GAMEDAY CENTRAL
#9/9 IUP Crimson Hawks (0-0, 0-0 PSAC West)
vs. RV/18 Ashland Eagles (0-0, 0-0 GLIAC)
Thursday, August 31, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.
Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium | Indiana, Pa.

Watch: IUP Comm Media | YouTube.com
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Live Stats: IUPstats.com | StatbBroadcast
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IUP Game Notes (PDF)
Ashland Game Notes 

THE GAME
The 9th-ranked Crimson Hawks open their 2017 season on Thursday night when they host Ashland at George P. Miller Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Frank Cignetti Field. IUP is coming off of a 10-2 season in which it reached the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second straight year. But the 15 returning starters will be led by a face, as Coach Paul Tortorella took the reigns of the program after 22 seasons as the IUP defensive coordinator. Ashland is a traditional power out of the GLIAC, just missing out on a playoff bid last year after putting together a successful 9-2 campaign. 

The game will be broadcast on WQMU 92.5 FM with the voice of IUP Athletics, Jack Benedict, calling the action. You can also listen on u92radio.com and on the u92radio app on your smartphone.

STORYLINES
• Thursday's game marks the first for Paul Tortorella as the head coach at IUP; He spent 22 seasons as the program's defensive coordinator, leading one of the nation's best units annually
• Thursday night will also be the first time that these two traditional powers of neighboring states have met
• IUP has won 16 of its last 19 season openers dating back to 1998; The program has an all-time record of 50-33-3 (.599) in its first game of a new season
• This game features two of the best programs in the nation; IUP is 19-5 in the last two years and finished 2016 ranked 12th in the AFCA coaches poll while Ashland is 19-3 over that same period
• R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. (McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox) makes his return to the field after missing the final three games of 2016 due to a season-ending injury
• The Crimson Hawks boast a deep group of receivers of which six have starting experience and another four have seen significant playing time; Among that group is R-Jr. WR Swahneek Brown (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg), who missed 2016 with an injury
• Sr. DB Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo) will play his first game in Crimson after transferring from Notre Dame before fall camp; He is considered a top NFL prospect for the 2018 draft
• Soph. RB Samir Bullock (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) will be the lead back heading into 2017 after rushing for 989 yards while sharing the load as a freshman; He ran for 104 yards on 10 carries in last year's opener at ESU
• The placekicking and punting spots were up for grabs in fall camp after IUP lost two experienced kickers at the end of 2016;  Jr. Sean Bowling (Pylesville, Md./North Hartford), R-Soph. Dillon Sarka (Lebanon, Ohio/Waynesville), and ESU transfer Jr. Nico Ruiz (Stroudsburg, Pa./Stroudsburg) were all in competition

NOTEBOOK 

A NEW (OLD) FACE WILL LEAD IUP THROUGH THE TUNNEL IN 2017
After the departure of six-year head coach Curt Cignetti following the 2016 season, Paul Tortorella was named the new coach of the IUP football program. Although this will be his first head coaching job, Tortorella is no stranger to the sidelines of George P. Miller Stadium, spending the last 22 years as the IUP defensive coordinator. He's also been the associate head coach since 2011. 

TORTORELLA'S DEFENSES HAVE BEEN DOMINANT
Tortorella has been known for his defensive prowess at IUP, consistently directing one of the best units in Division II since taking over in 1995. The Crimson Hawks finished third in the country with 24 interceptions and 35 forced turnovers in 2016, led a defense that was ranked in the top 12 in six categories in 2015, and was named Football Scoop's Division II Coordinator of the Year in 2012. 

IUP IN SEASON OPENERS
IUP is 50-33-3 (.599) all-time in season openers. The Crimson Hawks had a streak of nine straight season-opening wins from 2006-14, which ended with a 34-33 loss to Kutztown in 2015. But they've still won 16 of their last 19 openers dating back to 1998. This will be the first time since 2014 that IUP has opened with a non-conference opponent (Saint Augustine's, W 41-19). 

IUP vs. THE GLIAC
IUP boasts a 23-9 (.719) all-time record against the current offering of teams from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). It's been 15 years since IUP has last played a member of the GLIAC, going a combined 1-2 against Findlay (L 37-34), Saginaw Valley State (W, 27-23) and Grand Valley State (L, 62-21) in 2002. The former was a road season opener, with the latter two NCAA playoff games.

