Game of the Week
#10 Hillsdale at #11 California

The first kickoff of the PSAC football year is also one of the most intriguing matchups of the entire season. California is a perennial power in Super Region one, and Hillsdale is the defending champion of the GLIAC. Both teams are ranked in all the preseason polls, and both teams have high expectations. California made the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 while Hillsdale won its first outright conference title in more than 20 years. This will also be the debut for Mike Kellar as the Vulcans' head coach.

Both defenses will have their hands full on Thursday night. Hillsdale delivers a powerful punch with the running of All-American tailback Joe Glendenning. The 2011 Harlon Hill candidate ran for more than 1,600 yards a year ago with 27 touchdowns on the ground. Glendenning's rushing will be balanced by Senior quarterback Anthony Mifsud, who passed for more than 2,500 yards in 2011. Not to be outdone, California also has weapons on offense. Senior running back Lamont Smith topped 1,000 yards in 2011 and quarterback Peter Lalich returns after setting a new single season passing record for the Vulcans. Lalich seems somewhat unheralded when compared to his predecessors, but don't be surprised if he breaks many of the records currently owned by the likes of Josh Portis, Kevin McCabe and Joe Ruggiero.

This game can easily go either way and its hard to find any areas that will swing the game in either team's favor. I'm picking Hillsdale to win on the road for two reasons. First, I think they will be slightly further ahead of the Vulcans in terms if team chemistry. Cal seems to start slowly each year, and if that happens again they will not be able to beat a team as solid as Hillsdale. Second, Cal has a lot of new starters on the defensive line and they will be going up against a very good, and balanced offense. However, the Chargers were -3 in turnover margin last year, so if Rontez Miles and his defensive mates can force turnovers, the Vulcan offense has the weapons to take advantage. This one should be very entertaining but I think Hillsdale will win it.


More Thursday night Action

Saint Anselm at #18 Kutztown
Kutztown will ease into its PSAC title defense in a home meeting with Saint Anselm. This should be a good opportunity for Kutztown to identify and correct any weaknesses and get some experience for their untested defensive line, which is really the only area of concern for the Golden Bears. The Thursday night date also gives them a few extra days to prepare for their week two meeting with California. Kutztown wins at home by a healthy margin.

Lake Erie at Gannon
Lake Erie won only three games last year, but one of them was a 13-10 upset over Gannon. The loss seemed to set the tone for the year as the Knights struggled through a 4-7 campaign. There are several changes in the coaching staff as Brad Rzyczycki assumes the head coaching job, in addition to retaining the defensive coordinator position. This may be a little bit of a transition year for Gannon but there is a solid foundation of talent particularly at the skill positions. In contrast, Lake Erie has to replace nearly all of its offensive skill players from 2011. For that reason, the edge goes to Gannon in Rzyczcki's debut.

Fairmont State at Clarion
If you're keeping track of games on Thursday evening, keep an eye on this one. The Falcons have won four of the last five in this series, but the contest is usually very competitive. Look for strength against strength matchups with Clarion's rushing attack (second in the PSAC last year) going against Fairmont's rush defense (second in the WVIAC last year). A more efficient passing game would be a big lift for Clarion (they produced only five touchdown passes in 2011) but I'm not optimistic it will happen in week one. They have a total of 18 starters back, so continuity should help. The Falcons are coming off their best season since 2000 (7-4). Junior College transfer Bobby Vega replaces Logan Moore at quarterback, and the Falcons bring back their leading rusher and receiver. Fairmont State wins on the road in a close game.

Seton Hill at Slippery Rock
This will be the final non-conference meeting between these two teams as Seton Hill is set to become a full time PSAC member next season, most likely playing football in the Western division. Slippery Rock is changing its style on offense, looking for a more spread out passing game. The transition may not be easy with a new starting quarterback and no returning starters at receiver but Seton Hill was among the weaker defensive teams in the nation last year so this should be a good way to break in new starters. The best news for the Rock is that running back Akeem Saterfield is healthy after missing games due to injury last year. Defensively, I don't see The Rock giving up much to the Griffins so this will be a lopsided victory.

