Slippery Rock vs. Seton Hill Preview

Saturday, October 10 — 6:00 PM
Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, Slippery Rock
Seton Hill Griffins (2-3, 1-1 PSAC West) at No. 8 Slippery Rock (5-0, 2-0 PSAC West)

Slippery Rock puts its unbeaten record on the line Saturday night when Seton Hill comes to Mihalik-Thompson Stadium for SRU’s Hall of Fame Game. The Rock enters ranked No. 8 nationally in the AFCA Division II poll and is one of only 15 unbeaten teams remaining in Division II.

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The Rock is rolling

Slippery Rock has been one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country. The Rock is averaging 52.8 points and 525.4 yards per game, including 243.2 yards rushing and 282.2 passing. SRU ranks second nationally in scoring offense and fifth in total offense.

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Last week, Slippery Rock led Gannon just 14-10 at halftime before completely taking over, scoring 35 unanswered points in the second half for a 49-10 victory.

Quarterback DaOne Owens completed 23 of 27 passes for 249 yards and four touchdowns. JayJay Jordan was outstanding on the ground with 176 yards and three touchdowns, while Ethan Trettel caught eight passes for 118 yards and a score.

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That’s the problem Seton Hill faces: Slippery Rock can beat you through the air or on the ground.

Don’t overlook Seton Hill

The Griffins’ 2-3 record is misleading.

Seton Hill is coming off arguably its most impressive performance of the season — a stunning 29-0 shutout of California University of Pennsylvania. Even more impressive, Seton Hill held Cal to just 22 total yards of offense while the Griffins produced 491 yards.

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Quarterback Boden St. Marie threw for 337 yards in that victory. Timothy Gaynor rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Jayden Llanos caught seven passes for 119 yards.

Slippery Rock University Athletics

The Seton Hill defense is the unit to watch. Opponents are averaging only 258 yards per game, and the Griffins have been particularly tough against the pass. Linebacker Lucas Simone leads the PSAC with 49 tackles.

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History favors The Rock

This has been a heavily one-sided series.

Slippery Rock leads the all-time matchup 14-2 and has won nine straight against Seton Hill. SRU is a perfect 7-0 at home against the Griffins.

Last season wasn’t close: Slippery Rock won 49-7, rushing for an incredible 410 yards and outgaining Seton Hill 541-217.

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Keys to the game

1. Seton Hill has to slow JayJay Jordan. If SRU establishes the run early, Seton Hill will have a difficult time dealing with Owens and the passing game.

2. Watch Seton Hill’s defense early. After holding Cal to 22 yards, this is a fascinating matchup against an SRU offense averaging more than 52 points.

3. Turnovers could give Seton Hill a chance. The Griffins committed four turnovers last week and still won 29-0. They won’t get away with that against Slippery Rock.

4. Start fast. SRU has scored a touchdown on its opening possession in four of five games. Seton Hill can’t afford to fall behind by two or three touchdowns and allow The Rock to dictate the game.