GAMEDAY CENTRAL
#8/10 IUP Crimson Hawks (3-0, 1-0 PSAC West)
vs. Seton Hill Griffins (3-1, 0-1 PSAC West)
Saturday, October 1, 2016 | 4:00 p.m.
Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium | Indiana, Pa.

Watch: IUP-TV | youtube.com
Listen: WQMU 92.5 FM | u92radio.com
Live Stats: IUPAthletics.com | Fan Stats | Media Stats
Live Updates: Twitter | @IUPfootball

THE GAME
The 8th-ranked Crimson Hawks welcome Seton Hill for their 2016 home opener this Saturday at Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. IUP is 3-0 on the year and 1-0 in the division after last week's 56-28 win at Edinboro. IUP took a 42-0 lead late into the third quarter before Edinboro could get on the board, and totaled 335 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Seton Hill is 3-1 (0-1) after dropping its first game of the year, 59-17 to California (Pa.) last weekend, giving up 532 yards of total offense and 28 first downs to the Vulcans. 

The game will be broadcast on WQMU 92.5 FM with the voice of IUP Athletics, Jack Benedict, calling the action. You can also listen on u92radio.com and on the u92radio app on your smartphone.

STORYLINES
• For the second straight week, the Crimson Hawks will be tested with a high-scoring offense led by a productive quarterback; The Griffins average 37.3 points per game behind QB Christian Strong, who is second in Division II with 410.5 passing yards per game
• Strong has also tossed 12 touchdowns and has 63.0 completion percentage
• Much like Edinboro's defense last week, Seton Hill is among the worst in the country in several defensive categories, including passing (305.8 ypg) and scoring (38.3 ppg)
• IUP's 184 points in its first three games are the most in a three-game stretch in program history
• IUP R-So. QB Lenny Williams leads the nation in both completion percentage (80.4) and passing efficiency (240.9); He's also 10th in points responsible for per game (22.5)
• Williams had his "coming out party" last year at Seton Hill, breaking a PSAC QB rushing record with 205 yards on 16 carries; it was his first of five straight 100-yard games
• As a team, IUP ran for 328 yards and four touchdowns in last year's meeting
• IUP HC Curt Cignetti is 3-0 against Seton Hill, including last year's 47-10 road victory
• Cignetti owns a 27-9 record against PSAC West teams
• The Crimson Hawks have won all three meetings with Seton Hill, outscoring the Griffins 124-38
• Seton Hill's 3-0 start was the best under fourth year head coach Isaac Collins, and already tied with the most games won since joining the PSAC in 2013

NOTEBOOK

CRIMSON HAWKS A TOP 10 TEAM IN BOTH THE COACHES AND MEDIA POLLS
IUP is ranked in the top 25 of both the AFCA Coaches and D2Football.com Media polls for the fourth straight week. The Crimson Hawks moved up to No. 8 in the AFCA poll after two weeks at No. 9, and slid up two spots to No. 10 by D2Football.com.

IUP IMPROVED TO 32-2 IN PSAC WEST OPENERS DATING BACK TO 1983
IUP has had incredible success in PSAC West openers dating back to 1983, winning 32 of those 34, with its 56-28 victory at Edinboro on Saturday. IUP had a 26-game win streak between 1983-2008. The Crimson Hawks' two PSAC West-opening losses have come to Mercyhurst in 2009 (20-16) and Slippery Rock in 2011 (20-6). IUP is on a current streak of five straight PSAC West-opening wins dating back to 2012.

CIGNETTI vs. THE PSAC WEST
HC Curt Cignetti is 27-9 (.750) in his six seasons against schools from the PSAC West, including a 6-1 mark in 2012 and 2015. He is 3-0 all-time against Seton Hill, including last year's 47-10 win in Greensburg. Cignetti has outscored the Griffins 124-38 in those three meetings.

