Game Day Central
IUP Crimson Hawks (3-1, 2-1 PSAC) 
at Edinboro Fighting Scots (0-4, 0-3 PSAC)
Saturday, October 4, 2014 | 2:00 p.m.
Sox Harrison Stadium | Edinboro, Pa.

Listen: WQMU 92.5 FM | u92radio.com
Live Stats: GoFightingScots.com | Fan Stats | Media Stats

THE GAME
The Crimson Hawks look for some revenge on Saturday when they travel up to Edinboro to take on the Fighting Scots in a 2 p.m. kickoff at Sox Harrison Stadium. IUP hopes to spoil Homecoming for the Fighting Scots, who upset the Crimson Hawks 36-30 at Miller Stadium a year ago. IUP is on a two-game winning streak, coming off a huge 41-7 win over Mercyhurst last week. Edinboro is winless, falling last week to California (PA) 34-16. 

The game will be broadcast on WQMU 92.5 FM with the voice of IUP Athletics, Jack Benedict, calling the action. 

RANKINGS
The Crimson Hawks dropped out of both the AFCA Coaches Poll and the D2Football.com Media Poll after their loss at Kutztown. Edinboro is also unranked. 

THE SERIES
This will be 82nd meeting in the series, with IUP holding a big 55-22-4 advantage. Prior to last year's loss, the Crimson Hawks had won three straight, including wins of 18-0 (2010) and 26-10 (2012) at Edinboro. 
  
MERCYHURST LEFTOVERS
• Dating back to last year, the Crimson Hawks have scored 41 or more points in five of their last seven games. IUP ended 2013 with point totals of 42, 55 and 42, and started the year with a 41-point output. 
• IUP allowed just 21 rushing yards to All-PSAC West RB Brandon Brown-Dukes, which was his lowest game total since gaining 4 yards in a win over Cheyney on Oct. 5, 2013. 
• The 27 first quarter points on Saturday were the most points in an opening quarter for the Crimson Hawks since netting 28 against Cheyney on Sept. 14, 2013 and the second highest total for a first quarter under HC Curt Cignetti. 

LOOKING AHEAD
The Crimson Hawks return to Miller Stadium on Oct. 11 to host Seton Hill on Homecoming. IUP won the first ever meeting between the two teams last year, 26-0 in Greensburg. 

AGAINST THE PSAC WEST 
IUP has perennially been the best team in the PSAC West, boasting a 142-32-1 (.814) record against division foes since 1986. The Crimson Hawks are 17-5 in the West in three-plus years under HC Curt Cignetti, including a 6-1 season in 2012. 

HOT STARTS
IUP has gotten off to fast starts in its two big wins this year - 41-19 over St. Augustine's and 41-7 over Mercyhurst. In the 1st quarter against the Falcons, the Crimson Hawks scored 3 TDs to take a 20-0 lead. Last week against the Lakers they scored 4 TDs to go into the 2nd quarter on top 27-0. 

ON THE REBOUND
Following losses, the Crimson Hawks are 6-2 since 2011 under HC Curt Cignetti. IUP was still reeling after its loss at Kutztown, pulling off a 21-16 win at winless Lock Haven. However, the Crimson Hawks bounced back with a big 34-point win over Mercyhurst to put together their first winning streak of the season.  

DIVISION OPENERS
IUP is now 30-2 in its last 32 PSAC West openers, dating back to 1983. The only two losses during that time were to Slippery Rock (20-6 in 2011) and Mercyhurst (20-16 in 2009). 

ABOUT EDINBORO
The Fighting Scots are off to an uncharacteristically poor start, although their 0-4 record has come as the result of playing #18 Carson Newman, Shippensburg, East Stroudsburg and Cal, teams that are a combined 11-5 on the year. 

The Edinboro offense is once again led by QB Cody Harris, who's completing a PSAC-best 72.8 pct. of his passes for 264.3 ypg and 9 TDs. His favorite target has been WR Darren Massey, who is 2nd in the PSAC with 35 catches, adding 391 yards and 5 TDs. Sacks have doomed the Fighting Scots, however, as they're 165th in Division II with 23 sacks allowed in 4 games. Edinboro is averaging 345.5 ypg (9th in PSAC) and just 23.8 ppg (11th). 

