AFCA Poll

WACO, TX - Following their heartbreaking loss at the hands of division rival California on Saturday, the IUP football team has dropped eight spots to No. 22 in the latest edition of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches' Poll, it was released on Monday afternoon.

Leading 24-17 with just over a minute remaining, the Crimson Hawks were unable to convert a field goal attempt that would have sealed a victory over No. six Cal on Saturday. Instead, the Vulcans were able to strike for an 80-yard touchdown on the very next play to pull within one. Cal would then recover an onside kick that would set up a game-winning 30-yard field goal that would leave the IUP fans and players stunned and the Vulcans in control of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West.

California is still ranked sixth in this week's polls, while PSAC East foe Bloomsburg moves into the top 10 after a 42-27 win over LIU Post. The only other PSAC school represented in the polls is Shippensburg, who enters the rankings for the first time this week and sits just ahead of IUP in 21st.

IUP received 147 points in the voting, just three points behind Shippensburg. Pittsburg State still claims the top spot in the polls, while Minnesota-Duluth follows at No. 2. Colorado State-Pueblo is third in the rankings, while Grand Valley State and Winston-Salem State round out the top five.

The Crimson Hawks will look to get back on track this Saturday when they travel to Millersville in PSAC crossover action. kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.