IUP RANKED NATIONALLY IN THE TOP 10, ASHLAND KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
The Crimson Hawks enter the season ranked in the top 25 for the second straight year, showing up at No. 9 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 10 in the D2Football Media Poll. Ashland, which finished its 2016 ranked, sits just three points outside of the AFCA Top 25 to open the year. 

TORTORELLA'S FIRST STAFF INCLUDES THREE NEW FACES, ASSIGNMENT CHANGES
Tortorella announced his first coaching staff back in March, which included two coaching assignment changes, and three assistants new to the IUP program. Long-time assistant Jim Smith has been elevated to defensive coordinator, and will continue to lead the linebackers; and Johnny Franco will coach the safeties after being in charge of the cornerbacks in 2015 and 2016. The new faces include Tate Gregory (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Christian Bryan (wide receivers) and Jameson Zacharias (cornerbacks). 

GREGORY HOPES TO CONTINUE OFFENSE DOMINANCE, BRINGS OWN VERSION OF SPREAD SYSTEM
The Crimson Hawks will enter their third year of the spread offense, although a new face will call the plays with the addition of Coach Gregory from Charleston. He also implemented a spread system with the Golden Eagles, including a 2015 season that saw his offense set program records that included averages of 41.1 points and 465.1 total yards per game. He inherits a unit that returns its leading passer, rusher, and six returning receivers from a season ago. 

CRIMSON HAWKS RETURN 15 STARTERS FROM LAST YEAR'S NCAA PLAYOFF TEAM
IUP is aiming to continue its success of each of the last two seasons, going a combined 19-5 with two NCAA Division II playoff appearances since 2015. The Crimson Hawks return 15 starters and 47 total lettermen from last year's 10-2 team, which outscored opponents by an average of score of 46.2 to 22.4. Both of IUP's losses came to PSAC champion California - 31-28 in the regular season and 44-23 in the regional semifinals. Both games were played on the road.

CRIMSON HAWKS PICKED TO WIN PSAC WEST
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference released its preseason coaches' polls on August 7, with the Crimson Hawks the overwelming favorite to come out on top in the Western Division. IUP earned six of the eight first place votes, with California earning the other two to come in second. Slippery Rock, another rival, was picked third. 

CAN IUP OFFENSE MATCH ITS RECORD-SETTING 2016 SEASON?
The Crimson Hawks had one of the best offenses in Division II a season ago, setting program records with averages of 46.2 points and 489.6 yards per game. They also finished fourth in the country with 279.8 rushing yards per game, scoring 44 touchdowns on the ground. 

"SPLASH PLAYS" WERE A HUGE PART OF THE IUP OFFENSE IN 2016
The Crimson Hawks had 74 plays of 20 yards or more last season, an average of over six per game. 17 of those came from at least 50 yards out, including plays of 89 and 84 yards. Returning players combined for 60 of those splash plays last season (19 rush, 41 pass), including 19 touchdowns of 20 or more yards. 

LENNY WILLIAMS GOES INTO THIRD YEAR AS IUP STARTING QUARTERBACK
R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. (McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox) is back for his third year as the Crimson Hawks' signal caller in 2017. A two-time Harlon Hill Award nominee as the best player in Division II, Williams is arguably the top dual threat quarterback in the nation, passing and rushing for a combined 5,204 yards and 47 touchdowns in 21 career games. 

WILLIAMS LOOKS TO MAKE STRONG RETURN FROM 2016 INJURY
Williams was limited to nine games in 2016, missing each of the last three starts after an injury against Mercyhurst. Despite not putting together a full season, Williams still earned All-Region and All-PSAC recognition, and led Division II in three passing categories - efficiency (214.0), yards per completion (19.70), and yards per attempt (13.47). 

STRONG RUNNING GAME WILL BE MAIN FOCUS IN 2017
Year in and year out, the deepest and most talented offensive position group are arguably the running backs. Leading the way this season should be Soph. RB Samir Bullock (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan), who earned first team All-PSAC and All-Region honors after rushing for a team-high 989 yards and 82.4 yards per game as a true freshman. The quick back averaged 6.1 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns, and also led the team with 1,334 all-purpose yards. 