The defense has struggled this year, giving up 41.5 ppg and 491.5 ypg. Edinboro has given up a league-worst 13 TDs thru the air and another 9 TDs on the ground. The Fighting Scots have been able to cause turnovers, recovering 6 fumbles so far this year. The bright spots for the Fighting Scots on that side of the ball have been LB Mike Shansky with a team-leading 38 tackles and DE Domenic Principale, who has 4 sacks.

O'Sha Jackson has been the main KOR returner this year, averaging 23.1 yards on 15 returns with a long of 62. Paul Ortiz handles the kicking chores, going 12-13 on XPs and 1-2 on FGs. Ortiz and C. Hollenback each have punted 13 times, averaging 34.7 and 35.2 yards, respectively. 

YAY FOR ME, LUIGI!
IUP's Fr. RB Luigi Lista-Brinza (McKees Rocks, Pa. /Central Catholic) had yet another 100-yard game on Saturday, making it his 3rd in 4 games so far this year. The starter for each game, Lista-Brinza leads the Crimson Hawks and is 4th in the conference with 89.0 ypg and is tied for 2nd in the PSAC in scoring with 8 TDs and 12.0 ppg. His 103 yards and 3 TDs against the Lakers all came in the first half. 

I'M-A LUIGI, NUMBER ONE!
Lista-Brinza's 89.0 ypg leads the PSAC and is 3rd in Division II for a freshman running back. His closest competition in the league comes from Clarion's Delrece Williams with 63.5 ypg, while Hillsdale's Bennett Lewis averages 130.7 ypg to lead all D2 freshman running backs. Click on the PDF link above for more information. 

TEMPLE RUN
Seeing quality time in the backfield behind Lista-Brinza is fellow Fr. RB Chris Temple. After not playing in the season opener, Temple is IUP's 2nd leading rusher with 141 yards and a TD on 35 carries. His season-high came at Lock Haven when he carried 16 times for 74 yards and he scored his 1st career TD last week against Mercyhurst from 7 yards out, and totaled 38 yards on the ground for the game. 

KEEP THEM COMING
In addition to Lista-Brinza and Temple, the Crimson Hawks boast two more backs who have seen carries and playing time so far this fall. So. RB Darian Bradley (Midland, Pa./Beaver) has seen the majority of his time in the 2nd half of games as IUP wears down opponents, gaining 98 yards and also had 3 catches for 23 yards. 

So. RB Izzy Green (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison) has also flashed some big play ability with 76 yards on just 8 carries and a TD. Although he's only played in 5 quarters due to an injury. 

RUNNING GAMES
After averaging just 129.5 rushing yards in the first two games, IUP has run for 410 yards (205 ypg) in wins over Lock Haven and Mercyhurst. Also up from the first two games is touchdowns (4 to 6), carries (66 to 91) and per carry average (3.9 to 4.5). 

IUP has also gone from 8th in the PSAC and 106th in Division II to 5th and 68th, respectively, in the last 2 games.

COMING INTO HIS OWN
Gr. QB Chase Haslett (Clayton, Mo./Clayton) had his best game of the year against Mercyhurst, going 12-15 (80 pct) for 157 yards and 2 TDs, putting up a pass efficiency rating of 211.92. In his last 2 games he's completing 74.3 pct of his passes for 333 yards and 3 TDs, with 2 completions of 44 yards. 

SO GOES THE TEAM?
Haslett has performed markedly better in the Crimson Hawks' victories this year compared to the lone loss. In IUP's 3 wins, Haslett has completed 40-55 (72.8 pct) for 509 yards, 6 TDs and 3 Ints. He's also been sacked just once in those games. In the loss at Kutztown, Haslett was 10-32 (31.2 pct) for 98 yards and 2 Ints. Click on the PDF link above for more information. 

HOLDING THAT LINE
The Crimson Hawks seem to have settled in on an offensive line unit, a group that has helped IUP rush for 205 ypg and given up 0 sacks in the last 2 games. 

Due to an injury, the Crimson Hawks have had 2 starting lineups this year, with Fr. Dan Charmo (Hamilton, Va./Loundon Valley) taking over for R-So. Tony Morgante (Mountain Top, Pa. /Crestwood) at right guard in the 3rd game. 

The offensive line features two players who started a majority of the games last year, including Sr. Matt Sasson at center and R-Sr. Jorge Vicioso (Passaic, N.J./Passaic) at right tackle. R-Sr. Bruce Atkins (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills) and So. Ethan Cooper (Steelton, Pa. /Central Dauphin East) at left tackle and left guard have stepped in this year. Altogether, the starting offensive line has 55 career starts under their belts. 

