-10 vs. the West. Over the last four seasons since the current divisional setup and scheduling format went into effect in the 2008 season, the West leads the East 58-52. The West went 15-9 in crossover games in 2008 and 14-10 last year. The divisions each won 12 games apiece in 2009.
- Two teams had two running backs rush for at least 100 yards in Week 1 victories. Bloomsburg had both Franklyn Quiteh (218) and Eddie Mateo (114) go for over 100 while IUP had Harvie Tuck (185) and Montay Green (101) eclipse the century mark.
- Kutztown put up 723 yards of total offense in its win over St. Anselm last week. That marked the fifth-most yards in a single game in PSAC history and just the eighth game in league history a team accumulated at least 700 yards in a single game. Over the last two years, the Golden Bears have posted a total of 1420 yards of offense in its season-opening wins over St. Anselm.
Game Previews
Gannon (1-0) at West Chester (0-1) Gannon Preview /
West Chester Preview
September 8 – 12:00 p.m.
West Chester, Pa.
Farrell Stadium (7,500)
Conference Ranks Gannon West Chester
Scoring Offense/Defense 36.0/7th; 33.0/10th 21.0/11th; 41.0/11th
Rush Offense/Defense -18.0/13th; 241.0/11th 224.0/5th; 177.0/10th
Pass Offense/Defense 420.0/2nd; 169.0/3rd 186.0/7th; 310.0/10th
Total Offense/Defense 402.0/6th; 410.0/8th 410.0/5th; 487.0/11th
What to Expect
- In a complete contrast of its offense from the past couple of years, Gannon racked up the passing yards while struggling in the running game and finishing with negative yardage on the ground in its season-opening win over Lake Erie. Part of that was due to the nature of the game and the Golden Knights coming from behind to get the win over the Storm in the last minute and part was due to QB Liam Nadler being sacked eight times. Despite the eight sacks, Nadler worked with a new cast of receivers to throw for a school record 420 yards, so Gannon has proven it has a much improved passing game. The Golden Rams will counter with an experienced secondary, which despite giving up over 300 yards passing to Division I FCS Delaware in Week 1, looks to be a strength of the team this season. The West Chester defensive line is also experienced and with the switch to a 4-3 defense this year, will look to once again shut down Gannon’s run and force the Knights to pass.
- West Chester’s offense showed some very good signs last week as it went for over 400 yards against a solid Division I defense. Over half of those yards were by RB Rondell White, who ran for over 200. He should match up well against a Gannon rush defense that allowed over 240 rushing yards to Lake Erie. Despite being outrushed by over 250 yards, Gannon won the time of possession battle last week by over six minutes, as did West Chester, as it held the ball for over six minutes longer than Delaware. Time of possession could be a critical factor in the outcome of the game as well, given that both teams posted similar numbers in total offense last week. White and the WCU running game may be even more important given that starting QB Sean McCartney sustained an injury last week and is questionable for this week. If he is unable to go, backup QB Mike Mattei will start.
Series/Game Notes
This will mark the first-ever meeting between Gannon and West Chester…The Golden Rams are the only remaining team that the Golden Knight are yet to play since Gannon’s entrance into the PSAC in 2008.
#23/24 IUP (1-0) at Cheyney (1-0) IUP Preview / Cheyney Preview
September 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Cheyney, Pa.
O’Shields-Stevenson Stadium (5,000)
Conference Ranks IUP Cheyney
Scoring Offense/Defense 33.0/9th; 6.0/T2nd 34.0/8th; 21.0/6th
Rush Offense/Defense 310.0/2nd; 47.0/5th 207.0/6th; 56.0/7th
Pass Offense/Defense 146.0/9th; 145.0/2nd 22.0/13th; 363.0/12th
Total Offense/Defense 456.0/4th; 192.0/3rd 229.0/12th; 419.0/9th
What to Expect
- Cheyney did a great job of stopping the run last week in its win over Lincoln, which was somewhat expected since Lincoln did not have a very good running game. By contrast, IUP has one of the best rushing offenses in the PSAC and had two RBs rush for over 100 yards in its Week 1 win over Southern Connecticut in Harvie Tuck and Montay Green. The Wolves will have their hands full with that duo this week in addition to an experienced offensive line for the Crimson Hawks, which allowed only one sack last week. If IUP is able to run the ball effectively again, it likely won’t need to go to the air often. IUP only attempted 17 passes last week so look for more passing numbers like that should the Crimson Hawks be effective again on the ground.
