IUP is looking to win consecutive games for the first time since Sept. 13 through Oct. 4, when the Crimson Hawks reeled off four straight PSAC victories.
NOTEBOOK
KEEP SLINGING IT
Graduate quarterback Matthew Rueve leads the PSAC in touchdown passes (20), passing yards (2,101), completion percentage (70.8) and efficiency rating (183.9).
Under first-year offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., Rueve has powered the league's top passing attack, averaging 285.6 total yards per game.
BIG-TIME PLAYERS MAKE BIG-TIME PLAYS
Wide receivers Maurice Massey and Devin Whitlock rank fourth and fifth in the PSAC in receiving yards per game, combining for more than 152 yards per contest.
The duo has accounted for 10 of IUP's 22 passing touchdowns this season.
THE LIFEGUARD OF THE DEEP END
Redshirt junior safety Noah Johnston anchors the defense with a team-high 54 tackles.
He also has 1.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery — all while setting career highs in sacks and tackles for loss.
SPLASH PLAYS APLENTY
There has been no shortage of explosive plays from the IUP offense and special teams, with 11 of the Crimson Hawks' scoring plays going for at least 20 yards.
The lone special teams touchdown — a 60-yard punt return by Kalen Frazier against Lock Haven — was the first punt return score for IUP since 2014.
GENERATIONAL DEFENSE
While the offense draws headlines, IUP's defense has quietly put together one of its best seasons in program history.
The Crimson Hawks rank second in the PSAC in total and passing defense and first in rushing defense.
IUP allows just 232.0 yards per game — 75.6 rushing and 156.4 passing — and only 132 total points, second fewest in the conference.
The defense has recorded 23 sacks for a loss of 161 yards.
Defensive coordinator Jim Tortorella's unit is on pace to surpass his 2012 group, which allowed 257.9 yards per game.
YOU'RE ABOUT TO BE ON AN ISLAND
IUP's veteran secondary has allowed just four passing touchdowns through eight games this season, proving to be one of the toughest units in the PSAC.
IT'S IN THE GENES
Transfer quarterback Matthew Rueve comes from a family of quarterbacks, including cousin and former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Rueve began his career at Boston College — following in his uncle's footsteps — after being rated the top pro-style passer in Ohio's Class of 2020.
His cousin, Henry Hasselbeck, currently plays quarterback at UCLA.
Rueve transferred from the University of Findlay, where he earned second-team all-conference honors after passing for 2,646 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2024.
FAMILIAR FACES
IUP offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. originally recruited Rueve to Boston College.
Rueve played two seasons under Cignetti before the coach took over as offensive coordinator at Pitt.
The two are now reunited at IUP — fittingly, on a field named after Cignetti's father and IUP legend Frank Cignetti Sr.
WE SCORE, YOU DON'T
IUP averages 37.3 points per game while allowing 18.9, ranking second in the PSAC in both categories behind No. 3 Kutztown.
The Golden Bears lead the conference with 43.4 points per game and allow just 7.3.
STATE GAME BOUND?
If IUP wins its final two games, the Crimson Hawks will advance to face the No. 1 seed from the PSAC East in the state championship game.
The Crimson Hawks have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the PSAC and Division II.
2025 SEASON
Nine different Crimson Hawks have caught touchdown passes this season. Massey leads with six scores on 25 receptions.
Promising freshman Jeremiah Coleman has four touchdowns on seven receptions, including a 72-yard pass into the end zone. He is averaging 30 yards per reception, while nine other receivers are averaging double-digit yards per catch.
