3 IUP Crimson Hawks
GAME
5
at SETON HILL
BREAKDOWN
September 30, 2017 4:00 PM Greensburg, Pa. Offutt Field
#4/3
IUP Crimson Hawks 4-0, 1-0 PSAC West
RECORD
0-4, 0-1 PSAC West
RANKING
#4 in AFCA Coaches
RANKING
NR in AFCA Coaches
LAST GAME
Sept. 23 lost to
2017 SCHEDULES #4/3
IUP (4-0, 1-0 PSAC West)
DATE
RANK
AUGUST 31 9/9 SEPTEMBER 9 6/5 16 6/5 23 6/4 30 4/3 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Seton Hill Griffins
RECORD
#3 in D2Football Media LAST GAME
W 26-23
East Stroudsburg Cheyney Edinboro * at Seton Hill *
W 38-14 W 65-16 W 38-7 4 PM
#5/4 California * at #18/17 Slippery Rock * at Clarion * Gannon *
2 PM 2 PM 12 PM 12 PM
at Mercyhurst * at Bloomsburg
12 PM 1 PM
NR in D2Football Media
Edinboro, 38-7
RESULT/TIME
NR/18 Ashland
Sept. 23 defeated
#5/5 California, 44-41
HEAD COACH
Paul Tortorella
HEAD COACH
Isaac Collins
CAREER RECORD
4-0 / 1st year
CAREER RECORD
37-44 / 8th year
IUP RECORD
4-0 / 1st year
SHU RECORD
12-36 / 5th year
TORT vs. SHU*
4-0
vs. IUP
0-4
IUP vs. SHU
4-0
vs. Tortorella
0-0
* as assistant coach
THE GAME The 4th-ranked Crimson Hawks head out onto the road for the first time in 2017 as they travel to Greensburg to face Seton Hill on Saturday. Kickoff at Offutt Field is scheduled for 4 p.m. IUP is one of the hottest teams in Division II, starting the year with a 4-0 record after last week's 38-7 PSAC West opening win over Edinboro. Seton Hill is winless in four games, but nearly knocked off 5th-ranked California in a 44-41 last minute loss in week four. The Griffins have a much better record at home (8-10) than on the road (3-16) since 2014.
Seton Hill (0-4, 0-1 PSAC West) DATE
RANK
SEPTEMBER 2 9 16 23 30 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Bowie State Millersville at Kutztown at #5/5 California * #4/3 IUP *
RESULT/TIME
L 48-7 L 45-38 L 62-17 L 44-41 4 PM
at Clarion * Gannon * at Mercyhurst * Edinboro *
2 PM 4 PM 12 PM 3 PM
#18/17 Slippery Rock * at Shippensburg
12 PM 1 PM
WHAT’S INSIDE Game Information ........................................................1 Game Storylines ...........................................................1 2017 IUP Schedule ........................................................1 IUP Football Quick Facts............................................ 2 AFCA / D2Football Polls.............................................3 IUP’s Record Breakdown ...........................................4 Career Games Played/Started ................................. 5 IUP Head Coach Paul Tortorella...............................6 IUP/Opponents Series Information ........................ 7 PSAC Standings ........................................................... 7 IUP Depth Chart ...........................................................8 IUP Pronunciations .....................................................8 Game-by-Game Starters ...........................................9 The Last Time It Happened .................................... 10 100/300 Yard Milestones ....................................... 10 IUP Records.................................................................. 11 20-Yard Plays/Breakdown ...................................... 12 IUP Scoring Drives..................................................... 13 IUP Roster ..............................................................14-15 2017 IUP Statistics................................................16-21
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.
HOW TO FOLLOW WQMU 92.5 FM/U92radio.com Jack Benedict, play-by play Ab Dettore, analyst Greg Drahuschak, sideline
Watch: Westmoreland Sports Westmorelandsports.com/ broadcast Dan Flickinger, play-by-play TJ Distefano, analyst
*pregame show begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Live Stats portal.stretchinternet.com/shu
Twitter @IUPfootball @IUPCrimsonHawk
STORYLINES • The history between these two
• IUP's pass defense will be
• In their first three games, the
schools only dates back to 2013
tested this week, as Seton Hill
Griffins gave up 1,135 passing
when Seton Hill joined the PSAC;
ranks third in the PSAC and 14th
yards and 14 passing touch-
IUP has won all four contests by
in Division II with 297.5 passing
downs (5-4-5); Although Cal did
a combined score of 171-77
yards per game; The Crimson
not pass for a TD last week, the
Hawks give up an average of
Vulcans did rush for 199 yards
198.0 yards through the air
and five scores
slim margin of 12 yards per game
• The Griffins have also tossed
• QB Lenny Williams is coming
on average (450-438), but the
nine picks in four games; IUP is
off of a career-high four passing
big difference has been the Crim-
fifth in Division II with eight inter-
touchdowns and is averaging
son Hawks' +6 turnover margin
ceptions this season
239.0 yards through the air this
• In the last three meetings, IUP has outgained Seton Hill by a
year
in those contests • The Crimson Hawks have one • In addition to the near upsets
of the top offenses in Division
• Williams' breakout game came
of Cal last week and IUP in 2016,
II, ranking in the top 15 in five
in Greensburg against the Grif-
the Griffins did defeat Slippery
categories; Seton Hill enters
fins in 2015, rushing for a PSAC
Rock (41-38) and nearly took
the game last in the country in
quarterback record 205 yards
down the Vulcans (38-34) in 2015
total defense, pass defense, and
and a touchdown on 16 carries in
opponent first downs
IUP's 47-10 victory
1
QUICK FACTS
NOTEBOOK
Location
Indiana, Pa.
