GAMEDAY CENTRAL
No. 4/4 IUP Crimson Hawks (0-0, 0-0 PSAC West)
at No. 15/16 Ashland Eagles (0-0, 0-0 GLIAC)
Thursday, August 30, 2018 | 7 p.m.
Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelle Field | Ashland, Ohio
*Rankings reflect AFCA/D2Football Top 25 Polls

Watch: GoAshlandEagles.com | BoxCast
Listen: WQMU 92.5 FM | u92radio.com
Listen (smartphone): U92 Sports App
Live Stats: GoAshlandEagles.com | PrestoSports
Live Updates: Twitter | @IUPfootball

IUP Game Notes (PDF)
Ashland Game Notes

THE GAME
The 4th-ranked Crimson Hawks open their 2018 season Thursday night when they travel to Ohio to square off against 15th-ranked Ashland at Jack Miller Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. IUP is coming off one of the best seasons in program history, finishing 13-1 with a PSAC championship and advancing to the national semifinals of the Division II playoffs for the first time since 1999. This all came under first year head coach Paul Tortorella, as he took over after 22 years as the IUP defensive coordinator. Ashland is a traditional power from Region 3 and the GLIAC, finishing with an 11-2 record last year and an NCAA playoff berth. 

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
• This is the 2nd season for HC Paul Tortorella after his historic debut leading IUP in 2017, including a 13-1 record, PSAC title, and national semifinal appearance
• Thursday night is a rematch of last year's season opener won by IUP in dramatic fashion with a 46-yard field goal by Dillon Sarka as time expired
• This is just the second all-time meeting between these two regionally dominant programs of neighboring states
• IUP has won 17 of its last 20 season openers dating back to 1998; The program has an all-time record of 51-33-3 (.603) in its first game of a new season
• This game features two of the best programs in the nation; IUP is 32-6 in the last three years with three straight NCAA playoff appearances, while Ashland is 30-5 over that same period
• R-Sr. QB Lenny Williams Jr. enters his fourth season as the IUP starter, amassing a 30-4 record over that time; he threw a career-high 38 passes against Ashland last year for 230 yards and two TDs
• R-Sr. RB Chris Temple makes his return to the field after missing all of 2017 with an injury; He's 2nd at IUP with 35 rushing TDs and 8th with 2,539 rushing yards
• Temple is one of three 1,000-yard backs who could get carries in week one, along with Jr. Samir Bullock and Soph. Justice Evans
• All-American defenders Jr. LB Damon Lloyd and R-Jr. CB JR Stevens anchor a defense that returns six starters; Lloyd was given high praise by Tortorella in the preseason
• Plenty of new faces look to see the field for the first time as IUP has 12 true or redshirt freshmen and eight transfers listed on its first two-deep of the season; six are listed as starters or co-starters

NOTEBOOK

THURSDAY NIGHT OPENER A REMATCH OF LAST YEAR'S DRAMATIC IUP VICTORY
The first ever meeting between these two dominant programs ended with some flair, as PK Dillon Sarka drilled a 46-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to lift IUP to a 26-23 comeback win over Ashland last year at Miller Stadium. IUP outscored Ashland 23-7 after falling behind in the second quarter, and blocked an Eagles field goal attempt with 1:45 to play, leading to Sarka's game-winner.

COACH TORTORELLA LOOKS FOR REPEAT OF FIRST YEAR SUCCESS
No other first year head coach in IUP history put together a season like Coach Tortorella, who finished 13-1 with a Western Division title and PSAC Championship, and added an NCAA playoff run to the national semifinals. The previous "best year" from a first year IUP head coach came from Hall of Famer Frank Cignetti, who went 9-2 in 1986. 
 
LAST YEAR'S SEASON ONE TO REMEMBER
The 13 victories last year for the Crimson Hawks tied a program record set by the 1993 national finalist team. IUP advanced to the Division II semifinals for the seventh time in the program's illustrious history, and first time since 1999. Last year also marked the program's 21st PSAC West regular season (shared or outright) title, its seventh PSAC title game appearance, and fourth conference championship. 

