Game Day Central
IUP Crimson Hawks (5-2, 4-2 PSAC) 
vs. Slippery Rock (5-2, 4-3 PSAC)
Saturday, October 25, 2014 | 1:00 p.m.
George P. Miller Stadium @ Frank Cignetti Field | Indiana, Pa.

Watch: BackLight TV | backlighttv.com 
Replay: IUP-TV Comcast Ch. 6 on Monday & Tuesday at 7PM & 10PM
Listen: WQMU 92.5 FM | u92radio.com 
Live Stats: IUPathletics.com | Fan Stats | Media Stats

THE GAME
The Crimson Hawks return home to host the best rivalry game in the PSAC when Slippery Rock visits Frank Cignetti Field @ George P. Miller Stadium on Saturday. Both teams enter the bitter matchup coming off heartbreaking losses, including IUP, whose comeback attempt fell short in a 21-13 loss at Cal in the Coal Bowl. SRU lost its 2nd straight game, succumbing to Mercyhurst 45-23 in the Big House Battle at Michigan Stadium. 

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

RANKINGS
IUP has not been back in the rankings since falling to Kutztown in the 2nd week of the season. The Crimson Hawks were receiving votes in each of the last two AFCA coaches' polls. SRU reached as high as 19th in the AFCA poll and 14th in the D2football.com media poll, but dropped out after its loss to Cal two weeks ago. 

THE SERIES
This will be the 83rd all-time meeting between these two rivals, with IUP holding a 45-35-2 advantage in the series. The two have split the last eight matchups, with the home teams dominating as each has a 3-1 record in their respective friendly confines. 

CALIFORNIA (PA) LEFTOVERS
• Several performances landed in the IUP record book after last week's loss to Cal, including the 34 completions by Gr. QB Chase Haslett (Clayton, Mo./Clayton) (t-1st) and the 15 receptions by R-Sr. WR Drew Carswell (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Sto-Rox) (t-1st). Haslett's 359 passing yards are also 10th all-time and the 11 receptions by Gr. TE Brock DeCicco (Jefferson Hills, Pa. /Thomas Jefferson) are tied for 7th. 
• Despite the loss, the Crimson Hawks dominated Cal in nearly every statistical category, including rushing yards (111-60), passing yards (359-238), total yards (470-298), first downs (28-19) and time of possession (34:46-25:14). However, IUP turned the ball over 5 times. 

LOOKING AHEAD
The Crimson Hawks get another home game next week when they host Clarion on Saturday. IUP has won each of the last three matchups over the Golden Eagles in dominating fashion, winning by an average score of 42-7. 

AGAINST THE PSAC WEST 
IUP has perennially been the best team in the PSAC West, boasting a 144-33-1 (.812) record against division foes since 1986. The Crimson Hawks are 19-6 (.760) in the West in three-plus years under HC Curt Cignetti, including a 6-1 season in 2012. 

OFFENSE MEETS DEFENSE
Saturday's matchup will be a classic battle of offense vs. defense, as SRU is one of the top offensive teams in the PSAC and IUP is one of the top defensive teams. Click on the game notes link (PDF) above for more information. 

ABOUT SLIPPERY ROCK
SRU is coming off of a rough stretch of games, falling from the ranks of the unbeaten with a pair of upset losses to Cal and Mercyhurst. Entering those games averaging 287 rushing yards per contest, SRU has ran for 94 yards in its 2 losses. 

That SRU ground game is led by RB Shemar Greene, the 10th ranked rusher in DII at 134.7 ypg. He started the year with 4 100-yard rushing games, including a 238-yard output at Millersville, but has a combined 196 yards (4.1 ypc) in 3 games since. QB Jared Buck - an IUP transfer - got the start last week against Mercyhurst and completed 18-29 for 239 yards, 2 TDs and 0 ints. WR Drew Scales has been the main target from the slot with 31 receptions while FAU transfer Melvin German has averaged 23.2 yards with 5 TDs on just 13 catches.

The SRU defense gives up 430 yards per game, 5th worst in the PSAC, although most of those yards come thru the air at 331. Their 20 passing TDs given up is also tied for the worst in the PSAC. A star of the unit has been CB Admire Carter, who is one of the nation's leaders with 13 passes defended. DE Marcus Martin is near the top of the PSAC with 11.5 TFLs and 6 sacks while All-PSAC LB Austin Miele has 55 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 2 interceptions. 

K Mike Wainauskis has made 7-8 FGs this year with his long coming from 41 yards out at Cal. Scales is one of the most dangerous returners in the PSAC, averaging 28.1 yards on 20 KORs with a 91-yard TD, and 10.1 yards on 16 PRs. 

