IUP didn’t play its cleanest game of the season Saturday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium. But at this point in the schedule, style points don’t matter — wins do.
The Crimson Hawks got one, defeating Gannon 26-6 in a game that was at times sluggish, but ultimately effective. With the win, IUP (6-2 overall, 4-1 PSAC West) moved one step closer to clinching the PSAC West Division title. A win next Saturday at Clarion would send the Crimson Hawks to the PSAC Championship Game against East Division champion Kutztown.
“We got the job done today,” said senior defensive lineman Randy Okungu, who had four tackles, four QB hurries, and one sack. “Whether it wasn’t the prettiest win, we got the job done regardless. Now we’re just on to Clarion, getting that win and then moving on to hopefully compete for a PSAC championship.”
Quarterback Matthew Rueve set a school record with 37 completions, finishing 37-of-50 for 356 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked six times and threw two interceptions, but his ability to adapt to Gannon’s pressure-heavy defense kept the offense moving.
“We’re always ready to do both — run or pass,” Rueve said. “(Offensive coordinator Frank) Cignetti is one of the best in the country at adjusting. Whatever he calls, we’re going to execute it the way he wants it executed.”
IUP outgained Gannon 377-214 in total offense and held the ball for nearly 35 minutes. The Crimson Hawks converted five third downs and one fourth down, while Gannon was just 1-of-11 on third down and 0-for-3 on fourth.
The game’s turning point came midway through the second quarter. After Gannon scored its only touchdown to cut IUP’s lead to 7-6, the Golden Knights lined up for the extra point. But Nathan Rosario-Santos blocked the kick, and Mekhi Johnson scooped it up and returned it for two points, giving IUP a 9-6 lead and a jolt of momentum.
“That was a big momentum swing,” said head coach Paul Tortorella. “They score and make it 7-6, they’ve got the momentum. Then we block the extra point and run it back for two. That was huge.”
IUP added a touchdown just before halftime on a 1-yard pass from Rueve to Devin Whitlock, capping a 10-play, 64-yard drive in just 1:11. Rueve also connected with Jeremiah Coleman for a 39-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to make it 23-6.
Despite the win, Tortorella wasn’t thrilled with his team’s execution, particularly on offense. The Crimson Hawks managed just 21 rushing yards on 23 attempts and left points on the field with a missed field goal, a fumble inside the 5-yard line, and two interceptions.
“We weren’t in a good rhythm offensively,” Tortorella said. “We needed to score touchdowns in the red zone. We fumbled on the four, missed a field goal, and had to settle for another. That’s 14 points we left out there. But at the end of the day, it’s a win. Maybe it wakes us up a little bit.”
Defensively, IUP was dominant. The Crimson Hawks allowed just eight first downs and forced Gannon into nine punts. The Golden Knights’ only real success came on two big plays that accounted for more than half of their total yardage.
“We take great pride in defense,” said defensive coordinator Jim Smith. “It’s about alignment, assignment, and eye discipline. We did a fairly good job except for a couple instances where we didn’t have great eye discipline and they created some big plays.”
Rosario-Santos led the team with eight tackles and a sack, while Okungu added a key fourth-down sack that ended a Gannon red-zone threat in the fourth quarter.
“At first I was thinking, ‘Don’t miss the sack,’” Okungu said with a smile. “But I was able to finish it. Getting off the field on fourth down and giving our offense the ball — that’s what it’s all about.”
Now, all eyes turn to next Saturday’s regular-season finale at Clarion. A win would give IUP the PSAC West crown and a shot at a conference title.
“We always have the mentality of a one-game season,” Rosario-Santos said. “Every game is your Super Bowl. So yeah, it’s nice to think about what’s ahead, but our minds are already on Clarion.”
Tortorella echoed that sentiment.
“You win this week, you win the West, and you’re in the PSAC Championship,” he said. “That’s the focus now.”
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