IUP IN SEASON OPENERS
IUP is 51-33-3 (.602) all-time in season openers. The Crimson Hawks had a streak of nine straight season-opening wins from 2006-14, which ended with a 34-33 loss to Kutztown in 2015. But they've still won 17 of their last 20 openers dating back to 1998. This is just the seventh time since 2000 that IUP has opened the year on the road, going 5-1 in those previous games including a 73-42 win at East Stroudsburg in 2016. 

IUP vs. THE GLIAC
IUP boasts a 24-9 (.727) all-time record against the current offering of teams from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Prior to last year's opener against Ashland, it had been 15 years since IUP played a member of the GLIAC, going a combined 1-2 against Findlay (L 37-34), Saginaw Valley State (W, 27-23) and Grand Valley State (L, 62-21) in 2002. The former was a road season opener, with the latter two NCAA playoff games.

BOTH IUP AND ASHLAND RANKED IN THE TOP 25 OF BOTH MAJOR POLLS
The Crimson Hawks boast the program's highest preseason ranking since the mid-90s, showing up at No. 4 in both the AFCA Coaches' and D2Football.com Media Polls. IUP reached as high as No. 1 in the media poll and No. 2 in the coaches' poll last year. Ashland checks in at No. 15 in the coaches and No. 16 in the media preseason polls. 

TORTORELLA'S STAFF REMAINS UNCHANGED 
For the first time in recent history, the entire IUP football coaching staff returns following last year's historical success. Tate Gregory enters his second year as offensive coordinator after directing a unit that averaged 35 points and 455 total yards in 2017. 20-year IUP veteran Jim Smith is in his second year at the defensive coordinator, leading one of the best squads a year ago. Also returning are OL coach Mike Campolo (17th year), safeties coach Johnny Franco (5th), backs and tight ends coach Luke Barker (4th), volunteer DB coach John Pettina (4th), DL coach Anthony Leonard (3rd), receivers coach Christian Bryan (2nd),and cornerbacks coach Jameson Zacharias (2nd). 

CRIMSON HAWKS PICKED TO WIN PSAC WEST
IUP was picked by the division coaches to repeat as PSAC West champs when the league announced its preseason polls in early August. The Crimson Hawks were the overwhelming favorite, picking up seven of the eight possible first place votes. They return 35 letterwinners and 13 starters from a team that finished ranked No. 3 in the AFCA Coaches' Top 25. All-Americans returning are R-Sr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr., R-Jr. OL Colin McAllister, Jr. LB Damon Lloyd and. R-Jr. CB JR Stevens.

RECORD-SETTING LENNY WILLIAMS ENTERS FOURTH YEAR AS IUP STARTING QB
R-Sr. QB Lenny Williams Jr. returns for his fourth season behind center as the Crimson Hawks starter. He owns 16 school game, season and career records, including QB rush yards in a game (205), total offense in a season (3,195) and career completion percentage (.636). Williams took over in his second game back in 2015 and has started 34 times, owning a 30-4 career record with three NCAA playoff berths. Arguably IUP's best ever at the position, he's poised to break career records including passing yards (currently 6,170), pass completions (427), and passing touchdowns (54). 

DEEP RUNNING BACK GROUP AGAIN THE STRENGTH OF IUP OFFENSE
The biggest strength and deepest position for IUP's offense is again at running back. Five players return who have combined for 5,871 rushing yards and 77 rushing touchdowns in their careers, led by R-Sr. RB Chris Temple, who missed 2017 with an injury. Add in Williams' legs and the Crimson Hawks have a combined 8,100 yards and 102 touchdowns in the backfield. 

IUP IS 49-9 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
Since the start of the 2011 season, IUP has had at least one player rush for 100 yards in 58 of its 84 games played, going a combined 49-9 in those contests. The Crimson Hawks have six players on the roster who have rushed for 100 yards in a game, with R-Sr. RB Chris Temple accounting for 10 of those. More info on page 10. 