3RD DOWN? NO PROBLEM
Despite the Crimson Hawks' lack of scoring this season (27.5 ppg - 9th in PSAC), they've been very successful on 3rd downs, ranking 3rd in the league and 11th in the nation with a 54.2 conversion rate. IUP has 
converted 26-48 3rd down tries this year, including 10-14 at Lock Haven. 

CONVERTING IN THE RED ZONE
IUP is 1st in the PSAC and tied for 10th in Division II with a red zone conversion rate of 93.8 pct, scoring on 15 of 16 chances. The Crimson Hawks have 9 rushing TDs and 6 passing TDs in the red zone thru 4 games. 

STEPPING UP
Haslett's favorite target this year has been R-Sr. WR Drew Carswell (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Sto-Rox), who leads the team with 16 catches, 266 yards and 3 TDs. His 16.6 ypc is also the best on the team, as he's reeled in a pair of 44-yard receptions in each of the last 2 games. During that span - wins over Lock Haven and Mercyhurst - he's caught 10 passes for 183 yards and 2 TDs. 

SPREADING THE WORTH
Nine Crimson Hawks have caught passes this season, including five WRs, two RBs and two TEs.

In addition to Carswell, Fr. WR Walt Pegues (Philadelphia, Pa. /Central) is 2nd on the team with 13 receptions, while So. FB Nick Dubowki and Fr. WR Tristan Davis (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne) each have 5 receptions.  

BIGGER EXPLOSIONS
The Crimson Hawks have had 11 explosive plays (20 yards or more) this season, although just 6 since in the last 3 games. They have been getting a bigger bang for their buck, with 3 plays of 40 or more yards (2 pass, 1 rush) against Lock Haven and Mercyhurst. 

NEW FACES
Three of IUP's top five pass catchers are new to the roster, including the true freshmen receivers Pegues & Davis and Gr. TE Brock DeCicco (Jefferson Hills, Pa. /Thomas Jefferson). The transfer from Wisconsin, DeCicco has 4 catches for 65 yards and a TD.

LOADS OF TACKLES
R-So. LB Kevin Clarke (West Mifflin, Pa. /West Mifflin) has put up some big numbers in 4 games this year, as he is tied for 3rd in the PSAC and 21st in Division II with 11.5 tackles per game. He began the season with 13 stops against Saint Augustine's and followed that up with 19 at Kutztown. 

Clarke also leads the Crimson Hawks with 6.0 TFLs and has 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He was named PSAC West Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 1 against the Falcons. 

TOP 'BACKERS
Even with injuries effecting several IUP linebackers this year, the Crimson Hawks are still considered to have one of the top units in the PSAC. Clarke has started all 4 games, with R-Sr. LB Alexander Berdahl (Ashburn, Va./Bishop O'Connell) getting 2 starts and So. LB Myles Catlin (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Obama) also getting a pair. R-Sr. Dorian Lane (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Woodland Hills) has seen action in 1 game this year. 

Berdahl ('12) and Lane ('13) have led IUP in tackles each of the past two seasons, with each earning All-PSAC West honors in the process. Berdahl is also a former all-region selection. Click on the PDF link above for more information. 

GREAT WALL OF INDIANA
The Crimson Hawks' defensive line is deep and talented, and has proven that, especially over the last 2 games. IUP has given up just 78 rushing yards  on 53 carries (1.47 ypc) while allowing 11.5 ppg. During that span, defensive linemen have combined for 33 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. 

IUP plays anywhere between 8-10 linemen each game, with each contributing in different facets. Jr. NG Karon Gibson (Sicklerville, N.J./Woodbury) leads the unit with 19 tackls and 2 sacks while Fr. DT Jemal Averette (Upper Marlboro, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) has 5 TFL and R-Fr. DE Matthew Mowad (Easton, Pa. /Easton) has 4 TFL. R-Sr. DE Shane Meisner (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield ) has seen teams due everything to avoid him, as he has 11 tackles and 2 TFLs this year. Click on the PDF link above for more information. 

SAFETY FIRST
Fr. FS Takhi Turner (Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Twp.) has put up some good numbers to open up his collegiate career, as he's 2nd on the team with 27 total tackles and is tied for the team-lead with 5 passes defensed. 

