GAMEDAY CENTRAL
No. 1 IUP Crimson Hawks (13-0, 7-0 PSAC West)
vs. No. 4 West Florida Argonauts (10-3, 5-3 GSC)
Saturday, December 9, 2017 | 12:04 p.m.
Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium | Indiana, Pa.
*Rankings reflect national semifinal seeds

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IUP Game Notes (PDF)
West Florida Game Notes (coming soon)

THE GAME
The 3rd-ranked Crimson Hawks look for a berth in the 2017 NCAA Division II Championship as they host West Florida in the national semifinals on Saturday. Kickoff at George P. Miller Stadium is set for 12:04 p.m. The top seed in the national semifinals, IUP owns a 13-0 overall record out of Super Region One after defeating Assumption 27-22 last week. West Florida (10-3) was the No. 6 seed in Super Region Two, earning three upset victories, including a 28-21 win over West Alabama to advance to the semifinals as the No. 4 national seed. 

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
• Today's winner advances to the national championship game at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. on Dec. 16; They will meet the winner of Texas A&M-Commerce and Harding
• This will be the first ever meeting between these two schools
• West Florida is in its second year of existence, going 5-6 in its inaugural season of 2016
• IUP is making its seventh all-time appearance in the national semifinals, and first since 1999; IUP is 2-4 in the semifinal round, advancing to national title games in 1990 and 1993
• IUP's semifinal wins came at Mississippi College (27-8, 1990) and over North Dakota (21-6, 1993)
• IUP is 11-2 all-time in home Division II playoff games, including four straight wins - 27-23 over Saginaw Valley St. (2002), 27-17 over Shepherd (2012), 44-10 over West Chester (2017), and 27-22 over Assumption (2017)
• IUP has an 18-game home win streak which dates back to 2015; During that span, IUP is outscoring opponents 39.1-16.6; Since 2012, IUP is 33-4 at home
• West Florida is 7-1 on the road, including three straight NCAA playoff victories away from home 
• West Florida's average game time temperature is 73 degrees, with a low of 55; Saturday's high in Indiana is 33 degrees
• IUP is averaging 271.5 rushing yards per game over the last four games, including 332 in the playoffs; West Florida hasn't allowed more than 140 rushing yards in any of its last five games
• In three playoff wins, UWF QB Mike Beaudry is 55-93 (59.1) for 601 yards, 6 TDs and 5 INTs
• UWF has 43 sacks this year, ranking 10th in the country at 3.31 sacks per game; IUP has given up just 11 sacks on the year

NOTEBOOK

IUP MAKING IT'S 18TH ALL-TIME NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFF APPEARANCE
This marks IUP's 18th NCAA playoff appearance, third straight, and fourth in the last six seasons. It was the first time in the current structure that IUP earned the No. 1 seed in Super Region One and in the semifinal round. IUP is 22-17 all-time in NCAA Division II playoff games, has seven appearances in the national semifinals (1989-91, 1993-94, 99, 17) and played for the national championship in 1990 and 1993. 

IUP IS TOP 10 ALL-TIME IN DIVISION II PLAYOFF APPEARANCES AND WINS
The 18 all-time playoff appearances for IUP is tied for third all-time in Division II, while the program's 22 all-time playoff victories are tied with Valdosta State for sixth in Division II history. IUP appeared in five straight NCAA playoffs on two occasions - 1987-91 and 1998-2002. 

COACH TORTORELLA'S 13-0 RECORD IS BEST FIRST YEAR IN PROGRAM HISTORY
No other first year head coach in IUP history has put together a season like Coach Tortorella, who went 11-0 in the regular season with a Western Division title, PSAC Championship and NCAA playoff berth. The previous "best year" by a first year IUP coach came from Hall of Famer Frank Cignetti in 1986, going 9-2. The week following IUP's PSAC title, Tortorella had the interim tag removed from his title by the university. 

IUP SEEKING PROGRAM RECORD FOR WINS IN A SEASON
No team in IUP's illustrious history has won 14 games in a single season, but the 2017 squad has a chance to change that. A win Saturday would give the Crimson Hawks a 14-0 record, leaping over the 1993 national finalist team that finished 13-1.  

CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE 18-GAME HOME WIN STREAK AFTER PLAYOFF WIN OVER ASSUMPTION
Always a very good home team, IUP has an 18-game home win streak heading into week 15. The Crimson Hawks' last loss at home came in the 2015 season opener, falling to Kutztown 34-33 after two missed extra point attempts. Since that loss, IUP has outscored visitors 704 to 299, or an average of 39.1 to 16.6.