IUP IS PSAC WEST's WINNINGEST TEAM SINCE 1986
Since 1986, IUP has the most overall wins and divisional wins of any team in the PSAC West. The program owns an overall record of 258-84-1 (.754) along with a conference record of 153-37-1 (.804) during that span. IUP clinched a share of the division 2015 division crown, the program's 16th in 30 years. 

CRIMSON HAWKS OFFENSE IS OUT TO AN HISTORICAL START
The IUP offense is off to its best start - ever. Through three games, IUP has scored 184 points, the most in the first three games in program history. In fact, its the best three-game stretch of any IUP team in its illustrious history. Currently, the Crimson Hawks rank in the top five in Division II in three of the four major offensive statistical categories - first in total offense (610.7), second in scoring (61.3) and fifth in rushing (323.0). The Crimson Hawks are also third in passing efficiency (203.8) and 24th in passing offense (287.7). 

IUP's SPREAD OFFENSE LOOKS TO EVOLVE AND IMPROVE IN YEAR TWO
A big reason for IUP's playoff year in 2015 was the switch from a traditional pro-style offense to a new spread scheme under OC Marty Higgins. The Crimson Hawks improved in nearly all areas, and as they head into the second year of the offense, they hope to grow the playbook and increase production. 

THE BIG PLAYS LOOK TO CONTINUE IN 2016
The Crimson Hawks have 20 plays of 20 yards or more through three games this season, including 11 in the opener at East Stroudsburg. R-So. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. (McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox) has been responsible for 11 of those long plays, all passing, including a 72-yard scoring toss to Jr. Allen Wright (McKeesport, Pa. /McKeesport Area), the longest IUP offensive play since 2008. 

IUP is 35-7 UNDER CURT CIGNETTI WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS
In his five-plus seasons as head coach, Cignetti has a 35-7 record when an IUP player rushes for at least 100 yards in a game. Fr. RB Samir Bullock (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) has reached the century mark twice this year, putting up 153 yards last week at Edinboro. Bullock is one of five players on the current roster to have a 100-yard game, and one of 11 players during the Cignetti era to go over the century mark. Cignetti is also 6-0 when two players top the 100-yard mark, with four of those wins coming last year. 

LENNY WILLIAMS CONTINUING WHERE HE LEFT OFF AFTER STANDOUT FRESHMAN YEAR
R-So. QB Lenny Williams had his strongest collegiate game against East Stroudsburg, totaling 468 yards and six touchdowns in the 31-point victory. His passing totals of 380 yards and three touchdowns were both career-highs, and his 468 total yards is the second most in program history to his own 504 yards last year at Slippery Rock. Williams had a breakout year in his first season with the Crimson Hawks in 2015, earning top freshman honors in both Super Region One and the PSAC West, and earned second team all-league honors at quarterback. His all-around playmaking abilities made him one of 38 nominees for the 2015 Harlon Hill Trophy, given annually to the Division II Football Player of the Year. 

WILLIAMS LEADS THE NATION IN COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, PASSING EFFICIENCY
Through three games, Williams leads all of Division II with a 80.4 completion percentage and a 240.9 passing efficiency. He's completed 41-of-51 passes for 739 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in a combined 7.5 quarters of work. His current numbers throughout a four quarter game average 22 completions, 394 yards, and three touchdowns. 

WILLIAMS IS ALSO 10TH IN DIVISION II IN POINTS RESPONSIBLE FOR PER GAME
Williams has accounted for 11 touchdowns - six passing, five rushing - in the first three games of his 2016 season. That averages out to 22.5 points responsible for per game, which ranks 10th in Division II. Last year, Williams totaled 21 touchdowns - nine passing, 12 rushing - in 12 games. 

CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE USED A BEVY OF BALL CARRIERS THROUGH THREE GAMES
IUP is fifth in the nation with 323.0 rushing yards per game, and has used eight different ball carriers in the first three games to reach that average. Bullock is the Crimson Hawks' leading ground gainer with 313 yards (104.3 rpg) and an 8.2 average. Williams is second with 189 yards and leads the team with five of the Crimson Hawks' 16 rushing touchdowns. 

