IUP Football 2021

[SRU 88]

I think it's their way to segregate us. LOL.

That rule is for all visiting teams, just not you guys, do not go reading anything into it.


Yes parking at the baseball stadium lot is free, it is a long walk. Parking in the grass along left field fenceline will be $10 but is 300yds closer.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Or you can go park for free by the baseball facility!

I think it's their way to segregate us. LOL.

[IUPalum]

For anybody making the trip, SRU has a designated visitors' parking lot up on the hill (behind the visiting bleachers and that little clubhouse they have up there). There is also a private visitors' entrance gate to the stadium. Nice set up. Tailgating is permitted in this lot, too. Lot will open at 10:30 a.m. I believe it's $10/spot. The stadium will open at 11:30 a.m. (just in case you're dying to watch the punters warm up or something).

Or you can go park for free by the baseball facility!

[IUPNation]

You're all over the map. Penn State entered the B1G ahead of whom? Nobody but Maryland, Rutgers and Nebraska that I know of. Penn State did not win the conference the first two years they were in it, so I don't know what growing liability had to do with that. What put Penn State on second tier for a few years was the Sandusky scandal and the loss of numerous scholarships. They went into last Saturday ranked in the top five and likely win that game if their QB isn't knocked out. I'd hardly call that second tier. What Penn State discovered, as have most independents who have joined a conference, is that it isn't as easy to play in a conference as it looks from the outside.

[Ship69]

You're all over the map. Penn State entered the B1G ahead of whom? Nobody but Maryland, Rutgers and Nebraska that I know of. Penn State did not win the conference the first two years they were in it, so I don't know what growing liability had to do with that. What put Penn State on second tier for a few years was the Sandusky scandal and the loss of numerous scholarships. They went into last Saturday ranked in the top five and likely win that game if their QB isn't knocked out. I'd hardly call that second tier. What Penn State discovered, as have most independents who have joined a conference, is that it isn't as easy to play in a conference as it looks from the outside.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

For anybody making the trip, SRU has a designated visitors' parking lot up on the hill (behind the visiting bleachers and that little clubhouse they have up there). There is also a private visitors' entrance gate to the stadium. Nice set up. Tailgating is permitted in this lot, too. Lot will open at 10:30 a.m. I believe it's $10/spot. The stadium will open at 11:30 a.m. (just in case you're dying to watch the punters warm up or something).

[IUPNation]

Difficult to win nationally without winning your conference, and Penn State has done that only four times in 28 years. Penn State came in thinking they were going to dominate the conference, and it hasn't happened. If Ohio State is Overrated State, what does that make Penn State, which is 8-19 against Ohio State and 10-14 against Michigan. since joining the B1G? I actually root for Penn State most of the time, but I don't buy your argument at all.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I'm not sure if foul weather makes IUP the favorite. Their offense isn't much more balanced - Slippery Rock has run the ball 49% of the time vs IUP's 54%. Their rushing YPA and YPG are very similar too. IUP has the #4 rushing defense in the PSAC and Slippery Rock has the #4 rushing offense. That said, if this game is played in the air Slippery Rock should move the ball with ease. Slip has the #2 passing attack against IUP's 2nd from the bottom passing defense. IUP is also 2nd worst in the conference in sacks - so its doubtful they'll be able to pressure Koester either.p

Discipline is a good point though. Slippery Rock has the third-most penalties in the conference. Could that be a factor? Who knows.

This is a hard game to compare stats and ranks. IUP has played two of the top teams in the region. Best team SRU has played is probably East Stroudsburg. So, I think that can lead you down a distorted path in comparing season numbers.

A big question not being mentioned much is how the SRU defense is going to hold up. They haven't faced a good QB all year, let alone a good QB with the caliber of IUP's WRs and TEs. Winless Wayne State is probably the best offense SRU has faced and they don't throw the ball.

IUP has a different defense since Shepherd torched them. With some changes and also guys back, they are at least better than they were then. Aside from the secondary being torched that day, IUP also played without starting LB Connor Kelly and its best pass rusher in Vaughn Wallace. They are both healthy now. Randy Washington is also back which is a big addition. This isn't a great defense by any means but it is slowly getting better. Why they can't get any sacks with all that talent up front is beyond baffling. They don't blitz much. I can tell you that much. Not sure if that is in part trying to drop more guys back to help the freshmen back there or not. I don't know the 'game inside the game' well enough.

The weather is what it is. They both have to play in it.

End of the day ...

I see both QBs having field days. Both teams will rush for about the same. Which defense can force the most punts (I don't think the punters will be real busy). One turnover could tell the tale. This game may set a PSAC record for combined penalties. Aside from each teams normal stuff, I'd fully anticipate several personal fouls, unsportsmanlike, etc. If IUP survives the first half, I like its chances. Big if, by the way.