OFFENSE NOTES

KEEPING THE TIME
The Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC and rank 26th in DII in time of possession, holding onto the ball for an average of 32:40 per game. They've completely flipped the script from the opening 2 games - where they had a 27:03 TOP - holding it for at least 33:09 in each of the last 5 games, including a 37:24-22:36 advantage against Edinboro. 

3RD DOWN? NO PROBLEM
The Crimson Hawks are also one of the best in the nation in 3rd down percentage, as their 53.2 pct. is 5th in DII and 2nd in the PSAC, behind only Gannon (53.3). IUP has converted at least half its attempts in 4 games, including 7-14 at Cal and 9-15 against Seton Hill. IUP converted 47 pct in 2003 and 2013, the previous highs in the last decade-plus. 

LUIGI TIME!
Fr. RB Luigi Lista-Brinza (McKees Rocks, Pa. /Central Catholic) tallied his 6th game of 100 all-purpose yards against Cal, totaling 117 (97 rush, 20 rec) on 18 total touches. In 7 starts, he's 2nd on the team with 101.6 all-purpose yards per game. It was, however, the 1st time in 5 games that he failed to rush for 100 yards, as he has hit the mark 5 times in 7 games. Lista-Brinza ranks 5th in the PSAC with 97.0 rushing ypg and is tied for 4th with 9 TDs on the ground.  

I'M-A LUIGI, NUMBER ONE!
Lista-Brinza's 97.0 ypg leads the PSAC and is 2nd in Division II among freshman running backs. His closest competition in the league comes from Edinboro's Anfreenee Williams with 58.0 ypg, while Humboldt State's Ja'Quan Bennett averages 98.8 ypg to lead all D2 freshman running backs. Click on the game notes link (PDF) above for more information. 

BUBBA BRADLEY
So. RB Darian Bradley (Midland, Pa./Beaver) busted onto the scene against Seton Hill, setting career-highs with 92 yards and 4 TDs on just 14 carries. He's been Lista-Brinza's primary backup the last four weeks, rushing for 219 yards on 47 carries (4.7 ypc). "Bubba" is 2nd on the team with 251 yards and has also caught 7 passes out of the backfield this year for 48 yards.

RUNNING GAMES
The Crimson Hawks' 111 rushing Yards against Cal was their 2nd lowest total of the season, in addition to their 33 total rushes. In the 4 games prior, IUP was averaging 207 yards on 46 carries (4.5 ypc), including a season-high 224 yards and 5 TDs against Seton Hill. IUP's 171.1 yards per game is 6th in the PSAC while its 15 rushing TDs ranks 5th the in league. 

GOING TO THE WELL
R-Sr. WR Drew Carswell (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Sto-Rox) tied an IUP single game record on Saturday with 15 catches against Cal. His total was the 4th highest in PSAC history, as only 9 other players in the history of the conference have caught more in 1 game. Only 2 other players in DII have caught more this year, including New Mexico Highlands' Tyler Slavin (17, twice, & 15) and Tusculum's Justin Houston (17). Carswell  finished with a career-high 150 yards & 1 TD. 

ALL'S WELL THAT CARSWELL
Carswell has been IUP's top target all season long, catching 43 passes for 615 yards and 6 TDs. His 87.9 receiving yards per game is 4th in the PSAC while his reception total ranks him 8th. 

With the help of his big day against Cal, he's currently on pace for 68 catches, 967 yards and 9 TDs. That reception total would be the 2nd highest in IUP single season history (Len Pesotini, 74, 1975) and the most since 2008 (Ken Witter, 66). 

BREAKING BROCK
Also having a breakout game on Saturday was Gr. TE Brock DeCicco (Jefferson Hills, Pa. /Thomas Jefferson), who caught 11 passes for 111 yards, both career-highs. The Wisconsin transfer is now 2nd on the team with 20 receptions and 250 yards. 

HOLDING THAT LINE
The Crimson Hawks have had just two different offensive line units this year, with the same one of R-Sr. LT Bruce Atkins (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills), So. LG Ethan Cooper (Steelton, Pa. /Central Dauphin East), Sr. C Matt Sasson, Fr. RG Dan Charmo (Hamilton, Va./Loundon Valley) and R-Sr. RT Jorge Vicioso (Passaic, N.J./Passaic) in each of the last 5 games. This group helped IUP rush for 207 yards per contest and 13 TDs over its recent 4-game winning streak. Led by Sasson (25 starts), this starting unit has combined for 67 career starts. 

CHASING RECORDS
Gr. QB Chase Haslett (Clayton, Mo./Clayton) put his name into IUP's record book on Saturday, as his 34 completions (44 attempts) are now tied for 1st all-time in single game history (Rich Ingold, 1985; Andrew Krewatch, 2007). His 359 passing yards are also 10th all-time. 

