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D2Football.com Columnists Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference

November 3rd, 2009

One week to go in the regular season and there are still playoff spots there for the taking. Bloomsburg dropped its second straight, this time to rival West Chester, after appearing to be the class of the PSAC through the first eight games of the season. Also in the West, Shippensburg defeated Cheyney to strengthen its claim to a playoff spot. East Stroudsburg dominated Millersville to stay in the playoff race as well. In the East, California continued its dominance of the West with a victory over Mercyhurst, while Clarion pulled off an upset of Edinboro. In other action, C.W. Post defeated Kutztown, Slippery Rock destroyed Lock Haven and Gannon put the nail in IUP's first losing season since 1982.

Regional Rankings

The regional rankings break down as follows:

1. West Liberty (9-1)
2. California (8-2)
3. Shippensburg (8-2)
4. Bentley (7-1)
5. Bloomsburg (8-2)
6. East Stroudsburg (7-3)
7. Edinboro (7-3)
8. Charleston (8-2)
9. Clarion (7-3)
10. Fayetteville State (7-3)

Assuming all non-PSAC teams win this weekend for simplicity, it would appear that both California and Shippensburg will make the playoffs, regardless of what happens in their contest against each other in the State Game. Bloomsburg is now in a must win situation after dropping two straight. Three straight losses would likely give the selection committee enough of a reason to allow the Huskies to start their offseason sooner than expected. It cannot be simpler for East Stroudsburg, win and you are in the playoffs. Edinboro needs to win and either Gannon beat Bloomsburg or Slippery Rock beat East Stroudsburg. Despite Clarion's strong finish to the season, they likely are held out of the playoffs unless several teams in front of them lose. Clarion was also not helped by the schedule maker that set them up against Cheyney in the final week, which will surely not help their strength of schedule component.

The Official Jim Milligan PSAC Power Rankings

State Gamers
1. California
2. Shippensburg

Potential Playoff Participants
3. Bloomsburg
4. East Stroudsburg

Long Shots
5. Clarion
6. Edinboro

Better Luck in 2010
7. West Chester
8. Slippery Rock
9. C.W. Post
10. Gannon
11. Mercyhurst
12. IUP
13. Millersville
14. Kutztown
15. Cheyney
16. Lock Haven

Football by Numbers

105 - Average yards rushing by Alfonso Hoggard, the only PSAC running back to average more than 100 yards rushing per game.

0 - Number of successful field goal attempts for Lock Haven through nine games.

10 - Negative turnover differential for IUP this season, worst in the PSAC, which explains most of the problems in their first losing season since 1982.

Week 10 Matchups

State Game
California at Shippensburg

California and Shippensburg have the top two scoring offenses in the conference, so there should be plenty of points on the scoreboard regardless of who wins. Both teams are fairly balanced on the offensive side of the ball with equally effective running and passing attacks. Both teams also have strong special teams play in pretty much every facet of the kicking game. California has the stronger defense of the two and is especially effective against the run. Assuming California can take away the run of Shippensburg, they should come away with another championship.

My pick: California wins another State title

Mercyhurst at West Chester

West Chester has had a disappointing season, but they defeated rival Bloomsburg and would love to end the season with a winning streak. Despite the disappointing season, the Rams still have one of the best defenses in the conference and are giving up the least ground yards per game in the conference. Mercyhurst has struggled offensively all season and will likely have a hard time moving the ball against the Rams.

My pick: West Chester wins finale

Gannon at Bloomsburg

In just two weeks, Bloomsburg went from a possible State Game participant to needing a victory just to make the playoffs. The Huskies will have their hands full with a Gannon team coming off of a thrashing of IUP. Gannon has the second most productive rushing offense in the conference led by Jon Richardson. However, the Bloomsburg defense should be playing with desperation and should be up to the challenge.

My pick: Bloomsburg finally captures its playoff spot

IUP at Kutztown

IUP appears to have quit on the season, which pains me to type. The passing offense is just pitiful and Kutztown may be poised for a rare victory against the Hawks. I would be choosing Kutztown, but they looked less than impressive in their loss to C.W. Post last week, so?

My pick: Just for old time's sake, IUP wins?barely

Edinboro at Millersville

Edinboro's rushing attack has been their Achilles' heel this season, but should have plenty of running room against Millersville. The only question is whether a victory will be enough to raise the Scots into a playoff spot.

My pick: Edinboro runs through porous Millersville defense

Slippery Rock at East Stroudsburg

East Stroudsburg will attempt to ride their passing game into the playoffs. Their defense is weak, the rushing attack is less than impressive and their special teams are below average. However, ESU has arguably the best passing game in the conference and an opportunistic, bend but don't break defense. Slippery Rock is a solid team, but ESU will be playing with passion to lock in the last playoff spot.

My pick: East Stroudsburg squeaks into the playoffs

Clarion at Cheyney

Clarion's Alfonso Hoggard should have a field day against the Cheyney defense.

My pick: Clarion wins easily

Lock Haven at C.W. Post

C.W. Post has one of the best offenses in the conference. Lock Haven does not.

My pick: C.W. Post wins easily

PSAC TV

SportsFever TV
Nov. 7 PSAC Championship Game, Noon
Nov. 14 NCAA Division II Playoff Game, Noon

Check out pasportsfever.com/tvnetwork.html for your local listing.

As a reminder, all of ESU's home games are broadcast live on Blue Ridge TV-13 and IUP replays can be caught Monday and Tuesday evening on WIUP.

If you have any questions, comments or information that you would like me to post, feel free to email me at .

 

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