TEMPLE AND HARRIS GIVE IUP SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN 2018
Temple and R-Sr. RB Drew Harris both return to the field after losing their respective 2017 seasons due to injuries. Both big backs - Temple 5-11, 225 and Harris 6-1, 230 - they provide the Crimson Hawks with the power running game they lacked a season ago when they finished 9th in the country with 256.1 rushing yards per game. 

CRIMSON HAWKS HEAD INTO 2018 WITH NEW LOOK RECEIVING CORPS
IUP brings back just two receivers from last year's team in R-Jrs. JoJo Gause and Dom McNeili. McNeil only started one game, but finished second on the team last year with 32 receptions, 632 yards (19.8 avg.) and five TDs. Gause has 21 starts over the last two seasons with a combined 43 receptions, 612 yards and eight scores. Jr. Zac Kelly, a special teams ace the last two years, is slated to start this week while R-Sr. Miles Williamson should also see playing time. Gr. Ricky Rogers, a West Virginia transfer, should also start with Jr. transfer Dwine Walls and Fr. walk-on Qashar Carter also listed on the two-deep. 

MCALLISTER LEADS OFFENSIVE LINE GROUP
R-Jr. LG Colin McAllister returns up front after earning All-American honors as a first year starter in 2017. He helped lead a group that paved the way for 256 rushing yards and 35 points per game as the only player to start all 14 games. McAllister was named a Preseason All-American by three media outlets (D2Football, Lindy's, Street & Smith's) this summer. 

FOUR STARTERS RETURN ON EXPERIENCED GROUP UP FRONT
The offensive line features experience on the left side, including Sr. LT Joe Peterson, LG McAllister, and R-Jr. C Jeff Arnold. Those three have combined for 71 games played and 66 starts in their careers, and have been a huge part of IUP's offensive resurgence over the last three years. The right side will be handled by Soph. RG Josh Dauberman and R-Jr. RT Ken Roman, who combined for 22 games and eight starts in 2017. Also returning is Gr. Rocco Esposito, who started eight games at right guard before losing his season with an injury. 

CRIMSON HAWKS ONE OF BEST IN NATION IN TURNOVER MARGIN
Over the last three seasons, the Crimson Hawks have been one of the best in all of Division II with a combined turnover margin of +50. IUP led the nation in 2016 with a +25 margin and ranked 32nd a year ago at +11. The IUP defense has forced 97 turnovers during that span,, including 35 in 2016. 

IUP DEFENSE SHOWED EASY TRANSITION FROM TORTORELLA TO COACH SMITH
Under first year DC Coach Smith the IUP defense didn't skip a beat in 2017, ranking in the top 30 in Division II in six statistical categories. The stout unit allowed 20 or less points 10 times in 14 games, giving up a combined 27 points to nationally-ranked rivals California (10) and Slippery Rock (17). The Crimson Hawks led the PSAC with 23 interceptions, and ranked in the top three in total, scoring, rushing and pass defense. 

IUP SCORED FOUR DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS IN 2017; 19-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN THE DEFENSE SCORES
IUP finished last year 2nd in the PSAC and 15th in Division II with four defensive touchdowns - two fumble and two interception returns. Jr. DE Dondrea Tillman was responsible for two such scores, returning a pick 19 yards against Cheyney and a fumble eight yards at Mercyhurst. The Crimson Hawks have 24 defensive scores since 2011, going 19-1 during that span when scoring from the defensive side. 

LAST YEAR'S DEFENSE WAS DOMINANT IN THE SECOND HALF
IUP had a suffocating second half defense all year, giving up an average of 137 yards with 10 total touchdowns in the final 30 minutes of 14 games. Opponents completed 49 percent of their passes, converted 31 percent third down chances, and averaged just 2.7 yards per rush against IUP in the second half. 

IUP RETURNS A PAIR OF ULTRA PRODUCTIVE RUSH ENDS IN EASTERLING AND TILLMAN
The Crimson Hawks return starting defensive ends in Sr. Deandre Easterling and Jr. Dondrea Tillman, led the team in both tackles-for-loss and sacks in 2017. The duo combined for 88 tackles, 27.5 TFLs, and 17.0 sacks, each posting multiple 2-sack games. They are also IUP's most experienced linemen, combining for 61 career games played and 28 starts. 