INJURIES AT RUNNING BACK WILL LEAD TO FRESH FACES IN THE BACKFIELD
Behind Bullock, the running back depth will be tested in 2017 after several injuries to returning players. Sr. RBs Chris Temple (Malvern, Pa. /Great Valley), Drew Harris (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East) and Luigi Lista-Brinza (McKees Rocks, Pa. /Central Catholic) will not see time this season, with the latter calling it a career after a series of bad luck injuries. Temple is the most experienced of the bunch, rushing for 2,539 yards and 35 touchdowns in three seasons. Soph. RB Malik Anderson (Ellicott City, Md./Howard) should get more carries, with true freshmen Duane Brown (Spring Church, Pa./Apollo-Ridge) and Justice Evans (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic) also vying for playing time in the backfield. 

IUP IS 42-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
No matter who is carrying the load, it's probable that if a player rushes for 100 yards in a game, the Crimson Hawks will win. Since 2011, IUP boasts a 42-8 record when at least one player hits the 100-yard plateau, including a 9-1 mark a season ago. Two active players - Williams and Bullock - have combined for 14 career 100-yard rushing performances.

WALT PEGUES AMONG BEST RECEIVERS IN IUP HISTORY
Sr. WR Walt Pegues (Philadelphia, Pa. /Central) heads into his final year ranked third in IUP history with 2,301 receiving yards and fourth with 145 receptions. With a big year, he could threaten Hall of Famer Jai Hill's program record 214 career receptions. He's been a consistent threat since day one, tallying at least 43 catches each year, and posting career-highs of 941 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Pegues also carries a streak of 33 straight games with a reception. 

PEGUES ENTERS 2017 WITH STREAK OF 33 STRAIGHT GAMES WITH A RECEPTION
Pegues also enters Thursday night's opener with a current streak of 33 games with a reception - tallying at least one catch in every game he's played in since 2014.

SEVERAL BIG PLAY RECEIVERS JOIN PEGUES, MAKE FOR CROWDED GROUP
Including Pegues, the Crimson Hawks bring back their top six receivers from a season ago. Joining him are fellow starters in Gr. WR Chris Wuestner (Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle) and R-Soph. WR JoJo Gause (Rochester, N.Y./Bishop Kearney), as well as Sr. WR Allen Wright (McKeesport, Pa. /McKeesport Area). Combined, the trio caught 74 passes for 1,424 and 12 touchdowns, averaging more than 19 yards per reception. Joining the group will be R-Jr. Swahneek Brown (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg), who caught 27 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in 2015 before missing all of last year with an injury. 

OFFENSIVE LINE USES TWO PILLARS TO REBUILD AFTER LOSS OF THREE STARTERS
With the loss of three offensive line starters from last year, Jr. LT Joe Peterson (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) and R-Soph. OC Jeff Arnold (Pittsburgh, Pa./Brashear) take the lead in 2017. The two have a combined 31 starts between them, with Arnold garnering All-Region and All-PSAC honors at the pivot in his first year. 

MIX OF RETURNING AND TRANSFER LINEMEN LOOK TO FILL HOLES
Even with the loss of three starters, the IUP offensive line could prove deep and talented. The Crimson Hawks return four players with experience in R-Sr. Gabriel Diaz (Miami, Fla./Wiesbaden), R-Jr. Kidus Woldeyes (Lorton, Va. /South Country), R-Soph. Colin McAllister (Boothwyn, Pa./Chichester), and R-Jr. Devonne Barnes (Erie, Pa. /Cathedral Prep), with Diaz and Woldeyes combining for 39 games and 16 starts. Also expected to fight for playing time are three transfers, including Gr. Rocco Esposito (Coraopolis, Pa./Sto-Rox) from Wake Forest, R-Sr. Jerron Searles (Atlantic City, N.J./Atlantic City) from Delaware State, and R-Soph. Ken Roman (Hawley, Pa./Wallenpaupack) from Rutgers. 

IUP DEFENSE HOPES TO HAVE SAME DOMINANCE UNDER NEW DC JIM SMITH
Under Coach Tortorella last year, the IUP defense ranked third in Division II with 24 interceptions and 35 turnovers forced, sixth with six touchdowns, and 20th with a 67.4 percent red zone defense. Coach Smith enters his 19th season at IUP, with experience calling plays on the offensive side of the ball.