Enrollment Founded Athletics Affiliation
A victory over Seton Hill on Saturday would give Coach Tortorella a 5-0 start to his head coaching career,
1875
the best five-game start by a first year coach in program history. With IUP's week four win over Edinboro,
NCAA Division II
Conference
PSAC (West)
Colors
Crimson & Gray
Nickname
Crimson Hawks
President
Dr. Michael Driscoll
Athletic Director
Steve Roach
Stadium
Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
Seating capacity
3,580
SPORTS INFORMATION Sports Information Director
COACH TORTORELLA LOOKING FOR BEST 5-GAME START BY IUP COACH IN PROGRAM HISTORY
12,853
Tortorella joined Chuck Klausing (1964) as the only first year IUP coaches who have started 4-0, and he was one of four coaches who began with unblemished records after three games. Starts by IUP first year head coaches Coach
Year
3-games
4-games
5-games
Paul Tortorella
2017
3-0
4-0
??
Chuck Klausing
1964
3-0
4-0
4-1
Bill Neal
1970
3-0
3-1
4-1
Owen Dougherty
1979
3-0
3-1
4-1
Frank Cignetti
1986
2-1
3-1
4-1
Lou Tepper
2006
2-1
3-1
4-1
Ryan Rebholz
Office Phone
724-357-2747
Email
[email protected]
IUP IMPROVED TO 33-2 IN PSAC WEST OPENERS DATING BACK TO 1983 With IUP's week four win over Edinboro, the program improved to 33-2 (.943) in PSAC West opening games dating back to 1983. The Crimson Hawks currently have a six-game division-opening win streak
FOOTBALL HISTORY
going, and boasted a 26-game streak from 1983-2008. IUP's only PSAC West opening losses have come
First Year of Football (Recorded)
1927
Last Playoff Appearance
2016
All-Time Record (Pct)
547-266-23 (.668)
to Mercyhurst in 2009 (20-16) and Slippery Rock in 2011 (20-6) - both on the road. IUP CONTINUES CLIMB IN THE DIVISION II TOP 25 RANKINGS
Division II Playoff Appearances
17
With No. 2 Ferris State's loss to Ashland, and Cal's near loss to Seton Hill, the Crimson Hawks bumped up
Division II National Semifinal Apperances
6
to No. 4 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 3 in the D2Football.com Media Poll in this week's rankings. The
Division II Championship Appearances
2
top-3 ranking in the media poll is the highest overall for the program since earning the No. 2 ranking by
All-Time Division II Playoff Record
20-17
COACHING STAFF
the AFCA back on Nov. 6, 2001. See page three of the game notes for more information. CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE 14-GAME HOME WIN STREAK AFTER EDINBORO VICTORY
Head Coach
Paul Tortorella
Alma Mater
Slippery Rock, 1985
IUP Record (Year)
0-0 (1st)
Offensive Coordinator
Tate Gregory
Alma Mater
Always a very good home team, IUP has a 14-game home win streak after its week four victory over Edinboro. The Crimson Hawks’ last loss at home came in the 2015 season opener, falling to Kutztown 34-33 after two missed extra point attempts. Since that loss, IUP has outscored visiting opponents 565 to 231, or an average of 40.4 to 16.5.
Ohio, 2006
Defensive Coordinator
Jim Smith
IUP SPREAD OFFENSE OUT TO ANOTHER GOOD START UNDER COACH GREGORY
Alma Mater
IUP, 1998
The Crimson Hawks have entered their third year of the spread offense, although a new face is calling the
Football Office
724-357-2780
plays with the addition of Coach Gregory from Charleston. It might be a new coach, but the IUP offense is already rolling as the Crimson Hawks rank second in the PSAC in rushing and total offense, and third in
TEAM INFORMATION 2016 Overall Record 2016 PSAC Record/West Finish Final Ranking (AFCA/D2Football)
scoring. They also rank in the top-15 of Division II in all three categories. 10-2 6-1/2nd 12/11
Offensive Starters Returning/Lost
7/4
Defensive Starters Returning/Lost
8/4
Specialists Starters Returning/Lost
0/2
COACHING ASSIGNMENTS Paul Tortorella - Head Coach
Sideline
Tate Gregory - Off. Coord./QBs
Sideline
Mike Campolo - Offensive Line
Sideline
Three year offensive comparison - thru four games Category
2017 / PSAC Rk
2016
2015
Rush Yds/Game
246.8/ 2nd
293.5
317.3
Rushing TDs
7 / t-7th
21
13
Pass Yds/Game
239.0 / 8th
268.5
137.5
Passing TDs
10 / t-4th
8
3
Passing Efficiency
174.6 / 1st
196.2
108.4
Total Yds/Game
485.8 / 2nd
562.0
454.8
Points/Game
41.8 / 3rd
57.8
37.0
Luke Barker - Running Backs/TEs
Sideline
CRIMSON HAWKS RANK IN THE TOP 15 OF DIVISION II IN FIVE OFFENSIVE CATEGORIES
Johnny Franco - Safeties
Sideline
The diverse and well-rounded IUP offense is near the top of the NCAA rankings in five categories, includ-
Anthony Leonard - Defensive Line
Sideline
ing rushing offense (246.8, 13th), total offense (485.8, 14th), points per game (41.8, 10th), sacks allowed (three, 13th), and passing efficiency (174.56, 10th). Thought of as just a running team just two years ago,
Jim Smith - Def. Coord./LBs
Booth
Jameson Zacharias - Cornerbacks
Booth
IUP's spread offense has hurt opponents on the ground and in the air.
John Pettina - Volunteer Asst./DBs
Booth
IUP's "SPLASH PLAYS" BIG PART OF OFFENSE; HAS SCORED 10 TOUCHDOWNS OF 20-PLUS YARDS
Christian Bryant - Wide Receivers
Booth
IUP has produced 24 "splash plays" - a play of 20-plus yards - through four games this season. With 276 total plays, the Crimson Hawks go for 20-yards or more every 11.5 offensive plays on average. Of those 24 splash plays, 10 have gone for touchdowns, including seven through the air. R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil has scored three touchdowns from 20 yards out. See page 12 of the game notes for more information.
2
11 OFFENSIVE SCORING DRIVES HAVE BEEN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES
AFCA COACHES POLL
IUP's big play, speedy offense has produced 11 (of 24) scoring drives that have spanned two minutes or less this season. Four of those drives have needed just one or two plays to get in the endzone. Through
RK
SCHOOL (1st VOTES)
four games IUP's average offensive scoring drive is 6.7 plays, 58.7 yards, and 2:30.