SAMIR BULLOCK LEADS DIVISION II TRUE FRESHMEN IN RUSHING
Bullock has been the Crimson Hawks' top back this fall, leading the team with 313 yards. His 104.3 rushing yards per game is the top mark for all Division II true freshmen and ranks sixth in the PSAC. His 8.2 yard average on 38 carries leads the conference and ranks fifth overall in the country. He has three big play runs this year - 63 yards (TD) at East Stroudsburg, 57 yards (TD) and 26 yards at Edinboro. 

BULLOCK AND WALT PEGUES AMONG PSAC'S TOP ALL-PURPOSE THREATS
In addition to his running back duties, Bullock has also seen time returning kicks as he's joined Jr. WR Walt Pegues (Philadelphia, Pa. /Central) as one of the top all-purpose threats in the conference. Bullock ranks sixth in the PSAC with 156.3 yards per game while Pegues is seventh with 152.0 yards per game. 

WALT PEGUES RANKS SEVENTH IN THE NATION IN RECEIVING YARDS PER GAME
A former all-region honoree as a kick returner, Pegues has turned into a dominant receiver, as he ranks second in the PSAC and seventh in Division II with 131.7 receiving yards per game. Totaling 21 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns, his 7.0 receptions per game is also tied for second in the league and ranks 22nd in the country. 

PEGUES EXTENDS STREAK TO 26 STRAIGHT GAMES WITH A RECEPTION
With seven receptions last week, Pegues extended his consecutive games with a catch streak to 26 straight. That stretch began with his first career game in 2014. For his career, Pegues has 123 receptions for 1,755 yards and 10 touchdowns in 26 games.

NEWCOMER CHRIS WUESTER DEVELOPING INTO A THREAT IN THE PASS GAME
Gr. WR Chris Wuestner (Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle) had a big day at Cheyney, catching eight passes for 169 yards and a touchdown. He tallied three big plays, catching passes of 50, 36, and 24 yards. Wuestner was a late addition to the IUP roster, joining the Crimson Hawks a week before their 2016 season opener. He's also made an impact on special teams, picking up a blocked punt and returning it 12 yards for a touchdown. 

ALL-AMERICAN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ETHAN COOPER MAKES POSITION CHANGE  
Sr. OL Ethan Cooper (Steelton, Pa. /Central Dauphin East) started the season opener as IUP's right tackle, a change from his usual spot at left guard. An All-American pick last season, he made his 28th consecutive start last week, which includes 23 straight games at left guard. He's earned preseason All-American hype this year from The Sporting News and D2Football.com. 

EXPERIENCED OFFENSIVE LINE HAS SOME RESHUFFLING IN 2016
Including Cooper's move, IUP had three new starters along the offensive line. R-Fr. Jeff Arnold (Pittsburgh, Pa./Brashear) moved into the starting center position while Sr. Ed Bier (Philadelphia, Pa. /Archbishop Ryan) took over Cooper's spot at left guard. Bier has played in 24 career games, including two starts at the end of the 2015 season at center. So. Joe Peterson (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) returned at left tackle, where he started the last seven games last season, and R-Sr. Tony Morgante (Mountain Top, Pa. /Crestwood) returned at right guard after starting 12 games there a season ago. 

IUP HAS SCORED 16 DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS SINCE 2011; 42 SINCE 2003
Annually one of the PSAC's - and the nation's - strongest defenses, IUP has scored 16 total defensive touchdowns since 2011 and 42 since 2003. IUP didn't wait long to get its first of 2016, with Jr. DT Jemal Averette (Upper Marlboro, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) returning an interception eight yards for a second quarter score at ESU. In 12 games last season, the Crimson Hawks scored six defensive touchdowns, including three at Mercyhurst. Not included in that total was a special teams touchdown, a 34-yard blocked punt return for a score against Cheyney. Last year's total was the most IUP has had in a single season since the start of 2003, eclipsing the previous high of four in 2010, 2009, 2007 and 2003. 