IUP ENTERS POSTSEASON RANKED NO. 3 IN AFCA POLL, NO. 1 BY D2FOOTBALL
The Crimson Hawks enter the postseason as one of the top-ranked teams in Division II, earning a No. 3 ranking in the AFCA Coaches' Poll and are No. 1 in the D2Football.com Media Poll. IUP was ranked No. 1 by the media in each of the last three polls heading into the NCAA playoffs, the longest streak for the program at the top since 1996. 

CRIMSON HAWKS OWN 4-0 RECORD AGAINST NATIONALLY-RANKED TEAMS IN 2017
IUP has had a strong schedule through 13 games this season and boasts four wins over four nationally-ranked foes: 26-23 over NR/18 Ashland, 26-10 over #16/16 California, 34-17 at #9/13 Slippery Rock, and 27-22 over #15/15 Assumption. The combined record of those teams is 39-10.

CRIMSON HAWKS RANK IN THE TOP 30 OF DIVISION II IN SEVEN OFFENSIVE CATEGORIES
The diverse and well-rounded IUP offense is near the top of the NCAA rankings in seven categories, including first downs (316, 3rd), rushing offense (263.8, 6th), passer efficiency (161.53, 10th), sacks allowed (0.85, 11th),  total offense (471.8, 12th), third down conversions (47.7%, 15th) and scoring offense (36.9, 28th). Thought of as just a running team just two years ago, IUP's spread offense has hurt opponents on the ground and in the air. 

DIVERSE IUP OFFENSE ABLE TO SPEED UP THE PACE, OR PLAY BALL CONTROL
Depending on the opponent and game situation, the IUP offense has been able to dictate its needs. In last week's playoff win over Assumption, the Crimson Hawks' four scoring drives averaged 11 plays, 77 yards, and 4:31. That included the 13 play, 76 yard game-winning drive that took 6:10 off the clock. Two weeks ago, IUP exploded for six scoring drives that were faster than two minutes. Of IUP's 72 scoring drives this year: 27 have been less than two minutes, eight have spanned five minutes or longer, 11 have been in three plays or less, 22 have had 10-plus plays, and 11 have covered more than 80 yards. 

IUP IS 49-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
Fr. RB Justice Evans (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic) ran for a career-high 167 yards on 21 carries last week, helping IUP improve to 49-8 since 2011 when a player rushes for at least 100 yards in a game. The Crimson Hawks are 7-0 in those games this year, with three different players combining for eight total 100-yard performances. Four active players on the roster have a 100-yard game to his credit: R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. (McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox) has nine, Soph. RB Samir Bullock (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) has eight, Evans has four, and Fr. RB Duane Brown (Spring Church, Pa./Apollo-Ridge) has one.

LENNY WILLIAMS NOMINATED FOR 2017 HARLON HILL AWARD; 30-3 RECORD AS STARTING QB
R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. (McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox) was nominated for the 2017 Harlon Hill Award, which goes to the best player in Division II football. It's the third straight year the dynamic quarterback has been nominated, boasting a 30-3 record as a starter during that time. One of the top quarterbacks in program history, he owns several single game and season records, but his name is also at or near the top in several career categories, including completion percentage, passing yards, passer efficiency, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total offense, and total touchdowns. See page 6 of the game notes for more information.

IUP's DEPTH AT RECEIVER PROVING VALUABLE, SEVEN DIFFERENT PLAYERS HAVE EARNED STARTS
The Crimson Hawks boast an incredibly deep receiving corps, as 10 players have seen playing time, eight have at least one reception, and seven have earned at least one start. Six receivers have double-digit receptions, led by Sr. WR Allen Wright (McKeesport, Pa. /McKeesport Area) with 73. R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil (Philadelphia, Pa./Martin Luther King) leads the team with an average of 19.8 yards on 32 receptions, and Sr. WR Walt Pegues (Philadelphia, Pa. /Central) has flourished despite only playing in five games due to injury, catching nine passes for 217 yards (24.1 avg) and two touchdowns. 

WRIGHT NEARING IUP SINGLE SEASON RECEIVING RECORD
With 73 catches this year, Wright is just one away from tying Len Pesotini's single season record of 74 receptions he set in 1975. A defensive back two years ago, Wright has caught seven or more passes six times this season, including three 9-catch outings (Ashland, Seton Hill, Slippery Rock). 

OFFENSIVE LINE FOUGHT THROUGH INJURY, DOMINANT UNDER COACH CAMPOLO
Under the direction of Coach Campolo, IUP boasts one of the top offensive line units in Division II. In two playoff games, the Crimson Hawks have rushed for 664 yards on 99 carries (6.7 avg) with five touchdowns. IUP has 21 rushes of 10-plus yards, including 14 in the week 14 win over Assumption. The ground game is sixth in the country with 263.8 yards per game and has given up 11 sacks in 13 games. 