1.
Northwest Missouri St. (34)
‘17 REC
4-0
LAST
1
2.
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
3
IUP IS 45-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
3.
Shepherd (W.Va.)
3-0
4
Fr. RB Justice Evans rushed for 116 yards on 13 carries in the week three win over Cheyney, as IUP
4.
Indiana (Pa.)
4-0
6
improved to 45-8 since 2011 when a player rushes for at least 100 yards in a game. He’s now the fourth
5.
California (Pa.)
4-0
5
active player on the roster with a 100-yard game to his credit: R-Jr. Lenny Williams, Jr. has nine, Soph. RB
6.
Minnesota St.
4-0
8
Samir Bullock has six, and fellow Fr. RB Duane Brown has one.
7.
Sioux Falls (S.D.)
4-0
7
8.
Colorado Mesa
4-0
11
CRIMSON HAWKS ARE 74-5 SINCE 2003 WHEN RUSHING FOR 200 YARDS AS A TEAM
9.
Grand Valley St. (Mich.)
3-1
12
Five different players in week four combined rush for 200 on 45 carries, marking the 79th time since
10. Indianapolis (Ind.)
4-0
14
2003 that IUP has rushed for at least 200 yards in a game. The Crimson Hawks are 74-5 in those games,
11.
Arkansas Tech
4-0
16
including a 21-3 record since 2015 and a 4-0 record this year.
12.
Midwestern St. (Texas)
2-0
13
13.
Delta St. (Miss.)
4-0
17
THREE DIFFERENT BACKS HAVE RUSHED FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME THIS SEASON
14.
Fort Hays St. (Kan.)
4-0
18
Through four games, IUP has seen three different running backs rush for 100 yards in a game. Evans
15.
Ferris St. (Mich.)
became the third different running back this year to hit the 100-yard mark in the week three win, further
16.
Central Washington
proving the Crimson Hawks' depth at the position. Four different players average more than 34 rushing
17.
Colorado St.-Pueblo
yards per game for IUP, which averages 246.8 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry.
18.
Slippery Rock (Pa.)
4-0
21
19.
Humboldt St. (Calif.)
3-0
22
3-1
NR
IUP's four-headed running back position Player
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
LG
Avg/G
'17 High
Samir Bullock - Soph.
61
417
6.8
3
52
104.2
200
Justice Evans - Fr.
35
199
5.7
2
59
49.8
116
Duane Brown - Fr.
23
146
6.3
1
22
48.7
137
Malik Anderson - Soph.
33
137
4.2
1
23
34.2
69
20. Ashland (Ohio) 21.
2-1
2
4-0
20
3-1
19
Bowie St. (Md.)
4-0
23
22. Assumption (Mass.)
4-0
24
23. Catawba (N.C.)
4-0
25
24. LIU-Post (N.Y.)
3-1
9
4-0
NR
25. Winona St. (Minn.)
LENNY WILLIAMS IS 21-3 AS IUP STARTING QB; ALREADY ONE OF BEST IN PROGRAM HISTORY R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. is in his third year as the IUP starter, carrying a 21-3 record into week five. A
D2FOOTBALL.COM MEDIA POLL
two-time Harlon Hill Award nominee as the best player in Division II, Williams can already be listed as one of the top quarterbacks in IUP history. Williams owns several single game and season IUP records, but his name is also at or near the top in several career categories, including completion percentage, passer efficiency, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total offense, and touchdowns responsible for. Williams in the record books Category
Total
Place
Comp. Pct.
62.8
1st
Next Up
RK
SCHOOL
1
Northwest Missouri
‘17 REC
4-0
LAST
1
2
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
3 4
3
IUP
4-0
Leader
4
California
4-0
5
Williams
5
Sioux Falls
4-0
8
Passer Effic.
167.39
1st
Williams
6
Shepherd
3-0
6
Total Offense/Game
250.2
1st
Williams
7
Minnesota State
4-0
9
Brian Eyerman, 88
8
Grand Valley
3-1
11
Andrew Krewatch, 8043
9
Ashland
3-1
15 14
TDs resp. for
57
t-4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 68
Total Offense
6255
4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 7034
Rushing TDs
24
10th
9. De’Antwan Williams, 28
Rushing Yards
1918
16th
15. Dan Cox, 1936
MIchael Mann, 48
10
CSU-Pueblo
3-1
Michael Mann, 4805
11
Ferris State
2-1
2
12
Midwestern State
2-0
12
13
Fort Hays
4-0
16
14
Indianapolis
4-0
17
15
Colorado Mesa
4-0
18
16
Delta State
4-0
19
17
Slippery Rock
4-0
20
18
Winona State
4-0
21
19
Arkansas Tech
4-0
22
WILLIAMS AVERAGING OVER 300 YARDS PER GAME IN CAREER vs. SETON HILL Williams emerged onto the national scene as a freshman in 2015, when he broke the PSAC record for rushing yards in a game by a quarterback with 205 at Seton Hill. He totaled 362 yards with three touchdowns on 31 total plays that week to help IUP to a 47-10 road win. In his career vs. Seton Hill, Williams averages more than 300 yards per game, and 9.2 yards per play. Williams career vs. Seton Hill Effic
Cmp-Att Pct
YDS TD-INT
LG
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
20
Central Washington
4-0
23
2015
191.92
9-15
60.0
157
2-0
36
16
205
12.8
1
62
21
Bowie State
4-0
24
2016
168.55
11-19
57.8
211
1-0
47
16
35
2.2
1
11
22
North Alabama
1-2
7
TOTALS
178.86
20-34
58.8
368
3-0
47
32
240
7.5
2
62
23
Central Missouri
3-1
25
WILLIAMS RANKS SEVENTH IN DIVISION II IN PASSING EFFICIENCY One of the most consistent quarterbacks in the country, Williams ranks seventh in Division II with a passing efficiency rating of 178.1. His completion percentage of 65.7 (65-99) leads the PSAC and ranks 17th in the nation, while his 9.66 yards per pass attempt is 12th and his 10 touchdowns are 15th.