THE DEFENSIVE LINE AGAIN BOASTS DEPTH
The Crimson Hawks feature a defensive front that has seen 14 players see time through three games this year. R-So. DE Diamond Jones (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne) leads all linemen and ranks sixth on the team with 11 total tackles, adding 1.5 TFLs and a half-sack. He's in his first full year as an end after making the switch from linebacker last year.
• Altogether, IUP linemen have combined for 65 tackles, 12.0 TFLs and 4.5 sacks.
• Jr. DT Jemal Averette (Upper Marlboro, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) highlights the group as a returning all-region and All-PSAC performer who has 88 tackles and 16.5 TFLs in 25 career games; He scored his first career touchdown on an eight-year interception return at ESU
• R-Jr. DT Jordan Diven (Coraopolis, Pa./West Allegheny) has seven tackles and leads the Crimson Hawks with 3.5 TFLs and 2.0 sacks
• Fr. DE Dondrea Tillman (Sterling, Va./Potomac Falls) saw his first career action at Cheyney with seven tackles and 2.0 TFLs
• Jr. Justin Weldon (Easton, Pa. /Easton Area) moved into the starting lineup at nose guard this year and has played in 20 games

FRESHMEN STEPPING IN AT LINEBACKER; KEVIN CLARKE RETURNED AT EDINBORO
True freshmen linebackers Nick Amendola (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) and Damon Lloyd (Bel Air, Md./John Carroll) have seen significant playing time early this year, with Amendola starting two games and Lloyd starting the season opener. Lloyd is fourth on the team with 12 total tackles and has broken up a pass, with Amendola totaling six stops. Sr. LB Myles Catlin (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Obama) has seven tackles and leads the team with four pass breakups in two games. R-Sr. LB Kevin Clarke (West Mifflin, Pa. /West Mifflin) returned to the lineup at Edinboro after missing the first two games with an injury.  

NEWCOMER ANTHONY DAVIS LEADS THE CRIMSON HAWKS IN TACKLES
R-So. DB Anthony Davis (Monroeville, Pa./Gateway) has been a consistent contributor in his first year on campus, leading the Crimson Hawks with 16 tackles through three games despite not being a starter. The Temple transfer tallied a season-high seven stops at Cheyney and also has 2.5 TFLs and a sack this year. 

EXPERIENCED SECONDARY STEPPING UP FOR THE CRIMSON HAWKS
Much like the defensive line, the IUP secondary also boasts a strong rotation of 12 players who boast plenty of experience. Six players have played in 20 or more career games in the defensive backfield, led by R-Sr. Ackeno Robertson (Philadelphia, Pa. /Parkway Northwest) with 35 (23 starts). The group has combined for 95 tackles to go along with four interceptions and 10 additional passes broken up. 

IUP AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS WITH THREE BLOCKED KICKS
The IUP special teams units have combined for three blocked kicks - two field goals, one punt - through three games in 2016. The Crimson Hawks have scored on two of those, including a 95-yard blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Jr. DB Eric Doe (Darby, Pa. /Academy Prep), the fifth longest play in IUP history. 

MIKE PIETROPOLA SEES TIME ON SPECIAL TEAMS, AT QUARTERBACK
So. QB Mike Pietropola (Wellsboro, Pa./Wellsboro) has proven his value at several positions in his 15 career games, seeing time on the kickoff team, as a holder, punt returner, and in the defensive backfield as a true freshman in 2015. After converting to wide receiver this spring, he was forced to move back to quarterback - his original position - for fall camp. He remains IUP's holder, and has seen time on the kickoff team and as a quarterback in all three IUP games. He's 6-18 passing for 124 yards and a touchdown, has 97 rushing yards and a score of 18 carries, and has two tackles.