The IUP Football team remains at number three in the NCAA Super Region One Rankings, but amazingly, IUP fell to number 19 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, despite their blowout win over Clarion on Saturday.
The Crimson Hawks will play Shepherd for the PSAC Championship on Saturday at George P. Miller Stadium, and the winner will certainly have the inside track to locking up the number one ranking, which would ensure a first round bye in the playoffs. On Hawk Talk last night on U92 and Renda Digital TV, IUP coach Paul Tortorella said the team’s focus is not on the playoffs, but on undefeated Shepherd. Tortorella knows beating the Rams is a tough task.
Assumption moved up to number two in the Regional Rankings, with Ashland falling to fourth, followed by Slippery Rock, Notre Dame (of Ohio), Gannon, Concord, New Haven, and Kutztown. The top seven will make the playoffs.
Tortorella says the game on Saturday has obvious Regional implications.
Shepherd’s quarterback, Harlon Hill Trophy winner Tyler Bagent, was named yesterday the PSAC offensive Athlete of the Week for the sixth time this season after throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns in a win over East Stroudsburg.
Tortorella says IUP’s preparations during the week will be a key to how they play against the Rams on Saturday.
In the coaches poll, Shepherd is number three in the nation after Grand Valley State and Angelo State. Ouachita Baptist is fourth, with Pittsburg State, Ferris State, West Florida, Benedict, Slippery Rock, and Northwest Missouri State rounding out the top ten. Kickoff on Saturday for the PSAC Championship Game is set for 3 PM.
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