Zach Simpson

PSAC WEEK 3 PREVIEW

After a super exciting week 2 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSA C) we have another exciting week this coming Saturday. We continue to have three schools in the national rankings California, IUP and a newcomer Slippery Rock. This week is another week of crossover events 8 games many great matchups. With divisional play in site this is the last tune up for these teams before the seven game race to the State Game begins.

National Ranked Teams

AFCA Top 25 / D2Football.com
California #5 /#6
IUP #6 / #5
Slippery Rock #22 / #25
West Chester RV / —

Matchups :

Cheyney (1-1) @ #6 IUP (2-0)
Saturday 12pm
• Cheyney played very hard last Saturday in California, with some great hustle plays the future is bright for the Wolves. They have another huge test this weekend at IUP, the Crimson Hawks are ranks #5 and #6 in the polls this weeks and rolled against ESU last week. Zach’s Pick IUP 47 Cheyney 10

Seton Hill (0-2) @ Kutztown (1-1)
Saturday 12:05 PM
• Seton Hill had high expectations this season, after a disappointing opener a late comeback from Millersville dropped the Griffins to 0-2. Kutztown rebounded last week with a nice road win in Erie over Mercyhurst. Both schools need to either get this turned around or build momentum this weekend. This was almost the game of the week so expect a great matchup. Zach’s Pick Seton Hill 21 – Kutztown 20

#5 California (2-0) @ Millersville (1-1)
Saturday 1PM
• #5 California rolled against Cheyney last Saturday at Adamson Stadium. California plays on the road for the first time since October 29th last season. Since that trip to Mercyhurst the Vulcans played six home games and went 5-1 with two playoff wins and a PSAC title. This is will be an uncommon experience for the Vulcans. Millersville stormed to the win last week at Seton Hill. Power Player of the week Sean Dugan and the Marauders will be ready for the highly ranked Vulcans. Zach’s Pick CalU 28 – Millersville 21

Shippensburg (2-0) @ Clarion (0-2)
Saturday 1pm
• The only unbeaten team in the PSAC East Shippensburg makes the trip to Clarion this weekend. The Red Raiders look to continue a hot start and move to 3-0. The Golden Eagles will look to right the ship before division play. Keep and eye open for an upset in this one. Zach’s Pick Clarion 24 – Shippensburg 21

Gannon (1-1) @ Bloomsburg (1-1)
Saturday 2pm
• Two teams looking to compete for division titles, two teams dreaming of NCAA playoff runs. This is a pivotal game for both of these programs, Gannon lost a close game with Shippensburg last week and Bloom got a nice road win at Clarion. This will be a great game and with Penn State playing at night those in north central PA should consider at trip to Redman Stadium Saturday. Zach’s Pick Gannon 27 – Bloom 21

Lock Haven (0-2) @ #22 Slippery Rock (2-0)
Saturday 6pm
• Slippery Rock looks to avoid the letdown after a huge win over a ranked West Chester last week. Lock Haven looks to find some footing on offense after two weeks of not much luck. Look for a better performance from the Bald Eagles but still expect the Rock to build momentum. Zach’s Pick SRU 35 – Haven 17

Mercyhurst (0-2) @ E. Stroudsburg (1-1)
Saturday 6:05
• Mercyhurst would be the “hard luck” team of the first two weeks in the PSAC. Twice in two weeks the Lakers had chances to win close games in the fourth quarter. ESU got a pushed around last week at IUP. Zach’s Pick Mercyhurst 24 – ESU 14

Game of the Week :

Edinboro (2-0) @ West Chester (1-1)
Saturday 12pm
• The Fighting Scots make the very long trip from Erie County to the Philadelphia area this weekend. This will be a gut check for both teams. Edinboro has won two games and aloud 3 points in each, but this is a major step up in competition. West Chester played one of the most entertaining games in all of the NCAA last week. The problem they were on the short end by a touchdown. Who wins offense or defense ? Zach’s Pick Edinboro 24 – West Chester 23

This is a great set of games all across the commonwealth again this week. If you are looking for a great afternoon take the kids to experience NCAA D2 football.

PSAC WEEK 2 SCORES & POWER PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Week 2 in the PSAC was the first week crossover games. Each of the eight teams from the PSAC East played the eight schools of the PSAC West. After 2016 when the West dominated the crossover games the first set of crossovers were much more even. The teams split the weekend with the East schools winning 4 and the West winning 4. Check out the results from this past weekend of exciting local college football.

Scoreboard:

Shippensburg 41 – Gannon 33
Lock Haven 3 – Edinboro 20
Kutztown 21 – Mercyhurst 16
Bloomsburg 29 – Clarion 20
Cheyney 14 – #5 California 54
Millersville 45 – Seton Hill 38
East Stroudsburg 14 – #6 IUP 38
#25 West Chester 42 – Slippery Rock 49

 

Power Performance of the Week

Sean Dugan R/Sr
Millersville University
Outside Linebacker
Springdale High school

A redshirt Senior from Springdale PA, Dugan led the Millersville defense with a huge game against Seton Hill. 21 stops 13 solo stops. Sean a Physiology major is the son of Bill and Maureen. Sean and his teammates host #5 California in their home opener this weekend @ 12pm, best of luck the rest of the season.