3
24
Emporia State
2-2
10
25
Humboldt State
3-0
NR
DOM MCNEIL HAS TURNED HIMSELF INTO TEAM'S BIG PLAY RECEIVER
RECORD BREAKDOWN 2017 1-0 3-0 0-0 0-0
August September October November IUP’s Record vs. PSAC Teams at home 3-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC West Teams at home 1-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC East Teams at home 2-0 on the road 0-0 IUP vs. Ranked Opponents at home 1-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record in Games... decided by 7 pts or less 1-0 decided by 3 pts or less 1-0 home during day 3-0 home at night 1-0 away during day 0-0 away at night 0-0 IUP’s Record When Scoring... less than 20 points 0-0 20-29 points 1-0 30+ points 3-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... 0-14 points 2-0 15-24 points 2-0 25+ points 0-0 IUP’s Record When... leading after the 1st qtr 2-0 trailing after the first qtr 2-0 tied after the 1st qtr 0-0 leading at halftime 3-0 trailing at halftime 1-0 tied at halftime 0-0 leading after the 3rd qtr 3-0 trailing after the 3rd qtr 0-0 tied after the 3rd qtr 1-0 IUP’s Record With... less than 300 yds tot offense 0-0 300-399 yards total offense 0-0 400-499 yards total offense 3-0 500+ yards total offense 1-0 less than 100 yards rush 0-0 100-149 yards rushing 1-0 150-199 yards rushing 1-0 200-249 yards rushing 3-0 250+ yards rushing 1-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-249 yards passing 1-0 250-299 yards passing 2-0 300-349 yards passing 0-0 350+ yards passing 0-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... less than 200 total yards 0-0 200-299 total yards 3-0 300-399 total yards 1-0 400+ yards total offense 0-0 less than 100 yards rush 2-0 100+ yards rush 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-299 yards pass 3-0 300+ yards pass 0-0
R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil has asserted himself as possibly the biggest threat on the IUP offense, leading Tortorella 1-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 0-0
the team with 353 receiving yards and 22.1 yards per catch. His 16 catches and three receiving touchdowns are both second on the team, adding two more scores on special teams (fumble recovery, blocked punt). McNeil also has team-highs of two 100-yard receiving games, five 20-plus yard catches, and three touchdowns of more than 20 yards. JOJO GAUSE HAD BREAKOUT GAME AGAINST EDINBORO R-Soph. WR JoJo Gause had his best career game in the week four win over Edinboro, snagging six balls for 84 yards and three touchdowns - all career-highs. The big target (6-4, 220) is a reliable receiver, with
1-0 0-0
11 catches for 147 yards (13.4 ypc) and four touchdowns this season. WALT PEGUES AMONG BEST RECEIVERS IN IUP HISTORY; LOOKS TO RETURN TO LINEUP SOON
2-0 0-0
A week one injury has delayed the season debut of Sr. WR Walt Pegues, but hopes to return to the lineup soon. One of the best receivers in program history, he heads into his final year ranked third in IUP history with 2,301 receiving yards and fourth with 145 receptions. He’s been a consistent threat since day one,
1-0 0-0
also entering the year with a streak of 33 games with a reception, tallying at least one catch in every game he's played. IUP Receiving Records
1-0 1-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-0
Rec
Player
Years
Yards
Player
Years
1.
214
Jai Hill
1988-91
1.
4,073
Jai Hill
1988-91
2.
165
Carmelo Ocasio
3.
153
Ken Witter
4.
145
Walt Pegues
5.
139
Lewis Hicks
1999-02
2.
2,891
Carmelo Ocasio
2005-08
3.
2,301
Walt Pegues
1999-02
2014-pres
4.
2,194
JeMone Smith
1990-93
1996-98
5.
2,138
Tony Trave
1984-87
2014-pres
NEW OFFENSIVE LINE QUICKLY PROVING IT IS BEST UNIT IN PSAC Once again, IUP can boast arguably the best offensive line in the conference, as the group has led the way for four straight 200-yard rushing games and has given up just three sacks so far this year. R-Soph.
2-0 2-0 0-0 2-0 2-0 0-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 1-0
OC Jeff Arnold leads the way from the pivot, with new starters R-Sr. Jerron Searles, Gr. Rocco Esposito, and R-Soph. Colin McAllister making a near seamless transition. R-Soph. Ken Roman started at left tackle in week four for injured Jr. Joe Peterson. Also look for Fr. Josh Dauberman. IUP HAS THREE DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS THIS YEAR; 18-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN THE DEFENSE SCORES The Crimson Hawks are tied for first in Division II with three defensive touchdowns already this year, including two in week three from Soph. DL Dondrea Tillman and R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil. They were the 22nd and 23rd defensive scores for IUP since the start of 2011, as the program improved to 18-1 during that span when the defense creates a touchdown. Last year, IUP tied for sixth in Division II with six defensive touchdowns - three on interceptions and three on fumbles. The Crimson Hawks’ 23 defensive touchdowns since 2011 Year
Opponent
TD
2017
Cheyney
Dondrea Tillman 19-yard interception return IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16
Result
0-0 0-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 3-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 2-0 0-0 0-0
2017
Cheyney
Dom McNeil 0-yard fumble return
2017
East Stroudsburg
JR Stevens 38-yard interception return
2016
at #18 Fairmont St. Steve Franco 82-yard interception return
