INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA released the first set of numerical regional rankings Monday, with the IUP football team ranked fifth in Super Region One. IUP is the second-ranked PSAC team and the top-ranked program from the West Division.
Kutztown holds the No. 1 spot with a 9-0 record. IUP is ahead of California (6-3) and Slippery Rock (6-2).
California is coming off a victory over eighth-ranked Frostburg State on Saturday, a nonconference but regional win for the Vulcans. If all goes as planned, IUP will have a chance to face No. 1 Kutztown with a win at Clarion on Nov. 8, which would clinch the Crimson Hawks a berth in the State Game.
IUP quarterback Matthew Rueve ranks eighth in Division II with 2,457 passing yards this season. Rueve also ranks in the top five nationally in completion percentage and passing efficiency.
The IUP defense ranks second in Division II in total defense. Harding leads the nation, allowing 216.9 yards per game, while Kutztown is just behind IUP, giving up 230.3 yards per game.
The Super Region One Regional Rankings:
| REGION/RANK |
SCHOOL |
OVERALL DIVISION II RECORD |
IN-REGION RECORD |
| SUPER REGION ONE |
|
|
|
| 1 |
Kutztown |
9-0 |
9-0 |
| 2 |
Virginia Union |
8-1 |
8-1 |
| 3 |
Johnson C. Smith |
8-1 |
8-1 |
| 4 |
Assumption |
7-1 |
7-1 |
| 5 |
Indiana (PA) |
6-2 |
6-2 |
| 6 |
California (PA) |
6-3 |
6-3 |
| 7 |
Slippery Rock |
6-2 |
6-2 |
| 8 |
Frostburg St. |
7-2 |
7-2 |
| 9 |
Fayetteville St. |
5-3 |
5-3 |
| 10 |
Charleston (WV) |
6-3 |
6-2 |
