GREENSBURG– Matthew Rueve and the offense had another big day, the defense continued to hold its own, and the IUP Crimson Hawks rolled over Seton Hill, 40-13, on Saturday in PSAC West action at Offutt Field.
Since losing to Ashland in the season opener, 13-9, the Crimson Hawks (3-1 overall, 1-0 PSAC West) have outscored their three opponents 152-47.
Rueve, who threw for 443 yards and six touchdowns last week against Millersville, became the first quarterback in IUP history to have two 400-yard opassing games in the same season when he completed 30 of 37 attempts for 400 yards and four touchdowns –– to Connor Shamany (10 yards), Leon Parson (8), Maurice Massey (30) and Cyair Clark (1). Slot receiver Devin Whitlock led all receivers with 11 catches for 130 yards.
“(Massey) is special, (Whitlock) is special, and (Rueve) is special,” said IUP head coach Paul Tortorella. “Those are three legit, big-time players on our offense. And the other guys are solid across the board. We’ve got a lot of depth, and it continued to show today.”
The first-team IUP defense left the game in the fourth quarter, having allowed zero points and not permitting the Griffins (2-3, 0-1) to reach the red zone. Seton Hill scored a touchdown against the second-team IUP defense on a drive that covered 54 yards. It was the longest of the day for the Seton Hill offense, which gained just 192 yards on the day.
IUP has not allowed a single point in the first quarter this season, and it has allowed only 24 in the first three quarters combined. Opponents have scored 36 points in the fourth quarter.
“I was pleased with our defense,” Tortorella said. “I thought it was impressive.”
Seton Hill’s points came in the fourth quarter, after IUP took a 40-0 lead, on a 37-yard fumble recovery when IUP second-team quarterback Zayd Etheridge bobbled a handoff, and after Etheridge threw an interception deep in IUP territory.
Nick Andrassi kicked two first-half field goals, from 33 and 47 yards, as IUP took a 6-0 lead.
IUP welcomes Edinboro on Saturday for the annual homecoming game. The Fighting Scots on Saturday rallied from a 20-0 hole to beat previously undefeated Clarion, 21-20.
Comments