Lock Haven at Fordham
Lock Haven has the longest losing streak in college football and this certainly will not be the week it ends. The Bald Eagles desperately need a win, but improvement is what we'lll be looking for early in the season. Brandon Brader is a good running back and senior Quarterback Jarrett Kratzer has shown flashes of potential throughout his career. Hopefully they can use this game to grow up fast and get ready for the conference schedule. I don't need to spend any time researching Fordham to know there isn't even a small chance Lock Haven can upset them.

Mercyhurst at Notre Dame College
Notre Dame may have scared the life out of Mercyhurst last year. The Lakers escaped with an overtime victory, aided by a botched PAT by the Falcons. Mercyhurst did manage to win three of their first four games, but lost six of the last seven. The Lakers have lost a lot from last year's team including two of the PSAC's best players in Ian Wild and Trevor Kennedy. Quarterback Anthony Vendemia has starting experience and a few familiar targets, but it may take some time for the offense to come together. Notre Dame is still adjusting to Division II but they do have an experienced offensive unit that could cause problems for the Lakers' young defense. I'm picking Mercyhurst on the road, but I won't be surprised if it's a fight to the end like last year's matchup.

West Chester at Delaware#21 Bloomsburg at StonehillShepherd at Shippensburg
By season's end, Shippensburg will have made me look pretty darn good, or downright foolish. I ranked the Raiders fourth overall in the 16 team conference, based on their performance last year and the overwhelming amount of talent returning. They can start off well by ending a seven year losing streak to the Shepherd Rams. The Raiders have 18 starters returning from last year's team that set numerous school records on offense, and produced a handful of All Conference players on defense. Shepherd is never a team to be trifled with and they are the preseason favorite to win the WVIAC, in its final year as a football conference. But the Raiders have the talent to be a force in the PSAC and should hit the ground running with units that are virtually unchanged from a year ago. I like Shippensburg at home in a close game.

Southern Connecticut at Indiana
IUP returns a significant amount of talent on both sides of the ball. The Crimson Hawks are strong up front and should control the line of scrimmage in this matchup. The rushing attack led by Harvie Tuck will wear the Owls down. I expect a low scoring, but convincing win for IUP. This is a good game to have on the schedule though. The Owls are a proud program and will come ready to play. An upset will be within their reach if the Crimson Hawks are not at their best. SCSU can always be counted on for a winning season, which will help IUP's opponent winning percentage when we start looking at regional rankings.


Cheyney at Lincoln
"The Battle of the Firsts" will be the first game held in Lincoln's new on-campus football facility. The Lions are beaming with pride over their new digs and are eager to show them off to students and alumni. The emotional lift of the grand opening could be enough to propel Lincoln to victory, but it won't be only thing carrying the Lions. Doug Cook emerged as one the top quarterbacks in the CIAA last year in his freshman season and he will have familiar targets in Mathew Coston and Philip Jean-Juste. Defensively, the Lions have one of the top ends in the nation in Tim Green. Cheyney will counter with the rushing attack of Marcus Jones. Lincoln will be the more experienced and talented team in week one and if they can keep Jones from having a big day, they will christen their new home with a victory.

West Virginia Wesleyan at Millersville
These two teams met for the first time one year ago. The trip to Buckhannon resulted in a 55-3 loss for Millersville. The good news for the Marauders is that former Bobcat QB Adam Neugebauer has graduated. The bad news is that Division 1 transfer Nate Montana takes over. Millersville will also have a Division I transfer under center with Ted Stachitas coming in from Wake Forrest. Receiver Matt Egenrider's return from injury will be a big lift and Mike Jones is a strong runner. The MU offense has the potential to make big strides this year if the line can hold up. Defensively, I don't think they can pose enough of challenge for Wesleyan. Expect a closer score than last year, but the result will be the same.

We've got a lot going this weekend and I hope you all enjoy getting back out to see your favorite team or alma mater. If you have any questions you would like me to address in the blog, you can contact me at
[email protected].

Let's have a great year!