- The Wolves offense also was heavily centered on the run in its Week 1 win, as over 90 percent of its total offense came on the ground. IUP had over a 15-minute advance in time of possession last week so Cheyney’s ability to run the ball effectively again will likely be the most important factor for the Wolves in this game. IUP will showcase a much better rush defense than Cheyney encountered in Week 1 with Lincoln, as the Crimson Hawks gave up just 47 rushing yards to the Owls last week and last year held seven of 10 opponents under 100 yards rushing.
Series/Game Notes
IUP leads the all-time series with Cheyney 4-0…This will mark the first meeting between the Crimson Hawks and Wolves since 2007, when IUP won by a 80-14 score at home…IUP topped the Wolves 33-6 in the Crimson Hawks’ last visit for Cheyney in 2006…The teams’ only other meetings came in 1995 (58-0) and 1994 (45-6).
Clarion (1-0) at LIU Post (0-0) Clarion Preview /
LIU Post Preview
September 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Brookville, N.Y.
Hickox Field (5,000)
Conference Ranks Clarion LIU Post (2011)
Scoring Offense/Defense 7.0/12th; 0.0/1st 26.2/10th; 24.9/7th
Rush Offense/Defense 155.0/8th; 34.0/3rd 191.6/5th; 111.0/4th
Pass Offense/Defense 136.0/11th; 321.0/11th 180.5/10th; 259.5/16th
Total Offense/Defense 291.0/11th; 355.0/5th 372.2/8th; 370.5/11th
What to Expect
- This game will be a matchup of two of the best dual threat QBs in the PSAC with Ben Fiscus of Clarion and Steven Laurino of LIU Post both being bigger threats with their legs than their arms. The defense that best contains the opposition’s QB on the ground will likely stand the best chance at winning this matchup.
- Clarion’s defense did an outstanding job of stuffing the run against Fairmont State and forcing timely turnovers in pitching a shutout last week. The Golden Eagle defense will need a similar effort in stopping the run against LIU Post, which has had one of the best running games in the league over the past few seasons. In addition to Laurino, the Pioneers return three experienced RBs in Jeff Mack, Anthony Brunetti and Thomas Beverly. Offensively, Clarion was fairly balanced between the run and the pass in Week 1 and although they are better at rushing than passing, its best way of attacking the Pioneer defense may be through the air as Post gave up the most passing yards in the league last season.
Series/Game Notes
This will mark the first-ever meeting between Clarion and LIU Post…The Golden Eagles are the only PSAC opponent that the Pioneers are yet to play since joining the PSAC in 2008.
Edinboro (0-0) at #19/19 Bloomsburg (1-0) Edinboro Preview /
Bloomsburg Preview
September 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Bloomsburg, Pa.
Redman Stadium (4,775)
Conference Ranks Edinboro (2011) Bloomsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 28.8/6th; 17.0/4th 44.0/3rd; 28.0/T8th
Rush Offense/Defense 145.4/7th; 129.5/7th 369.0/1st; 33.0/2nd
Pass Offense/Defense 200.7/8th; 163.1/1st 197.0/6th; 370.0/13th
Total Offense/Defense 346.1/11th; 292.6/3rd 566.0/2nd; 403.0/7th
What to Expect
- The Huskies were one of two PSAC teams that had two RBs run for over 100 yards in Week 1, with IUP being the other. Bloomsburg will likely deal the Fighting Scots a heavy dose of Franklyn Quiteh and Eddie Mateo. This is not only for the reason that the running game is Bloomsburg’s strength, but also because Edinboro has what was the best secondary in the PSAC last season and one that returns the duo of Branden Williams and James Jackson, who have a combined 23 career interceptions.
- The Fighting Scots had a pretty balanced offense last season and that trend is likely to continue this season with an experienced group of RBs and receivers back in addition to third-year starting QB Cody Harris, who completed over 70 percent of his passes last season. Bloomsburg shut down the run last week against Stonehill but gave up 370 yards through the air. Though part of that can be attributed to Stonehill trailing for most of the game, Edinboro may find it easier to move the ball through the air in this matchup.