SO GOES THE TEAM?
Haslett has performed markedly better in the Crimson Hawks' victories this year compared to their two losses. In IUP's 5 wins, Haslett has completed 67-99 (67.7 pct) for 891 yards, 8 TDs and 3 ints. Although he had a big passing day against Cal, he was picked off 3 times and fumbled another. In the 2 losses he's 44-76 (57.9 pct) for 457 yards, 1 TD and 5 ints. Click on the game notes link (PDF) above for more information. 

GIVING HIM A PURPOSE
Fr. WR Walt Pegues (Philadelphia, Pa. /Central) leads the team in all-purpose yards, totaling 737 this year. His 105.3 ypg is 13th in the PSAC as he's totaled 366 on KORs, 205 on receptions, 129 on PRs and 37 on rushes. Against Seton Hill, he broke an IUP record with a 96-yard PR for a TD, going untouched down the left sideline. 

DEFENSE NOTES

DOUBLE DIPPIN'
R-So. LB Kevin Clarke (West Mifflin, Pa. /West Mifflin) had his 3rd double-digit tackle performance of the year with 12 last week against Cal. He had 13 in the season-opener and followed that up with 19 at Kutztown.  

In just his 1st year as a starter, Clarke leads the team with 74 tackles and his 10.4 tackles per game is 3rd in the PSAC and tied for 30th in DII. He also leads the Crimson Hawks with 8.5 TFLs, has 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, & an interception returned 21 yards. 

'BACKING IT UP
Clarke is just one of several talented linebackers for the Crimson Hawks, a group that goes a total of four deep at two spots. So. LB Myles Catlin (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Obama) has earned his first 3 career starts this season and has 24 tackles, 3 TFLs and 2 passes broken up. He tied a season-high with 6 tackles against Cal and had a sack at Lock Haven. 

R-Sr. LBs Alexander Berdahl (Ashburn, Va./Bishop O'Connell) and Dorian Lane (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Woodland Hills) are both former All-PSAC selections who have had injury problems this year, leaving room for Clarke and Catlin to step up. Berdahl and Lane have combined for 36 tackles and 5 TFLs. Click on the game notes link (PDF) above for more information. 

GREAT WALL OF INDIANA
The Crimson Hawks' defensive line has been leading the charge over the past 5 games, as IUP has given up an average of 28.8 ypg on the ground with 3 TDs on 125 carries. Included in that total is the -6 net yards by Edinboro, aided by IUP's 10 sacks, to which d-linemen contributed a combined 6.5 sacks. Click on the game notes link (PDF) above for more information. 

HEAT MEISNER
The production of R-Sr. DE Shane Meisner (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield ) is starting to heat up as the temperature drops, as he's come up with big plays in each of the last 2 games. He tallied his 1st sack of the year at Cal, bringing down QB James Harris as time expired in IUP territory in the 1st half, and grabbed a one-handed interception against Seton Hill on Homecoming two weeks ago, which led to IUP's final TD of the game in a 51-28 victory. 

GETTING "GIBBED"
The interior of IUP's defensive line includes a pair of transfers in Gr. DT Bryce Gilbert (Brookfield, Wis./Central) and Jr. NG Karon Gibson (Sicklerville, N.J./Woodbury). Both have been terrors to opposing offenses, as they've combined for 51 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. 

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 started each of the last 28 games for the Crimson Hawks and has 39 for his career. 

For his career, McFadden has 222 total tackles, 4 interceptions and 27 more passes broken up. 

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO
IUP is 4th in the PSAC with 30 passes defensed (INTs plus passes broken up) this year, trailing SRU (49), Cal (35) and West Chester (34). McFadden is tied for 4th in the league with 8 passes defensed and tied for 3rd with 8 passes broken up.  

DO THE SAFETY DANCE
IUP's safety duo of Fr. FS Takhi Turner (Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Twp.) and R-So. SS Steve Franco (Tyrone, Pa. /Tyrone ) have improved each week and are 3rd and 4th on the team in tackles with 30 and 29 stops, respectively. 

Turner has an interception and 4 passes broken up this year while Franco has broken up 2 passes and recovered 2 fumbles. 

SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES 

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 broke the all-time extra points record against Seton Hill, and is 26 points and 4 field goals away from tying those respective school records. Click on the game notes link (PDF) above for more information. 

GOOD RETURNS
Pegues set a school record against Seton Hill with a 96-yard PR for a TD, racing untouched down the left sideline. For the year he's averaging 21.5 yards on 6 PRs and 22.9 yards on 16 KRs, including returns of 50 and 43 yards. 

Fellow Fr. WR Tristan Davis (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne) has also seen touches in the return game, averaging 9.5 yards on 6 PRs and 25.3 yards on 6 KRs. He has a PR long of 24 and a KR long of 47.

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 at Kutztown. 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.