He had a season-high 11 tackles and broke up 3 passes at Kutztown and also has IUP's only interception of the season, bringing one back 30 yards against Saint Augustine's. 

CORNERING THE MARKET
R-Sr. CB Jerell McFadden (Manassas, Va./Osbourn) is the most experienced player on the IUP roster and quite possibly has the most starts of any defensive back in the PSAC. The All-PSAC performer has 36 career starts, including 24 in a row. 

He's again one of the Crimson Hawks' top tacklers this season, as his 21 stops are 3rd on the team. He also has 3 TFLs and is tied for the team-lead with 5 passes defensed.  

For his career, McFadden has 202 total tackles, 4 interceptions and 20 more passes broken up. 

MOVING UP THE RECORD BOOKS
Sr. K Brett Ullman (Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall) entered this season on pace to break three career IUP scoring records, including points scored, field goals made, and extra points made. 

He'll need 53 points, 11 field goals, and 7 extra points for the rest of the 2014 season to break each respective record. Click on the PDF link above for more information. 

GOOD RETURNS
The Crimson Hawks have received a boost in the return game this year from a pair of new faces in Pegues and Davis. Pegues has returned 7 kickoffs for a 25.4 average, with longs of 50 (Mercyhurst) and 43 yards (Lock Haven). Davis boasts a 25.3 KOR average with a long of 47, and also has a 9.5 PR average, with a long of 18 yards. 

ODDS AND ENDS

PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS
Sr. PK Brett Ullman (Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall) received preseason All-American honors by both the Beyond Sports Network (BSN) and by the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL). Sr. DE Shane Meisner (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield ) was also selected by the CDFL. 

FRED MITCHELL WATCH LIST
Ullman is one of 36 kickers from the FCS, Division II, III, the NAIA and the NJCAA to land on the Fred Mitchell Watch List. The award honors kickers at each of those levels who excel on the football field and in the community. Ullman is one of 12 kickers from Division II.

IUP AGAINST THE PSAC EAST
Since 2006, IUP has an incredible 24-5 (.828) record against teams from the PSAC East. This includes a seven-game winning streak that dated back to the 34-7 win over West Chester in 2011 and ended last week. IUP is 5-1 vs. Millersville, 4-0 vs. East Stroudsburg and Cheyney, and 3-0 vs. West Chester. 

SUCCESS IN THE PSAC
The Crimson Hawks are one of the most successful teams in the PSAC, and the winningest in the West since Curt Cignetti took over in 2011. IUP is second to only Bloomsburg with 28 wins (the Huskies have 29). Both schools have won the last two conference championships.

COACHING CONTINUITY
The 10 total coaches on the staff this season have combined to coach 83 seasons at IUP, with four coaches boasting at least 12 years of experience at the school. ST coordinator/DEs coach Bernie McQuown will enter his 28th year on the sidelines with IUP, tops amongst the staff. DC Paul Tortorella has coached 20 years while LBs coach Jim Smith has put in 15 years and OL coach Mike Campolo has logged 12. 

Cignetti and WRs coach Rod Rutherford each have three years while RBs coach Jim Chapin has two, and OC Tyler Haines has one. CBs coach Johnny Franco and DTs coach Bryant Haines are in their first years on staff. 

A FAMILY AFFAIR
The 2014 Crimson Hawks feature two pairs of brothers in OC Tyler Haines & DT coach Bryant Haines and CB coach Johnny Franco and R-So. SS Steve Franco (Tyrone, Pa. /Tyrone ). The elder Haines took over as the offensive playcaller and QBs coach last year while his younger brother joined the coaching staff this year. Johnny was a three-year starter in the Crimson Hawks' defensive backfield before Steve transferred to IUP from Akron in 2013. He began as a QB before moving to the defensive side this spring and hopes to fill his older brother's shoes in 2014.

PSAC PRESEASON POLLS
For the third straight year, IUP was picked to win the PSAC West by the league's coaches at the conference's media day. Click on the PDF link above for more information. 

IUP IN OPENERS
With last Saturday's win, IUP is now 15-2 in season openers since 1998, boasting 9 consecutive wins. Those wins have come over Cheyney (2006-07), C.W. Post (2008), Southern Connecticut State (2009-10, 2012-13), East Stroudsburg (2011) and Saint Augustine's (2014).