Series/Game Notes
Edinboro leads Bloomsburg in the all-time series 6-2…The teams’ last meeting was in 2007, a 42-41 win in Bloomsburg for the Fighting Scots…Bloomsburg’s last win came in 2006, 28-14 at Edinboro…The teams also split a home-and-home series in 1998-99 and Edinboro also won games in 1981-82 and 1990-91.
Slippery Rock (1-0) at Shippensburg (1-0) Slippery Rock Preview /
Shippensburg Preview
September 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Shippensburg, Pa.
Grove Stadium (7,700)
Conference Ranks Slippery Rock Shippensburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 52.0/2nd; 6.0/T2nd 38.0/6th; 28.0/T8th
Rush Offense/Defense 172.0/7th; -16.0/1st 68.0/11th; 48.0/6th
Pass Offense/Defense 137.0/10th; 207.0/5th 392.0/3rd; 229.0/6th
Total Offense/Defense 309.0/10th; 191.0/2nd 460.0/3rd; 277.0/4th
What to Expect
- Slippery Rock’s defense, which was among the best in the country last season and turned in another outstanding performance in its opener last week, will have its first major challenge of the year this week in Shippensburg, which had one of the best offenses in the league last season and carried that into this year with its performance last week, particularly through the air. Although they did not run the ball much in Week 1, which was partially due to the nature of the game in that the Red Raiders were forced to play from behind, they do have two experienced backs in Mike Frenette and Kevin Herod. Shippensburg also put up its big offensive numbers against a Shepherd defense that returned eight starters from what was one of the best defenses in the country last season. The Red Raiders went over 400 yards in eight of its 11 games last season while The Rock only allowed three opponents in 2011 to go over 300 yards.
- With such a strong offense, the success of the Red Raiders this year would seem to be dependent on its defense, which after allowing 28 first-half points to Shepherd last week, pitched a shutout in the second half. The Shippensburg rush defense was particularly strong, allowing just 48 yards. They’ll need a similar performance against a strong Rock rushing attack, with a solid dual attack with Akeem Satterfield and Jimmy Zubik and a QB capable of running as well in Jared Buck, who posted 36 yards on the ground last week and a rushing TD. Rock’s passing game was also very efficient last week, as the team missed on just four passes last week while Buck threw for three TDs.
Series/Game Notes
Slippery Rock leads the all-time series with Shippensburg 39-20-2…The series dates back to 1924…The teams last met in 2007, which was Shippensburg’s last year in the PSAC West before moving to the PSAC East in 2008, with Slippery Rock coming away with a 38-34 win on the road…Shippensburg’s last win over The Rock came in 2006, a 28-21 decision at Slippery Rock.
Mercyhurst (0-1) at Millersville (1-0) Mercyhurst Preview /
Millersville Preview
September 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Millersville, Pa.
Biemesderfer Stadium (6,500)
Conference Ranks Mercyhurst Millersville
Scoring Offense/Defense 42.0/4th; 59.0/13th 41.0/5th; 17.0/5th
Rush Offense/Defense 119.0/10th; 367.0/13th 234.0/4th; 103.0/8th
Pass Offense/Defense 264.0/5th; 176.0/4th 166.0/8th; 287.0/9th
Total Offense/Defense 383.0/9th; 543.0/13th 400.0/7th; 390.0/6th
What to Expect
- Millersville turned in one of its best all-around performances in the last few seasons in its first game of the year, turning a 52-point loss to the same team last year into a 24-point win. Meanwhile, Mercyhurst had a decent game offensively but struggled in stopping Notre Dame College, particularly on the ground, in a shootout loss in Week 1.
- The Marauders look to have an experienced QB in transfer Ted Stachitas, who is a threat both on the ground and through the air. He was the team’s leading rusher last week and not only did he prove to be a threat, but both senior RB Mike Jones and redshirt freshman Myron Myles showed that Millersville may have a much stronger running game that the past few years. That trio may find some room to run against the Lakers, which gave up an average of 6.3 ypc to NDC last week. Defensively, Millersville held down one of the top offenses in the country last year in West Virginia Wesleyan in Week 1, albeit one that had several new faces. Mercyhurst’s offensive numbers looked very similar to that of Millersville’s opponent last week, with the exception of points. The Marauders were able to play from ahead last week and may find it easier to run its game plan again this week if it does the same, particularly if it can run the ball against the Lakers like the Falcons did last week.