ALWAYS PRODUCTIVE, DEFENSIVE LINE FEATURES PLENTY OF NEW FACES
The interior of the line will have two new starters, with Sr. Dyllon Scott and R-Soph. Ernest Shockley looking to get first crack Thursday night. Scott has played in 28 games in three years, gaining valuable experience during IUP's playoff run of 2015. Shockley is a transfer from Bowie State, where he played 11 games a year ago. Also looking for playing time up the middle are R-Fr. Raunya Mitchell and Fr. Dajour Fisher. At end, the Crimson Hawks brought in three freshmen and a transfer to join R-Jr. Malik Allen, who sat out 2017. 

ALL-AMERICAN LLOYD ANCHORS ALWAYS TALENTED LINEBACKING GROUP
Jr. Damon Lloyd earned 3rd team All-American honors as he led the Crimson Hawks and finished 4th in the PSAC with 116 total tackles as a first year starter in 2017. He was a playmaker all over the field, adding 5.0 TFLs, two interceptions, and five pass breakups. Lloyd posted five double-digit tackle games, including a season-high 17 in the national semifinal loss to West Florida. Also back is Jr. Nick Amendola, who had 109 tackles last year, with R-Jr. Zack Weaver, R-Soph. Brendan Myers, and R-Jr. Bryon Williams adding depth. 

IUP BOASTS ANOTHER ALL-AMERICAN IN STEVENS WHO RETURNS AT CORNER
R-Jr. JR Stevens returns for his second season as IUP's starting cornerback after posting All-American honors a year ago. Stevens led all of Division II with 18 passes broken up and 25 total passes defensed, ranking sixth in the country with seven interceptions. Those seven picks were the most by an IUP player since Akwasi Owusu-Ansah grabbed eight in 2008. 

DAVIS JOINS STEVENS TO FORM STRONG DUO AT CORNER
R-Sr. CB Anthony Davis will play the boundary opposite of Stevens after starting eight cames a year ago. Davis was one of the team leaders with 52 tackles, adding three interceptions and 12 additional pass breakups, one of the best marks in the conference.  

STEVENS AND DAVIS LEAD NEW LOOK SECONDARY
Along with the defensive line, the IUP secondary will also have a mostly new look for 2018. The versatile Sr. Mike Pietropola will step at free safety with 38 career games under his belt, and he'll be joined by transfer Jr. Shaq Jones at strong safety. Jr. John McDonald-Horner and grad transfer Yawn Coleman Jr. will compete for time at IUP's "Star" position, with transfers Cameron Jones, Kyeer Geisinger and Donte Terry, and R-Fr. Nate Bayer adding depth in the secondary. 

PIETROPOLA HAS FOUND A HOME ON DEFENSE
Pietropola will enter his second year as a full-time defender - and first as a starter - in 2018. He came to IUP as a quarterback in 2015, stepping in for the injured Lenny Williams during the Crimson Hawks playoff run in 2016. He also practiced at wide receiver in 2016 before moving to safety last season. Pietropola serves as IUP's holder on kicks and will return punts. 

IUP's FULL COMPLIMENT OF SPECIALISTS RETURN 
The Crimson Hawks welcome back all three kickers and their long snapper from a season ago to form one of the team's most experienced groups. R-Jr. PK Dillon Sarka earned 2nd team All-PSAC West honors last year after making 15-19 field goals and leading the team with 102 points. Sr. P Nico Ruiz averaged 37.3 yards on 46 punts, putting 13 inside the opponents' 20-yard line. Sr. PK Sean Bowling returns as IUP's kickoff specialist, as does its long snapper in Soph. Gunnar Royer. 

NEW RETURN SPECIALISTS LOOK TO MAKE AN IMPACT
A trio of newcomers will look to add big plays to the return game as Jr. WR Dwine Walls and R-Soph. CB Kyeer Geisinger - both transfers - and walk-on Fr. WR Qashah Carter are listed as IUP's returners for kickoffs this week. Walls returned kicks at Fresno City College, posting a 61-yarder as a freshman in 2016.