IUP def. Fairmont St., 62-13
2016
Mercyhurst
Kevin Clarke 30-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 31-20
2016
at Gannon
Mikale Makle 58-yard fumble recovery
2016
#16 Slippery Rock Jay Watkins 49-yard fumble recovery
2016
at ESU
Jemal Averette 8-yard interception return
IUP def. ESU, 73-42
2015
Cheyney
Allen Wright 23-yard interception return
IUP def. Cheyney, 62-0
2015
at Mercyhurst
Takhi Turner 7-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 35-14
2015
at Mercyhurst
Dorian Lane 80-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 35-14
2015
at Mercyhurst
Steve Franco 50-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 35-14
2015
Lock Haven
Dorian Lane 19-yard interception return
IUP def. Lock Haven, 38-13
2015
Kutztown
Matt Mowad 23-yard interception return
Kutztown def. IUP, 34-33
2014
Clarion
A. Robertson 14-yard interception return
IUP def. Clarion, 31-0
0-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 2-0 1-0 3-0 0-0
2013
at Clarion
Marco Pecora 45-yard interception return
IUP def. Clarion 42-14
2013
Millersville
Jay Watkins 20-yard fumble recovery
IUP def. Millersville, 62-3
2013
at Seton Hill
Dorian Lane 39-yard interception return
IUP def. Seton Hill 26-0
2012
#25 Shepherd
Carl Fleming 77-yard interception return
IUP def. Shepherd, 27-17
2012
#7 Shippensburg
Carl Fleming 40-yard interception return
IUP def. Shippensburg, 41-10
2012
at Gannon
Terrell Holloway 8-yard interception return
IUP def. Gannon, 38-35
2011
at Lock Haven
M. Toussaint 29-yard interception return
IUP def. Lock Haven, 56-6
2011
at Clarion
Johnny Franco 42-yard interception return
IUP def. Clarion, 38-7
4
IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16 IUP def. ESU, 38-14
IUP def. Gannon, 48-3 IUP def. SRU, 48-19
IUP LEADS PSAC, RANKS IN THE TOP 20 IN DIVISION II INRUSHING AND TOTAL DEFENSE Through four weeks, the IUP defense is again asserting itself as one of the best in the nation as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC in both rushing (83.3) and total (281.3) defense. Those numbers are also some of the best in the nation, ranking ninth (rushing) and 18th (total). IUP is also second in the PSAC in points allowed at 15.0 per game, with No. 20/9 Ashland's 23 points in the opener the most of any oppponent this season. IUP defense game-by-game Rushing Ashland
Passing
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
Cmp-Att-Int Yds
TD
Tot Yds
40
158
3.9
0
22-26-0
203
3
361 223
ESU
33
142
4.3
2
8-22-1
81
0
Cheyney
33
-33
-1.0
0
23-47-2
287
2
254
Edinboro
22
66
3.0
0
26-47-5
221
1
287
Totals
128
333
2.6
2
79-152-8
792
6
Averages
83.3
1125
198.0
281.3
THE iUP DEFENSE HAS GIVEN UP JUST 14 SECOND HALF POINTS THROUGH FOUR WEEKS That stiffling defense has been even better in the second half, allowing a combined 448 yards and two touchdowns to four opponents in the final 30 minutes of games. Opponents are completing 52.3 percent (33-63) of their second half passes, have converted 31 percent (10-32) third down chances, and are averaging just 1.6 (69-112) yards per rush against the Crimson Hawks in the second half. LINEBACKERS AMENDOLA AND LLOYD AMONG TEAM DEFENSIVE LEADERS Soph. LBs Nick Amendola and Damon Lloyd have excelled as first year starters. Amendola leads the Crimson Hawks and ranks eighth in the PSAC with 36 tackles, while Lloyd has 27 tackles and two interceptions. Amendola tallied a career-best 14 stops in week four, with Lloyd getting both of his interceptions against the Fighting Scots. REDFIELD, STEVENS AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS IN PASSES DEFENSED Sr. SS Max Redfield and R-Soph. CB JR Stevens are both tied for third in the PSAC and 16th in Division II with 1.75 passes defensed per game, breaking up seven on the year. Redfield is second on the team with 31 total tackles and has picked off a pass in each of his last two games, while Stevens broke up four passes in IUP's week three win over Cheyney. IUP RANKS FOURTH IN PSAC WITH NINE SACKS, EIGHT OF THOSE FROM DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The IUP defensive front has led the charge this season, with seven players accounting for eight of the team's nine sacks this year. Those nine sacks rank fourth in the PSAC, and are ahead of their pace from last year when it took five games to match that number. Soph. DE Dondrea Tillman has a team-best 2.0 sacks, both coming in week three against Cheyney. IUP's defensive line depth Player
Tkls
TFL
Sks
INT
FF
Jemal Averette
17
2.0
1.0
0
1
Blks 2
Dondrea Tillman
17
4.0
2.0
1
0
0
Justin Weldon
14
2.5
1.5
0
0
1
Jordan Diven
14
1.0
1.0
0
0
0
Deandre Easterling
11
2.5
1.5
0
0
0
Dyllon Scott
11
1.0
1.5
0
0
0
Matt Mowad
10
0.5
0.5
1
0
0
Diamond Jones
7
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
Q. Wright-Downing
4
2.0
0.0
0
0
0
CRIMSON HAWKS' FIVE BLOCKED KICKS LEADS DIVISION II The IUP special teams is back at it this year with five blocked kicks, which is tied with four other teams for first in Division II. Sr. DT Jemal Averette has two of those - one point after, one field goal - and Dom McNeil's punt block was returned 15 yards for a touchdown against Cheyney. IUP’s blocked kicks in 2017 Opponent
Player
Type
Ashland
Justin Weldon
PAT
Result No return
Ashland
John McDonald-Horner
FG
No return
Cheyney
Jemal Averette
PAT
No return
Cheyney
Dom McNeil
Punt
Returned 15 yards for touchdown
Edinboro