Power Performances of the season:
Week 1 Tanner Gary QB Slippery Rock
Week 2 Sean Dugan OLB Millersville

 

Check back later this week for the Week 3 preview !

PSAC WEEK 2 PREVIEW & PICKS

Week 2 is the first of two weeks of crossover matchups in the PSAC. We have some great games on tap for this weekend and as coaches always say, “The most growth is found from week one into week two” this will lead to some outstanding football this weekend. With great weather on tap for much of the state this Saturday I recommend looking into these matchups and spend the day with the family and friends and enjoy these local college programs.

Week 2 Matchups:

Kutztown (0-1) @ Mercyhurst (0-1)
12pm, Erie PA
• Both teams suffered close defeats in week 1 against stout competition. Kutztown expects to compete for the PSAC East and Mercyhurst looks to avoid an 0-2 start. Zach’s Pick Mercyhurst 20 Kutztown 17

Lock Haven (0-1) @ Edinboro (1-0)
12pm, Edinboro PA
• Lock Haven struggled playing FCS Saint Francis in week 1. Edinboro won 30-3 after a slow start vs. Lake Erie in the opener. Expect the Fighting Scots to build momentum this week. Zach’s Pick Edinboro 37 Lock Haven 17

Shippensburg (1-0) @ Gannon (1-0)
12pm, Erie PA
• Two championship contending programs both started off with great games. Now they play a pivotal early season matchup in Erie. Expect major offensive numbers again from these two teams. Zach’s Pick Shippensburg 48 Gannon 45

Bloomsburg (0-1) @ Clarion (0-1)
1pm, Clarion PA
• Bloomsburg experienced disappointment in week 1 with a 16 point defeat against Stonehill. Clarion played well vs. FCS school UT Martin (UTM plays Ole Miss this weekend). Clarion hopes to use home field to rebound. Zach’s Pick Bloomsburg 21 Clarion 20

Cheyney (1-0) @ #5 California (1-0)
1pm, California PA
• Cheyney won a huge game against rival Lincoln 56-28 in week 1. California survived a scare in the opener. Expect #5 Cal U to cruise in this one. Zach’s Pick #5 Cal U 49 Cheyney 17

Millersville (0-1) @ Seton Hill (0-1)
3pm, Greensburg PA
• Much like the Kutztown @ Mercyhurst game these two teams look to get back on track. Both of these are budding powers. I expect a tight back and forth contest. Zach’s Pick Seton Hill 33 Millersville 24

East Stroudsburg (1-0) @ #6 Indiana (1-0)
4pm, Indiana PA
• Many would say this is the game of the week, two outstanding programs. Both won huge games in week 1, both looking to make huge statements in week 2. IUP QB Lenny Williams looks to continue a push for player of the year. Zach’s Pick IUP 35 ESU 21

PSAC Game of the Week

#24 West Chester (1-0) @ Slippery Rock (1-0)
6pm, Slippery Rock PA
Game is Live on Sports Fever TV (check local listings)
• In a huge early season contest two power house programs are on a crash course. SRU led by QB Tanner Gary look to build on last week’s performance. West Chester is the PSAC East favorite and have been an absolute power the last decade. Look for the best home field in the PSAC to help as two young teams grow. Zach’s Pick Slippery Rock 42 West Chester 35

Most PSAC programs have some amount of school run TV and Radio streaming available for sporting events. These are run by local college students as well so the broadcast can be very entertaining. Links are available on most of the school athletic websites.

Enjoy the weekend’s action and check back next week for a Week 2 review and a new PSAC Power performance.

 

PSAC WEEK 1 REVIEW

It was an exciting opening weekend in the PSAC, from last Thursday on opening night as #8 California survived a test from GMAC (Great Midwest Athletic Conference) favorite Ohio Dominican 36-34. #9 IUP took down ranked GLIAC power Ashland. Saturday was more excitement as Slippery Rock traveled south to the bluegrass state and took down Kentucky State. Here is a rundown of the week 1 scores.

Clarion 0 – UT Martin(FCS) 36
Bentley (NE10) 9 – West Chester 51
Ohio Dominican 34 – Cal U 36
Ashland (GLIAC) 23 – IUP 26
East Stroudsburg 20 – Fairmont State (MEC) 16
Stonehill College 44 (NE10) – Bloomsburg 28
Hillsdale (GMAC) 19 – Mercyhurst 11
Lake Erie (GMAC) 3 – Edinboro 30
Lock Haven 3 – Saint Francis (FCS) 69
Gannon 55 – Southern Connecticut State (NE10) 22
Assumption (NE10) 31 – Kutztown 28
American International (NE10) 7 – Shippensburg 41
Lincoln (CIAA) 28 – Cheyney 56
Slippery Rock 42 – Kentucky State (SIAC) 21
Bowie State (CIAA) 48 – Seton Hill 7
Millersville 20 – Pace (NE10) 28

In the PSAC, week 1 is the only true out of conference week of the season. They played teams from many other regional leagues such as the North East 10 (NE10), Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC)and others.