Series/Game Notes
This will mark the first-ever meeting between Mercyhurst and Millersville…The Marauders are one of two PSAC teams that the Lakers have not yet played in this, their fifth year in the PSAC. East Stroudsburg, who the Lakers are scheduled to play in the final week of the season, is the other.
Lock Haven (0-1) at East Stroudsburg (0-0) Lock Haven Preview /
East Stroudsburg Preview
September 8 – 6:05 p.m.
East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Eiler-Martin Stadium (6,000)
Conference Ranks Lock Haven East Stroudsburg (2011)
Scoring Offense/Defense 0.0/13th; 55.0/12th 24.9/11th; 29.4/12th
Rush Offense/Defense 49.0/12th; 265.0/12th 107.5/13th; 220.2/16th
Pass Offense/Defense 77.0/12th; 265.0/7th 323.2/1st; 231.1/13th
Total Offense/Defense 126.0/13th; 530.0/12th 430.6/3rd; 451.3/16th
What to Expect
- The Bald Eagles struggled on both offense and defense last week against Division I FCS Fordham while East Stroudsburg will be making its season debut after being open last week. There may be a contrast in how each team elects to attack each other offensively.
- With East Stroudsburg having the worst rush defense in the PSAC last season and being inexperienced on that side of the ball with only three starters returning, the Bald Eagles may look to attack the Warriors on the ground behind RB Brandon Brader. RB Matthew Gibson also looked good last week for the Bald Eagles, gaining 6.8 ypc on five carries while playing behind Brader. The ESU offense should once again be strong as several skill-position players return and either Nate Daniels or Matt Soltes will start at QB. The Warriors will need to cut down on turnovers, which plagued the team last season.
Series/Game Notes
East Stroudsburg and Lock Haven are tied in the all-time series, 7-7…That series record includes a Lock Haven win in the first meeting in 1925, which predated East Stroudsburg’s day as a four-year school…The teams last met exactly five years ago in 2007, when ESU won 58-13 at Lock Haven…The Bald Eagles’ last win in the series came in 1989.
#10/10 California (1-0) at #11/15 Kutztown (1-0) California Preview /
Kutztown Preview
September 8 – 6:05 p.m.
Kutztown, Pa.
University Field (5,600)
Conference Ranks California Kutztown
Scoring Offense/Defense 30.0/10th; 22.0/7th 58.0/1st; 6.0/T2nd
Rush Offense/Defense 122.0/9th; 165.0/9th 292.0/3rd; 39.0/4th
Pass Offense/Defense 276.0/4th; 274.0/8th 431.0/1st; 97.0/1st
Total Offense/Defense 398.0/8th; 439.0/10th 723.0/1st; 136.0/1st
What to Expect
- The first meeting between these two teams in 15 years will be one that may go a long way toward decided playoff berths and home field advantage in the NCAA playoffs depending on how the remainder of the season goes for both teams. Both teams can put points up on the scoreboard in a hurry and both have solid defenses as well, with California’s expected to rank a little higher than Kutztown’s over the entire season after having done so last year, but with Kutztown’s having put up better numbers last week, although it was against a weaker opponent. This will mark the second straight ranked opponent for the Vulcans, who took care of a ranked Hillsdale team last week.
- The Golden Bears will attack the Vulcans with a balance of both the run and the pass after putting up the fifth-most yards in a single-game in PSAC history last week. The Vulcans gave up more yards last week than they gained but were able to come up with timely plays on defense, including a pass breakup in the end zone in the final minute to preserve the win. California should also have a balanced attack on offense, although the health of RB Lamont Smith is in question after he had to leave last week’s game with an injury.
Series/Game Notes
California will be looking for its first-ever win in the series with Kutztown as the Vulcans have never beaten the Golden Bears…Kutztown leads the all-time series 7-0-1…This meeting will be the teams’ first since 1997, when Kutztown came away with a 12-7 home victory…The teams played every year from 1990-97, with Kutztown winning every matchup except for the 1992 meeting, which ended in 30-30 tie.