Jemal Averette
FG
No return
CAREER GAMES PLAYED/STARTED Player ‘13 Malik Allen, DL -Devin Altland, WR -Nick Amendola, LB -Malik Anderson, RB -Jeff Arnold, OL -Jemal Averette, DL -Devonne Barnes, OL -Noah Bertram, TE -Sean Bowling, PK -Duane Brown, RB -Mike Brown, OL -Swahneek Brown, WR -Samir Bullock, RB -Devin Castro, DB -Shafique Cooley, OL -Anthony Davis, DB* -Mike DeBaugh, QB -Gabriel Diaz, OL -Jordan Diven, DL -Eric Doe, DB -Deandre Easterling, DL -Rocco Esposito, OL* -Justice Evans, RB -Diondre Faulk, LB -JoJo Gause, WR -Cameron Gray, DB* -Caleb Horton, DB -Maurice House, DB -Kolbe Hughes, WR* -C.J. Jackson, TE -Diamond Jones, DL --Zac Kelly, WR* Damon Lloyd, LB -Mikale Makle, DB -Colin McAllister, OL -J. McDonald-Horner, LB* -Dom McNeil, WR -Matt Mowad, DL -Branden Myers, LB -Yuka Onya, DL -Rex Pearce, TE -Walt Pegues, WR -Joe Peterson, OL -Mike Pietropola, DB -Max Redfield, DB* 12/1 Ken Roman, OL -Gunnar Royer, LS -Nico Ruiz, K/P* -Dillon Sarka, K -Dyllon Scott, DL -Jerron Searles, OL* 10/10 J.R. Stevens, DB -Isaiah Stokes, DB -Chris Temple, RB -Dondrea Tillman, DL -Takhi Turner, DB -Jay Watkins, DB 9/5 Zack Weaver, LB -Justin Weldon, DL -Shelby Wilkerson, DB* 1/0 Lenny Williams, QB -Miles Williamson, WR -Kidus Woldeyes, OL -Allen Wright, WR -Q. Wright-Downing, DL -Chris Wuestner, WR* 9/1
‘14 ‘15 ---- 8/0 ------11/0 12/12 ---- 3/0 -- 11/0 ------ 11/11 ------9/0 ---2/0 9/6 -- 9/2 10/0 12/0 -- 12/2 -- 2/0 ------------11/6 -10/1 10/3 -- 12/0 ------ 12/7 ------11/3 8/5 ----8/0 12/0 11/2 12/12 -- 8/7 -- 12/0 13/11 11/11 ---- ---- 11/0 ---- 5/2 12/11 10/10 ----9/1 10/9 --10/9 11/1 1/1 12/12 --7/0 10/2 5/0 --- 12/11 -- 4/0 -- 11/10 11/7 11/0 --13/0 --
‘16 11/0 12/1 12/2 11/0 12/12 7/7 6/0 3/0 10/0 -1/0 -12/5 --12/1 1/0 10/0 12/7 12/0 10/8 0/0 --12/12 7/0 1/0 1/0 -8/0 12/10 11/0 11/1 12/11 3/0 7/0 9/0 7/5 --10/0 10/10 12/12 12/3 ---11/0 4/0 11/1 -11/0 3/0 11/7 11/0 11/11 12/12 1/0 9/8 -9/9 3/0 7/0 7/2 1/0 12/11
*Not all games played at IUP (transfers)
5
‘17 Tot -- 11/0 4/0 24/1 4/4 16/6 4/1 15/1 4/4 16/16 4/4 34/23 4/0 10/0 4/0 10/0 4/0 25/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 4/0 4/3 15/14 4/3 16/8 1/0 1/0 3/0 3/0 4/3 25/4 3/0 4/0 0/0 21/6 4/0 25/9 4/1 37/1 4/2 26/12 4/4 6/4 4/0 4/0 3/0 3/0 4/4 16/16 2/0 9/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 4/1 15/7 4/1 32/5 4/3 28/13 4/0 15/0 4/4 15/5 3/2 27/20 4/4 7/4 4/0 11/0 4/0 13/0 4/2 30/15 4/0 4/0 1/0 1/0 4/3 34/3 0/0 33/24 3/3 23/22 4/2 28/5 4/4 40/27 3/1 3/1 4/0 4/0 4/0 26/0 4/0 8/0 4/0 20/3 4/4 36/35 4/4 15/4 2/0 5/0 -- 30/17 4/1 15/1 3/3 35/24 2/1 36/31 2/0 3/0 4/4 30/14 1/0 7/0 4/4 25/24 2/0 9/0 3/0 21/10 4/4 33/13 2/0 3/0 0/0 34/12
PAUL TORTORELLA (1ST SEASON) A longtime IUP assistant coach, Paul Tortorella will step up to lead the Crimson Hawks as their new head coach in 2017. He was named the 12th head coach of the IUP football program on January 3. Tortorella brings years of experience and knowledge to his new position, spending the last 22 seasons as IUP’s defensive coordinator. He has a background as IUP’s safeties coach – he also served as the associate head coach from 2011-16 – but will look to direct the team as a whole and will move away from calling defenses as he transitions to head coach. His first major task at the helm of the program came just less than a month after taking over, as he put the finishing touches on a 19-member recruiting class. His first signing class was an even mixture of offensive and defensive players, with 16 hailing from the state of Pennsylvania.
QUICK FACTS Michele Luke, Annalise, Zachary, Michael Slippery Rock University Bachelor’s Degree Health & Physical Education (1985)
Wife: Children: Education:
YEARS
POSITION(S)
1985
Linebackers
SCHOOL
1986-88
Linebackers/Def Backs
1989-91
Spec Teams Coord/TEs/RBs Maryland
1992-94
Defensive Backs
Mt. Lebanon HS Maryland
Akron
1995-2016 Defensive Coordinator
IUP
2017-pres
IUP
Head Coach
TORTORELLA’S 2012 SEASON DIVISION II COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR by FOOTBALL SCOOP
The Crimson Hawks gave up just 257.9 yards and 12.5 points per game, recording three shutouts and holding opponents to 10 points or fewer four additional times. IUP gave up an average of 80.1 rushing yards per outing, holding opponents to less than 100 yards nine times during the season. Offenses managed just 2.6 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns in 439 carries. The passing defense was also tough to crack, as IUP finished 17th in the nation by giving up 177.8 yards per game and 14th with a defensive pass efficiency of 101.85. Nine times quarterbacks failed to complete 50.0 percent of their passes against the Crimson Hawks, including each of the last four games. IUP racked up 20 interceptions and gave up just 14 touchdown passes.
On March 28, Tortorella announced his completed coaching staff. Returning assistants moving into new roles include: Jim Smith as the new defensive coordinator, while also remaining at linebackers; Johnny Franco moving from cornerbacks to safeties; and John Pettina takes over coaching the “Star” position after helping out Tortorella with the safeties.
IUP also ranked first in opponents first downs (14.4 per game); second in turnover margin (+1.50 per game); 12th in turnovers (35); tied for 27th in red zone efficiency (68 percent – 21 scores in 31 trips); and 32nd in third down defense (33.9 percent – 64-for-189).
