The seventh-ranked Slippery Rock University football team defeated No. 19 Indiana University of Pennsylvania 42-26 Saturday at George P. Miller Stadium, earning its fourth consecutive victory over its rival in the 100th meeting between the two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division (PSAC) programs.
The Rock improved to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the PSAC West, taking sole possession of first place in the division with three conference games remaining, while IUP fell to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
Slippery Rock received the opening kickoff, but disaster struck on the second play from scrimmage when running back JayJay Jordan fumbled at the SRU 32-yard line following a forced fumble by Mysir Mayo.
IUP looked to capitalize on the turnover as Mason James opened the drive with a 17-yard rush to move the ball to the Rock 13-yard line. However, SRU’s defense held the Crimson Hawks to a 27-yard field goal attempt, which Preston Rathway missed wide right to keep the game scoreless.
Jordan quickly made up for the turnover on the ensuing possession, breaking loose for a 63-yard run before finding the end zone three plays later. His touchdown gave The Rock a 7-0 lead with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter, a lead they would never relinquish.
Slippery Rock’s defense continued to frustrate the Crimson Hawks, forcing a three-and-out on their next possession. IUP appeared to catch The Rock off guard with a fake punt, as Gavin Mentzer completed a pass to Connor Shamany for a 36-yard gain to the SRU 22-yard line. However, an illegal formation penalty negated the play, forcing IUP to punt.
The Rock capitalized on the mistake. Quarterback DaOne Owens completed four consecutive passes to different receivers to open the drive before keeping the ball himself and rushing up the middle for a 34-yard touchdown, extending SRU’s lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter.
IUP’s struggles continued on the ensuing drive when quarterback Mason Maggs was intercepted by Carmen Metcalfe, who returned the ball to midfield.
The teams exchanged punts before Owens connected with Carson Heckathorn on an 18-yard screen pass for a touchdown, pushing the Rock advantage to 21-0 with 11:55 remaining in the first half.
In a similar fashion to the last time the teams met in Indiana, the Crimson Hawks began to find their footing despite the three-score deficit. On second down from the SRU 47-yard line, IUP’s leading rusher, Leon Parson, broke through the defense for a 47-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 21-7.
Slippery Rock drove back into IUP territory on its next possession, but the Crimson Hawks’ defense forced a third-down stop. The Rock’s ensuing field goal attempt was unsuccessful, keeping the score at 21-7.
IUP then put together a lengthy drive to close the first half. With 4:12 remaining, the Crimson Hawks began a possession that ended with Rathway connecting on a 50-yard field goal as time expired, trimming SRU’s lead to 21-10 at halftime.
The third quarter featured a defensive battle, with neither team able to establish consistent offensive momentum. The Crimson Hawks took advantage of a short SRU punt to begin their final possession of the quarter in favorable territory.
Maggs connected with Jeremiah Coleman for a 22-yard touchdown pass to cap the drive, with Parson converting the ensuing two-point attempt on the ground, bringing IUP within three points at 21-18 heading into the fourth quarter.
With the momentum shifting toward the Crimson Hawks, Slippery Rock responded.
Owens briefly left the game, giving Brad Hoffman an opportunity to take over at quarterback. On his first snap, Hoffman broke free for a 42-yard run from the SRU 11-yard line, moving The Rock into IUP territory and changing the momentum.
A few plays later, Jordan broke through the defense for a 27-yard touchdown run, restoring some breathing room for Slippery Rock with 11:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. The score gave Jordan his second rushing touchdown of the game and extended his streak of consecutive games with a touchdown to 13.
IUP’s next possession quickly turned into another opportunity for The Rock. A high snap sailed over Maggs’ head and was recovered by defensive lineman Brett Kwoka at the Crimson Hawks’ 10-yard line. Three plays later, Owens punched the ball into the end zone from three yards out, extending the Rock lead to 35-18 with 8:02 remaining.
Slippery Rock’s defense delivered the decisive blow on the very next play when Maggs’ pass was intercepted by Owen Suah, who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six pushed the lead to 42-18 with 7:42 remaining, capping a 21-0 run in less than four minutes.
IUP managed to respond with a scoring drive on its next possession, as Maggs connected with Landyn Moore for a seven-yard touchdown pass with 2:47 remaining. However, the Crimson Hawks would not get the ball back, as Slippery Rock converted two first downs before kneeling out the clock to secure the 42-26 victory.
Jordan led the ground attack with 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt. Owens added 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns while completing 21 of 31 passes for 159 yards without an interception.
Heckathorn finished with two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown, while Hamilton Gates caught four passes for 32 yards and Reggie Fleurima added two receptions for 30 yards.
Defensively, Suah led the way with 10 tackles, two pass breakups and the game-sealing pick-six. He also deflected a pass that was intercepted by Metcalfe. Jacob Snow recorded 10 tackles, a half-tackle for loss and a pass breakup, while Kwoka totaled nine tackles, half a sack and a fumble recovery.
The Rock outgained the Crimson Hawks 435-296 in total offense, including a 272-167 advantage on the ground. IUP was led by Parson, who finished with 115 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Maggs completed 14 of 30 passes for 129 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Saturday’s victory marked the 100th meeting between the rivals, whose series dates back to 1907. IUP holds a 53-45-2 advantage in the all-time series, but Slippery Rock has won four straight matchups, six of the last eight and nine of the last 13.
The Rock will return home Saturday to host Lock Haven at 1 p.m. for the annual Homecoming game.