[Fightingscot82]

For me I think if the weather sucks, that's better for IUP and they will win. If it is a lot of rain, then I'd predict SRU isn't disciplined enough to methodically march down the field and they'll try forcing things. IUP I think can be better balanced on offense and has played a significantly more difficult schedule, I think they prevail.

If it ends up a really nice football day, forget I said anything and Rock wins by 10+.

I'm not sure if foul weather makes IUP the favorite. Their offense isn't much more balanced - Slippery Rock has run the ball 49% of the time vs IUP's 54%. Their rushing YPA and YPG are very similar too. IUP has the #4 rushing defense in the PSAC and Slippery Rock has the #4 rushing offense. That said, if this game is played in the air Slippery Rock should move the ball with ease. Slip has the #2 passing attack against IUP's 2nd from the bottom passing defense. IUP is also 2nd worst in the conference in sacks - so its doubtful they'll be able to pressure Koester either.p

Discipline is a good point though. Slippery Rock has the third-most penalties in the conference. Could that be a factor? Who knows.

[Ram040506]

I wouldn't say IUP can't win. They certainly can and might. For me, I chose Slippery Rock because they are at home on Homecoming (12th man situation). Its a rivalry game so anything can happen. That said, weather could be the ultimate variable here. If its raining, this game could be a toss-up. But if its clear enough to pass, Slippery Rock could light up that underperforming IUP secondary.

I'm certainly interested in seeing how Slip fares against a quality opponent. Edinboro hung with them for the first half but Slip's quick scoring in the second half just wore down Edinboro on both sides.

For me I think if the weather sucks, that's better for IUP and they will win. If it is a lot of rain, then I'd predict SRU isn't disciplined enough to methodically march down the field and they'll try forcing things. IUP I think can be better balanced on offense and has played a significantly more difficult schedule, I think they prevail.

If it ends up a really nice football day, forget I said anything and Rock wins by 10+.

[Fightingscot82]

I wouldn't say IUP can't win. They certainly can and might. For me, I chose Slippery Rock because they are at home on Homecoming (12th man situation). Its a rivalry game so anything can happen. That said, weather could be the ultimate variable here. If its raining, this game could be a toss-up. But if its clear enough to pass, Slippery Rock could light up that underperforming IUP secondary.

I'm certainly interested in seeing how Slip fares against a quality opponent. Edinboro hung with them for the first half but Slip's quick scoring in the second half just wore down Edinboro on both sides.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

How big of a game is this for the IUP program -- on many levels?

For starters, a loss essentially ends the season. Maybe not technically, but it's highly likely.

Second, this would be three in a row to SRU. Three straight is a change in power within the West. I could care less about close losses.

Third, this is another 'big game' with bright lights. IUP simply cannot get bulldozed again in the first half and appear lifeless.

As we saw leading up to the Shepherd game (and now again leading up to the SRU game) very few think IUP can win. That item alone is certainly a sign of a changing culture. Shepherd came to Miller and about 95% picked the Rams in Pick 'Em. Current Pick 'Em is trending in the same direction. Sure, it's just Pick 'Em, but our participants are pretty in the know regarding D2 football. About 75% of IUP posters picked Shepherd to beat IUP. Right now it is trending for more IUP posters to pick SRU than IUP.


Don't get me wrong. I like IUP in this game in many regards. They've been tested. They've been through highs and lows. They are healthy now (hopefully). Harry has 3 games under his belt. I think this is a better road team than home team. Our Florida Gator, after showing up late and then missing two weeks, is nearing an explosion. The running game is more effective with Harry behind center. Irv and Duane are a terror. IUP has 8 interceptions and should have 16. The defense is slowly getting better each week. I think this team has a chip to it and is why they look better on the road. They haven't seemed focused at times at home.

But, they just have to win this game. This team has too much potential to be knocked out by mid-Oct. Tort has to get this monkey off his back of lackluster starts on the big stages. By doing so, they get that crowd out of the game. Do not even consider deferring to the second half should IUP win the toss. Set the tone with the offense. Coach speak rambles about no tomorrow. It's actually probably true this Saturday.

[Ship69]

Difficult to win nationally without winning your conference, and Penn State has done that only four times in 28 years. Penn State came in thinking they were going to dominate the conference, and it hasn't happened. If Ohio State is Overrated State, what does that make Penn State, which is 8-19 against Ohio State and 10-14 against Michigan. since joining the B1G? I actually root for Penn State most of the time, but I don't buy your argument at all.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

This quote right here should have iup fired up, especially the Oline.

I'd sure hope so.

If IUP can remember it is at a football game in Quarters 1 & 2, the C-Hawks can win the game.

[IUPFOOTBALLALUM]

From: The Rocket (SRU Newspaper)

Chad Kuhn on the IUP game:

"I want to beat them handsomely, and I don't want them to score a single point."

"For some other teams playing us is like playing in the Super Bowl."

This quote right here should have iup fired up, especially the Oline.