New assistant hires were Tate Gregory as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; Christian Bryan as the wide receivers coach; and Jameson Zacharias as the cornerbacks coach. Gregory came from Charleston, while Bryan was at Carnegie Mellon and Zacharias coached at Central Michigan.
Since Tortorella’s first season with the program in 1995, 15 IUP defensive players have earned All-American honors, while 107 have been named to All-PSAC West teams. Four players have been named PSAC Defensive Player of the Year under Tortorella, with two freshmen earning conference rookie of the year accolades.
He also was able to see two-time All-American Ethan Cooper sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft in April. Cooper had multiple on-campus visits from teams, including the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texas and Jacksonville Jaguars, among others.
Since coming to IUP, Tortorella has directed a defense that has consistently ranked among the best in the nation. His extensive knowledge of schematics and personnel has made him one of the most respected coaches in the area.
WHERE HE’S BEEN
championship, and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals with a 12-2 record.
In 2016, Tortorella guided an opportunistic defensive unit that ranked third in Division II with 24 interceptions and 35 caused turnovers. IUP’s six total defensive touchdowns was tied for sixth in the country, while its .674 defensive red zone percentage was 20th. For six straight games the Crimson Hawks limited opponents to 20 points or less, with high-scoring rival Slippery Rock finishing with just 19 in IUP’s blowout mid-October victory. First round playoff opponent Fairmont State, which had a 10-1 record and averaged 30.0 points in the regular season, was limited to just 13 points by Tortorella’s crew.
2012 was one of Tortorella’s best seasons, as he was named the NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop. Under Tortorella’s guidance, IUP led the nation in total and scoring defense, while also ranking third in rushing defense, during a season in which the Crimson Hawks won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)
IUP compiled a record of 177-69 (.720) during Tortorella’s 22 seasons leading the defense, as the program won nine outright or shared PSAC West regular season titles and earned 10 NCAA playoff berths.
Tortorella got his coaching start on the prep level in 1985, serving as linebackers coach at Mount Lebanon High School. He then began a nine-year stint as an assistant coach at a pair of Division I universities, including six at Maryland and three at Akron. He joined the Maryland staff as a graduate assistant working with linebackers and the secondary from 1986-87 followed by one year as a volunteer assistant secondary coach. In 1989, he was hired on a full-time basis as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach, and he added halfbacks to his list of responsibilities in 1990. In 1992, Tortorella departed Maryland for Akron, where he coached defensive backs through the 1994 season before joining the IUP staff. Three IUP cornerbacks have earned All-America recognition during Tortorella’s time at IUP, including Barry Threats (1997 and 1998), Joey Flora (2001) and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (2008 and 2009). Tortorella is a 1985 graduate of Slippery Rock with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. He and his wife, Michele, are the parents of Luke, Annalise, Zachary and Michael.
IUP Team Defensive Rankings Category
Stat
PSAC
D-II
RYds/Game
80.1
1st
3rd
PYds/Game
177.8
3rd
17th
Tot Yds/Game
257.9
1st
1st
Points/Game
12.5
1st
1st
Interceptions
20
1st
t-12th
Def Pass Effic
101.9
1st
14th
Fumb Rec
15
3rd
t-14th
BY THE NUMBERS: PAUL TORTORELLA 2017
TOTALS
vs. Unranked teams
3-0
3-0
vs. Top 25 teams
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 10 teams
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC
3-0
3-0
vs. PSAC West
1-0
1-0
vs. PSAC East
2-0
2-0
PSAC West home games
1-0
1-0
TOs gained
35
2nd
t-12th
PSAC West road games
0-0
0-0
TFLs/Game
7.21
3rd
t-44th
All home games
4-0
4-0
t-38th
All road games
0-0
0-0
Postseason
0-0
0-0
32nd
IUP rushes for 200+ yards
4-0
4-0
IUP scores
5
at SETON HILL
BREAKDOWN
September 30, 2017 4:00 PM Greensburg, Pa. Offutt Field
#4/3
IUP Crimson Hawks 4-0, 1-0 PSAC West
RECORD
0-4, 0-1 PSAC West
RANKING
#4 in AFCA Coaches
RANKING
NR in AFCA Coaches
LAST GAME
Sept. 23 lost to
2017 SCHEDULES #4/3
IUP (4-0, 1-0 PSAC West)
DATE
RANK
AUGUST 31 9/9 SEPTEMBER 9 6/5 16 6/5 23 6/4 30 4/3 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Seton Hill Griffins
RECORD
#3 in D2Football Media LAST GAME
W 26-23
East Stroudsburg Cheyney Edinboro * at Seton Hill *
W 38-14 W 65-16 W 38-7 4 PM
#5/4 California * at #18/17 Slippery Rock * at Clarion * Gannon *
2 PM 2 PM 12 PM 12 PM
at Mercyhurst * at Bloomsburg
12 PM 1 PM
NR in D2Football Media
Edinboro, 38-7
RESULT/TIME
NR/18 Ashland
Sept. 23 defeated
#5/5 California, 44-41
HEAD COACH
Paul Tortorella
HEAD COACH
Isaac Collins
CAREER RECORD
4-0 / 1st year
CAREER RECORD
37-44 / 8th year
IUP RECORD
4-0 / 1st year
SHU RECORD
12-36 / 5th year
TORT vs. SHU*
4-0
vs. IUP
0-4
IUP vs. SHU
4-0
vs. Tortorella
0-0
* as assistant coach
THE GAME The 4th-ranked Crimson Hawks head out onto the road for the first time in 2017 as they travel to Greensburg to face Seton Hill on Saturday. Kickoff at Offutt Field is scheduled for 4 p.m. IUP is one of the hottest teams in Division II, starting the year with a 4-0 record after last week's 38-7 PSAC West opening win over Edinboro. Seton Hill is winless in four games, but nearly knocked off 5th-ranked California in a 44-41 last minute loss in week four. The Griffins have a much better record at home (8-10) than on the road (3-16) since 2014.
