ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon football team concludes a brief two-game road swing Saturday, September 15 at Slippery Rock. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division opener is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Head coach
Brad Rzyczycki's club brings a 1-1 record into Saturday's affair. Following a season-opening 36-33 victory against Lake Erie, the Golden Knights dropped a 21-17 decision at West Chester last Saturday. Gannon rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to assume a 17-14 advantage during the third quarter. However, a West Chester touchdown with 5:10 left in regulation proved to be the difference.
Gannon has won three consecutive games against the Rock, including a 33-27 home victory in week 10 last season that arguably prevented SRU from reaching the NCAA Division II Tournament. The Golden Knights lead the all-time series 5-2, including a 3-1 record on Slippery Rock's home field.
Offensive coordinator
Josh Hoeg's passing attack has fans taking notice. Gannon had two different receivers recorded 100-yard performances against both Lake Erie and West Chester, marking the first time in school history a pair of receivers had at least 100 yards in two consecutive contests. The Golden Knights rank 10th among all NCAA Division II schools in passing offense (344.0).
Gannon has scored during four of five trips inside the red zone, including three touchdowns and one field goal. The Golden Knights have also scored touchdowns three times during the final two minutes of halves the first two weeks.
Special teams have been key for Gannon. The Golden Knights lead the PSAC and rank third nationally in punt return average (33.0). The squad is fourth among conference schools in net punting (39.33).
Slippery Rock also brings a 1-1 overall record into Saturday's battle. The Rock opened the season with a convincing 52-6 home victory against Seton Hill, but dropped a 55-35 decision at Shippensburg last Saturday.
Head coach George Mihalik's team is among the PSAC's top five in net punting (44.80), kickoff return average (29.90), tackles for a loss per game (8.00), scoring offense (43.50), rushing defense (99.00) and punt return average (10.83). The Rock leads the conference and ranks third nationally in net punting. The main reason is punter Jamie McCombie who leads all NCAA Division II punters in punting average (48.78).
