2018 PSAC Storylines Downsize for 2018, expansion for 2019

This fall the PSAC will be unbalanced with eight schools in the West and seven in the East. When Cheyney announced they would be dropping division 2 athletics the PSAC was left with a major decision. As the rumors became clearer, a huge announcement was made. In 2019 the Division II powerhouse, Mountain East King Pin and perennial Regional contender Shepherd University will be joining the PSAC East.

How good can IUP be?Three horse race out east

The PSAC East is once again set up to be a three horse race with West Chester, Kutztown and Shippensburg. After coming out on top last season West Chester was the pick of the coaches. Kutztown with 9 returning offensive starters for a group that was third in scoring last season, they could propel the Golden Bears to the top of the East. With Bloomsburg looking to climb the standings again this season and the other programs, looking to build on positives from 2017 an upset or two not out of the question.

The Top 3 Games of 2018

IUP @ Cal U Sept 29th
Kutztown @ Shippensburg Oct 20th
PSAC Title game November 10th

Preseason quick hitters:Preseason PSAC Power Rankings

1. IUP : Coming off a 13-1 overall record, a PSAC Title and a deep playoff run the Crimson Hawks are back and stronger than ever. Chris Temple returns to a powerhouse offense and six starters return from a defense that ranked 3rd overall in the PSAC.

2. Shippensburg: 10-2 in 2017 the Red Raiders will look to build off of the seventh NCAA tournament appearance in program history. Shippensburg will look to replace All-PSAC QB Ryan Zapoticky.

3. West Chester: The coaches pick to repeat as PSAC East champions the Golden Rams will look to win the eastern division for the third time in four years in 2018.

4. Kutztown: 8-3 in 2017 the Golden Bears bring 17 starters back and will have the chance to make a bold statement the first two weeks. With an opener at Assumption and then hosting California in week two.

5. Edinboro: 7-4 in 2017 the Fighting Scots are a sleeper team in the West this season, 18 starters return and if they can find a quarterback a PSAC West title is not out of the question.The Scots led by Wayne Bradford will make waves in the PSAC West in 2018.

6. California: Third year headcoach Gary Dunn will have his most challenging season in 2018. Coach Dunn a California Alum has had great success his first two season as head coach. The Vulcan football team only returns ten starters and a brutal opening five weeks will tell the story.

7. Slippery Rock: 8-3 in 2017 after a late season upset to Kutztown kept the Rock out of the NCAA playoffs in 2017. Rebuilding an offense that ranked number one in passing and number two overall will be the top priority for third year head coach Shawn Lutz.

8. Gannon9. Mercyhurst: 5-6 in 2017 the Lakers are the third team in Erie county, the talent on the sidelines they can quickly climb the PSAC west.

10. Bloomsburg: 7-4 in 2017 the Huskies are a program than over the last two decades has been the model of consistency. But Head Coach Paul Darragh has not had a breakout season. With 13 returning starters can the Huskies build in 2018?

11. Lock Haven: 2-9 but a win over Rival Bloomsburg and the Bald Eagles have a reason for hope in 2018. With only three starters back from the 12th ranked defense, the Bald Eagles look to use youth to fly up the rankings.

12. East Stroudsburg: Active NCAA wins leader Denny Douds leads the Warriors for the 45th season, 263-196-3 overall. The dean of PSAC coaches Douds looks to add to his win numbers in 2018.

13. Clarion: 1-10 in 2017 The Golden Eagles were unable to build on the winning the experienced in 2015.

14. Millersville: The Marauders had a successful 4-7 season, for a program that worked so hard to build respectability this will be a tough season for Millersville.

15. Seton Hill: 0-11 Returning eight starters from a defense that ranked last in the PSAC is not reason for optimism. The athletes will look to build the program but it is a long climb for the Griffins


I look forward to bringing the story of our great league to everyone this season. We all love our schools and we need to show it this fall. Get out and watch your teams, cheer on the bands and enjoy the pageantry of Saturdays across the commonwealth.

Follow along on twitter @zsimpson_d2 for quick updates on programs across the PSAC.