IUP SCORED SIX DEFENSIVE AND SPECIAL TEAMS TOUCHDOWNS IN 2016, 20 SINCE 2011
The IUP defense scored six defensive and special teams touchdowns last year - three interception, two fumble, one blocked punt - and has 20 touchdowns since the start of 2011. The Crimson Hawks are 16-1 when they score a defensive touchdown in the last six years, including 5-0 last year. 

CRIMSON HAWKS BOAST ANOTHER TALENTED AND DEEP DEFENSIVE LINE
The IUP defensive front will again be a force, as the Crimson Hawks return nine regular players - five starters - from last years group. The unit is headlined by All-Region players in Sr. DT Jemal Averette (Upper Marlboro, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) and Jr. DE Deandre Easterling (Washington, D.C./Gonzaga), and has combined career numbers of 187 games played, 74 starts, and 45.5 sacks. Joining them are seniors Jordan Diven (Coraopolis, Pa./West Allegheny), Matt Mowad (Easton, Pa. /Easton), and Justin Weldon (Easton, Pa. /Easton Area), juniors Diamond Jones (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne) and Dyllon Scott (Reading, Pa./Exeter Twp.), and sophomores Malik Allen (Dover, Pa./Dover) and Dondrea Tillman (Sterling, Va./Potomac Falls). 

YOUTHFUL LINEBACKING GROUP HAS BIG SHOES TO FILL
The Crimson Hawks lost three of its top four linebackers from a season ago, including All-American and three-year starter Kevin Clarke (West Mifflin, Pa. /West Mifflin). Luckily, they do have two returning players who saw significant time, combining for three starts and 53 tackles. Soph. LB Damon Lloyd (Bel Air, Md./John Carroll) was third among 'backers last season with 34 tackles while classmate Nick Amendola (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) started twice and flashed big play ability with a blocked punt against Bloomsburg. Also looking for playing time are R-Soph. Zack Weaver (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg), R-Fr. Branden Myers (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West), and several true freshmen. 

JAY WATKINS GETS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION, HEADLINES TALENTED SECONDARY
Sr. CB Jay Watkins (Chester, Pa. /Hyde School) was named a preseason All-American after leading the PSAC and tying for third in Division II with seven interceptions in 2016. He'll be joined by returning starters in Sr. FS Takhi Turner (Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Twp.) and Jr. CB Mikale Makle (Upper Marlboro, Md./Frederick Douglas), both candidates for individual postseason awards.
 
MIKE PIETROPOLA LOOKS TO FIND A HOME ON DEFENSE
Jr. DB Mike Pietropola (Wellsboro, Pa./Wellsboro) has seen action at several spots in two years with the Crimson Hawks, including quarterback, receiver, defensive back, and on several special teams units. After going 2-1 as a starting quarterback with 634 passing yards, 319 rushing yards, and nine total touchdowns last year, he looks to make the move to a full-time defensive back in 2017.

NOTRE DAME TRANSFER MAX REDFIELD ADDS NFL POTENTIAL 
In late June, former Notre Dame safety Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo) announced his intentions to finish his collegiate career with the Crimson Hawks. Rated the 23rd best player by ESPN in his 2013 recruiting class, Redfield started 23 games and made 144 tackles in three seasons with the Fighting Irish. He's considered by many a top NFL talent for 2018. 

BIG PLAYS EXPECTED FROM SPECIAL TEAMS IN 2017
IUP had one of the best special teams units in the country last year, finishing third in Division II with eight blocked kicks. The Crimson Hawks blocked three field goals, three punts, and two extra points, scoring on four of those plays. 

FOUR KICKERS COMPETE TO REPLACE TWO SPOTS
IUP will look to replace both kicking spots with the graduations of Ryan Stewart (Indiana, Pa./Indiana) and Jordan Spangler (Johnstown, Pa./Bishop McCort). Returning are Jr. Sean Bowling (Pylesville, Md./North Hartford) and R-Soph. Dillon Sarka (Lebanon, Ohio/Waynesville), both seeing time as the team's kickoff specialist last year. They'll be joined by Jr. Nico Ruiz (Stroudsburg, Pa./Stroudsburg), a transfer from East Stroudsburg who made 16 field goals and 93 extra points in his two seasons with the Warriors. True freshman Jordan Washington (Pittsburgh, Pa./Gateway), who was a 2016 Ray Guy Prospect at Gateway High School, should also compete for a role.