This weekend begins two weeks of crossover games in the PSAC, eight games with each of the East schools playing the West. These games do not count for standings towards playing in the PSAC State game.

PSAC Power Performance;

Tanner Gary
Slippery Rock QB
Fort Cherry High School

This week it was a story of renewal, from a small WPIAL football power, Slippery Rock Quarterback Tanner Gary has had quite a trip throughout three college programs. From Bowling Green to FCS power Youngstown State, to Slippery Rock. Tanner seems to have finally found a home and for the first time since playing for the Rangers in the Black Hill Conference of the WPIAL it seemed to come together. Saturday vs. Kentucky State Tanner would have a day, a five touchdown day. (22-34 390yards 5TD 0INT)
Congratulations on the great start to Tanner and Slippery Rock Program.

Week 2 is Saturday September 9th

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The PSAC, is Pennsylvania‘s NCAA Division 2 conference. Sixteen schools from all across the commonwealth compete in one of the most competitive leagues in the country. State schools and private schools pull students from across the north east but overwhelmingly from Pennsylvania.

Many PSAC teams were selected in national preseason polls;

Street & Smith’s D2 Top 25

3. California

11. IUP

16. Edinboro

21. West Chester

Lindy’s Magazines’ Top 25

5. IUP

7. California

AFCA (American football coaches association)

8. California

9. IUP

RV. West Chester

RV. Edinboro

RV. Gannon

RV Slippery Rock

The eight head coaches in each division vote on a preseason poll each season.

PSAC West

1. IUP

2. California

3. Slippery Rock

4. Edinboro

5. Gannon

6. Seton Hill

7. Clarion

8. Mercyhurst

 

PSAC East

1. West Chester

2. Kutztown

3. Shippensburg

4. Bloomsburg

5. East Stroudsburg

6. Lock Haven

7. Millersville

8. Cheyney

 

PSAC Preseason Power Rankings;

PSAC East

1. Kutztown Golden Bears: Coming off a PSAC East title the Golden Bears look to stay atop a wide open PSAC East.

2. West Chester Golden Rams: Perennial powers the Golden Rams look to return to the top of the PSAC East after finishing 8-3 on a 6 game winning streak in 2016.

3. Shippensburg Red Raiders: 7-4 in 2016 the Red Raiders struggled down the stretch dropping two of the final three to miss out on the East title.

4. East Stroudsburg Warriors: Lead by the dean of PSAC coaches Denny Douds ESU looks to return to championship form after finishing 4-7 in 2016.

5. Bloomsburg Huskies: 6-5 in 2016 Bloomsburg has been a powerhouse over the last decade, the Huskies will look to build on key victories in 2016 and climb the standings in 2017.

6. Millersville Marauders: 2-9 in 2016 a young Marauder squad looks to continue to grow and build for this perennial bottom program into a true contender.

7. Lock Haven Bald Eagles: After the best season in recent memory the Bald Eagles will look to continue a recent string of success in Lock Haven.

8. Cheyney Wolves: 1-10 in 2016 was not a complete disappointment after a dramatic overtime victory in the season opener the Wolves ended the countries longest losing streak.

 

PSAC West

1. IUP Crimson Hawks: 10-2 and a second round NCAA playoff run would be a great season for most PSAC programs. At IUP that is the standard. Led by Harlon Hill candidate (D2 Heisman) Lenny Williams the Crimson Hawks are the team to beat in the PSAC west.

2. California Univ. of PA Vulcans: The defending PSAC Champion after going undefeated in the West and defeated Kutztown 49-7 in the PSAC title game the Vulcans look to continue the success of a 11-1 season.

3. Edinboro Fighting Scots: after the largest turn around in the NCAA last season. 0-11 in 2015 to 9-2 last season hopes are high in Erie county for continued growth and victories.

4. Slippery Rock: Second year Head coach Shawn Lutz will look to return SRU to its regular spot atop the PSAC West after a 7-4 season in 2016.

5. Gannon Gold Knights: 5-6 in 2016 overall but 1-6 in the West the Golden Knights will look to use continued success on the recruiting trail to climb the standings in 2017.

6. Seton Hill Griffons: The newest member to PSAC Seton Hill had their best showing in the league last season at 5-6. Playing inside the talent rich WPIAL in Greensburg, Seton is a program on the rise.

7. Clarion Golden Eagles: After a break out in 2015 Clarion took a step back 2016 at 4-7. Looking to pull talent from both Pittsburgh and Erie Clarion could surprise many in 2017.

8. Mercyhurst Lakers: 3-8 in 2016 look to take back Erie county after recent improvements in the Edinboro and Gannon programs, the Lakers will look to climb in 2017.

PSAC football kicks off on Thursday August 31st