It is the second round of the playoffs and the first time since 2012 that a NE-10 team has advanced this far. Playing football after Thanksgiving is a rarity for the NE-10. It has happened just a handful of times and they have struggled in those situations. Is this the year?


Assumption Playoff History

1st playoff appearance

1-0 overall record

0-0 against the PSAC


Slippery Rock Playoff History

6th playoff appearance

4-5 overall record

0-0 against the NE-10
(did lose to New Haven in 1997 but the Chargers were an independent at the time)


Head to Head

First Meeting


Week 13 Capsules

# 3 Assumption (11-1, 8-1 NE-10) @ # 2 Slippery Rock (10-1, 8-1 NE-10)

When: November 28th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

Common Opponents: They share one common opponent in 2015 and both defeated them.

vs. New Haven (NE-10)

9/5/12 Slippery Rock 39 @ New Haven 13

10/9/15 @ Assumption 23 New Haven 17
11/14/15 @ Assumption 17 New Haven 14 (NE-10 Championship Game)

Link to Team Stats:

Assumption

Slippery Rock

Game Day Central

Video Link


My thoughts: It has been four years since the NE-10 has seen the second round of the playoffs.

Both teams advanced last weekend with impressive victories and now have the chance to make it to the regional championship to continue their quest for a national championship.


Assumption Scouting Report:

Assumption continued their best season in school history with a 51-29 victory over Bowie State. Both sides of the ball played well in their first playoff victory in school history.

Marc Monks got the start at quarterback against Bowie State and playing very well. He tossed four touchdowns and led the offense on numerous scoring drives. Brendan Tobey was the starter most of the season but is battling injuries right now. The starter will not be known until game time. The running game features two different types of backs. Alex Shain is the typical big, tough runner who can grind out yards between the tackles. James Ward is the smaller, speedster out of the backfield. Both are capable of breaking off big runs and split time with the carries during the season.

Deonte Harris is an electrifying receiver who has the capability of breaking off big plays each time he touches the ball. Ashton Grant is the other threat on the outside that is also capable of the big play. Dave Call and Cody Lynn also are vital to the passing game. Harris and Grant will split time returning punts and kicks and both capable of taking back the kicks for a touchdown.

The offensive line for Assumption has been solid all season long. Quentin Hall, Tyler Armillay, James McNerney, DJ DeGeorge and Sully Crotty have been part of a team that has averaged 39 points per game and putting up 392 yards of offense per game. The kicking game is very strong with Cole Tracy as the place kicker. He set a league record with 21 field goals and hitting 96% of his extra points. Andrew Martorella stepped in for the injured Patrick Tyler and has been solid in the punting game. He is averaging 37.3 yards per punt.

The Greyhound defense has been solid down the stretch after yielding 50 points to Southern Connecticut in the middle of October. Jarrod Casey is the heart and soul of the defense as he seems to be around the ball on every play from his safety position. The defensive line is strong in the trenches as Joe Bruno leads the team in sacks with three. Kevin Ihlefeld, Ray Sarkodieh, Anthony Libby and Jed Scott will also help to apply pressure. The linebackers are capable of patrolling the middle of the field and making plays. Levi Fancher, Nick Valenti and Nic Kessel bring plenty of experience and have been very consistent all season long.

The secondary is the strength of the defense. Bakari Blunt, Andrew Benson, Kyle Contreras, Charles Reid and AJ Efstratios are the anchors along with Casey that have limited the big plays. They have picked off 17 passes as a unit and allow seem to be around the ball on every play.


Slippery Rock scouting report:

Slippery Rock won their first postseason game since 1998 with a 40-21 victory over Virginia Union. The Rock had faltered the past couple of seasons in the first round but looks like a team that can win the region and compete for a national championship.

Slippery Rock enters the game with one of the best offenses in the country. They are averaging 48 points per game and have been held to point totals in the 30's just four times this year. They are putting up over 500 yards per game and nobody has been able to slow them down this year.

Dante Nania is the quarterback and the main reason for the offensive output. He completes 57% of his passes and has thrown for 2,720 yards. He also has 27 touchdown passes against just 10 interceptions and will again be the focal point of the offense. Shamar Greene is rewriting the record books for the Rock as he has 1,1316 yards on the ground and found the end zone 12 times. If he needs a breather, Isiah Neely is capable of filling in and make big plays.

The receivers are fast and capable of making it a long day for the opposing secondary. Cornelius Raye leads the unit with 50 catches and seven touchdowns. Jaimire Dutrieuille, Marcus Carter and Taishan Tucker all have at least 30 receptions this year and are no strangers to the end zone. Brett Crenshaw will see action as the tight end but will do mostly blocking. Dutrieuille will return punts while Drew Scales and Leroy McClain will handle the kick off duties.

The offensive line is big and a major reason why they are averaging 500 yards per game. The line features three all conference plays and are a very physical bunch. Cory Tucker, Joe LoSchiavo and Kyle Henderson were awarded all-PSAC West for their efforts in 2015. Nate Ehrlich and Travis Gallagher round out the talented bunch.

On the defensive side of the ball, Slippery Rock is also very talented. They are led by PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Martin. He wreaks havoc in the backfield and leads the team with 12 sacks. Joe Phillips, Avery Anderson and Cody Conway all bring pressure in the backfield and make it miserable for the opposing quarterback. Teven Williams is the leading tackler from his linebacking position. Bob Vernick and Mike Grata also help to patrol the middle of the field.

The secondary is quick and all over the field. Deonte Flemings leads the team with four interceptions, 14 passes broke up and 18 passes defended. Titus Howard is also a force in the secondary with three picks. Alfon Cook, Derek Morgan and Kyle Hall will also be called upon to slow down the opposing passing game. Andrew Huska is the place kicker and punter for the Rock. He is an all-conference performer.


Assumption Keys to the Game:

1. Winning the battle in the trenches.
2. Limit turnovers
3. Find a way to be the first team to slow down the Slippery Rock offense
4. Making a play or two on special teams.

Slippery Rock Keys to the Game:

1. Continue to move the ball with ease
2. Pressure the quarterback
3. Score in the red zone
4. Limit the big play capability of Assumption


So who wins and why?

Slippery Rock is a very balanced and strong team. They played very well in the PSAC West and rolled up points in bunches against very good teams. Assumption has the ability to score points as well and has shown that all season long. So I expect the scoreboard to be lit up for both sides.

The defensive line of Slippery Rock is very good and not too many teams have been able to slow them down. The Assumption offensive line did a good job against a bigger Bowie State line but this is a new challenge for them.

The Rock can score in bunches and plays very well at home. They are 29-4 at home since 2010 and expect more of the same this week. They are talented on both sides of the ball and will advance to the regional championship.

Prediction: Slippery Rock 45 Assumption 31