LIVESTREAM NCAA Div. II: Slippery Rock @ IUP, Oct. 17, 20:00 CET (8 pm, 2 pm ET)
Something has to give Saturday when the unbeaten Slippery Rock (6–0) travels to face the No. 19 IUP Crimson Hawks (5–1) at George P. Miller Stadium in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The NCAA Division II rivals meet October 17 with control of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division race hanging in the balance.
Owens powering Slippery Rock’s unbeaten run
The seventh-ranked Rock has been an offensive powerhouse behind quarterback DaOne Owens, who has thrown for 1,428 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 99 of 147 passes.
Owens is equally dangerous with his legs. Against California (Pa.), he threw for 245 yards and rushed for another 116, accounting for four touchdowns in a 41–26 victory.
Running back JayJay Jordan gives Slippery Rock another explosive weapon. The senior entered the California matchup averaging 131 rushing yards per game, forcing defenses to account for multiple threats on every possession.
Head coach Shawn Lutz also has a defense that has forced 10 turnovers, including seven interceptions.
Watch live. NCAA Div. II: Slippery Rock @ IUP, Oct. 17, 20:00 CET (8 pm, 2 pm ET)
IUP needs to eliminate mistakes
The Crimson Hawks entered last weekend undefeated before suffering a costly setback against Lock Haven.
Five turnovers, including three interceptions, repeatedly handed the Bald Eagles short fields and helped derail IUP’s unbeaten start.
Defensive back Shane Strayhorn has emerged as an important contributor, blocking two field goals this season while moving into the starting secondary.
His responsibilities have increased following a season-ending injury to cornerback Keyshawn McCaskill.
Tight end Connor Shamany, a returning All-Region selection, gives the Crimson Hawks an experienced offensive weapon as they attempt to regain their rhythm.
Rivalry promises another thriller
Recent history suggests another close contest.
Slippery Rock has won three straight meetings, including last season’s dramatic 30–27 comeback victory. The last two encounters have been decided by a combined four points.
IUP head coach Paul Tortorella owns a 12–5 record immediately following losses, while Lutz holds a 5–3 advantage in their head-to-head meetings.
The key matchup will be whether IUP can contain Owens and Jordan while avoiding the turnovers that proved disastrous last weekend.
With both teams nationally ranked and postseason positioning already becoming critical, this has all the ingredients of another classic PSAC West battle.
Watch live. NCAA Div. II: Slippery Rock @ IUP, Oct. 17, 20:00 CET (8 pm, 2 pm ET)