CRIMSON HAWKS +13 TURNOVER MARGIN RANKS FIFTH IN DIVISION II
Yearly one of the top teams in Division II in turnover margin, IUP leads the PSAC and ranks fifth in the country at +13 through 13 games. The Crimson Hawks did struggle last week, giving the ball away four times in the first half. It was the fourth time this season they've lost the turnover battle, but own a +30 point differential in those games. IUP is tied for fifth in the country with 31 total takeaways - 23 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries - and has forced at least two turnovers eight times this year. 

IUP DEFENSE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION UNDER COACH SMITH
The IUP defense is again asserting itself as one of the best in the nation under first year DC Jim Smith. The Crimson Hawks' defense ranks in the top 20 in Division II in seven categories, including interceptions (23, 4th), rushing (79.6, 5th), scoring (14.8, 7th), pass efficiency (94.77, 7th), total defense (280.7, 12th), defensive touchdowns (4, 15th) and red zone defense (69.4%, 19th). 

IUP HAS FOUR DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS THIS YEAR; 19-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN THE DEFENSE SCORES
IUP is tied for 15th in Division II with four defensive touchdowns this year and has 24 defensive scores since 2011. The program is 19-1 during that span when the defense creates a touchdown.

THE IUP DEFENSE HAS BEEN DOMINANT IN THE SECOND HALF
IUP has had a suffocating second half defense all year, giving up an average of 137 yards with nine total touchdowns in the final 30 minutes of 13 games. Opponents are completing 49.4 percent (118-239) of their passes, have converted 31.5 percent (29-92) third down chances, and are averaging just 2.7 (209-556) yards per rush against IUP in the second half. 

IUP's BALL-HAWKING DEFENSE TIED FOR FOURTH IN DIVISION II WITH 23 INTECEPTIONS
IUP leads the PSAC and is tied for third in the country with 23 interceptions, picking off at least two in seven of the last 10 games. 10 players have combined for those 23 picks, as the Crimson Hawks have had contributions from defensive backs (18 INTs), linemen (three) and linebackers (two). The defense has also broken up another 65 passes for 88 total passes defensed in 13 games (6.8/game). 

JR STEVENS AMONG DIVISION II LEADERS IN INTERCEPTIONS, PASSES DEFENSED
R-Soph. CB JR Stevens (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) leads Division II with 24 passes defensed, an average of 1.8 per game. His 17 pass breakups are an IUP single season record and are tied for second in the nation, while his seven interceptions are tied for sixth. Stevens has a pair of two-interception games, including week seven at Slippery Rock and week 10 at Mercyhurst. In the last seven games, Stevens has defensed 16 passes. 

DEEP AND TALENTED DEFENSIVE LINE HAS PROVIDED PRESSURE
A deep and talented defensive line has been the Crimson Hawks' main source of pressure all year long, as nine players have combined for 67.5 tackles-for-loss and 35.0 sacks. Jr. DE Deandre Easterling (Washington, D.C./Gonzaga) leads IUP with 14.0 TFLs and 8.5 sacks, while Soph. DE Dondrea Tillman (Sterling, Va./Potomac Falls) adds more pressure from the outside with 13.5 TFLs and 8.5 sacks. The middle is handled by Sr. DT Jemal Averette (Upper Marlboro, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel), Sr. NG Justin Weldon (Easton, Pa. /Easton Area), and Sr. Jordan Diven (Coraopolis, Pa./West Allegheny), who have 23.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks between them. 

LINEBACKERS AMENDOLA AND LLOYD LEAD THE CRIMSON HAWKS IN TACKLES
Soph. LBs Damon Lloyd (Bel Air, Md./John Carroll) and  Nick Amendola (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) have excelled as first year starters. Each have accumulated a team-high 99 total tackles this year while combining for 8.0 TFLs. Lloyd has four double-digit tackle outings in the last six games, including 11 last week, and has factored into the pass defense with two interceptions and five breakups. Amendola also has four double-figure tackle games, posting a season-high 14 against Edinboro and Clarion. 

TORTORELLA (COACH) AND EVANS (FRESHMAN) LEAD MAJOR HAUL IN PSAC WEST AWARDS
Coach Tortorella and Fr. RB Justice Evans (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic) were major award winners, and IUP raked in 16 first and second team PSAC West nods as the league announced its postseason awards on Nov. 15. The 16 selections are the most in IUP history and believed to be the most by one team in PSAC history. QB Lenny Williams highlighted a group of seven first team selections. A full list of awards can be found on page 13 of the games notes.