Seton Hill (0-4, 0-1 PSAC West) DATE
RANK
SEPTEMBER 2 9 16 23 30 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Bowie State Millersville at Kutztown at #5/5 California * #4/3 IUP *
RESULT/TIME
L 48-7 L 45-38 L 62-17 L 44-41 4 PM
at Clarion * Gannon * at Mercyhurst * Edinboro *
2 PM 4 PM 12 PM 3 PM
#18/17 Slippery Rock * at Shippensburg
12 PM 1 PM
WHAT’S INSIDE Game Information ........................................................1 Game Storylines ...........................................................1 2017 IUP Schedule ........................................................1 IUP Football Quick Facts............................................ 2 AFCA / D2Football Polls.............................................3 IUP’s Record Breakdown ...........................................4 Career Games Played/Started ................................. 5 IUP Head Coach Paul Tortorella...............................6 IUP/Opponents Series Information ........................ 7 PSAC Standings ........................................................... 7 IUP Depth Chart ...........................................................8 IUP Pronunciations .....................................................8 Game-by-Game Starters ...........................................9 The Last Time It Happened .................................... 10 100/300 Yard Milestones ....................................... 10 IUP Records.................................................................. 11 20-Yard Plays/Breakdown ...................................... 12 IUP Scoring Drives..................................................... 13 IUP Roster ..............................................................14-15 2017 IUP Statistics................................................16-21
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.
HOW TO FOLLOW WQMU 92.5 FM/U92radio.com Jack Benedict, play-by play Ab Dettore, analyst Greg Drahuschak, sideline
Watch: Westmoreland Sports Westmorelandsports.com/ broadcast Dan Flickinger, play-by-play TJ Distefano, analyst
*pregame show begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Live Stats portal.stretchinternet.com/shu
Twitter @IUPfootball @IUPCrimsonHawk
STORYLINES • The history between these two
• IUP's pass defense will be
• In their first three games, the
schools only dates back to 2013
tested this week, as Seton Hill
Griffins gave up 1,135 passing
when Seton Hill joined the PSAC;
ranks third in the PSAC and 14th
yards and 14 passing touch-
IUP has won all four contests by
in Division II with 297.5 passing
downs (5-4-5); Although Cal did
a combined score of 171-77
yards per game; The Crimson
not pass for a TD last week, the
Hawks give up an average of
Vulcans did rush for 199 yards
198.0 yards through the air
and five scores
slim margin of 12 yards per game
• The Griffins have also tossed
• QB Lenny Williams is coming
on average (450-438), but the
nine picks in four games; IUP is
off of a career-high four passing
big difference has been the Crim-
fifth in Division II with eight inter-
touchdowns and is averaging
son Hawks' +6 turnover margin
ceptions this season
239.0 yards through the air this
• In the last three meetings, IUP has outgained Seton Hill by a
year
in those contests • The Crimson Hawks have one • In addition to the near upsets
of the top offenses in Division
• Williams' breakout game came
of Cal last week and IUP in 2016,
II, ranking in the top 15 in five
in Greensburg against the Grif-
the Griffins did defeat Slippery
categories; Seton Hill enters
fins in 2015, rushing for a PSAC
Rock (41-38) and nearly took
the game last in the country in
quarterback record 205 yards
down the Vulcans (38-34) in 2015
total defense, pass defense, and
and a touchdown on 16 carries in
opponent first downs
IUP's 47-10 victory
1
QUICK FACTS
NOTEBOOK
Location
Indiana, Pa.
Enrollment Founded Athletics Affiliation
A victory over Seton Hill on Saturday would give Coach Tortorella a 5-0 start to his head coaching career,
1875
the best five-game start by a first year coach in program history. With IUP's week four win over Edinboro,
NCAA Division II
Conference
PSAC (West)
Colors
Crimson & Gray
Nickname
Crimson Hawks
President
Dr. Michael Driscoll
Athletic Director
Steve Roach
Stadium
Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
Seating capacity
3,580
SPORTS INFORMATION Sports Information Director
COACH TORTORELLA LOOKING FOR BEST 5-GAME START BY IUP COACH IN PROGRAM HISTORY
12,853
Tortorella joined Chuck Klausing (1964) as the only first year IUP coaches who have started 4-0, and he was one of four coaches who began with unblemished records after three games. Starts by IUP first year head coaches Coach
Year
3-games
4-games
5-games
Paul Tortorella
2017
3-0
4-0
??
Chuck Klausing
1964
3-0
4-0
4-1
Bill Neal
1970
3-0
3-1
4-1
Owen Dougherty
1979
3-0
3-1
4-1
Frank Cignetti
1986
2-1
3-1
4-1
Lou Tepper
2006
2-1
3-1
4-1
Ryan Rebholz
Office Phone
724-357-2747
[email protected]
IUP IMPROVED TO 33-2 IN PSAC WEST OPENERS DATING BACK TO 1983 With IUP's week four win over Edinboro, the program improved to 33-2 (.943) in PSAC West opening games dating back to 1983. The Crimson Hawks currently have a six-game division-opening win streak
FOOTBALL HISTORY
going, and boasted a 26-game streak from 1983-2008. IUP's only PSAC West opening losses have come
First Year of Football (Recorded)
1927
Last Playoff Appearance
2016
All-Time Record (Pct)
547-266-23 (.668)
to Mercyhurst in 2009 (20-16) and Slippery Rock in 2011 (20-6) - both on the road. IUP CONTINUES CLIMB IN THE DIVISION II TOP 25 RANKINGS
Division II Playoff Appearances
17
With No. 2 Ferris State's loss to Ashland, and Cal's near loss to Seton Hill, the Crimson Hawks bumped up
Division II National Semifinal Apperances
6
to No. 4 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 3 in the D2Football.com Media Poll in this week's rankings. The
Division II Championship Appearances
2
top-3 ranking in the media poll is the highest overall for the program since earning the No. 2 ranking by
All-Time Division II Playoff Record
20-17
COACHING STAFF
the AFCA back on Nov. 6, 2001. See page three of the game notes for more information. CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE 14-GAME HOME WIN STREAK AFTER EDINBORO VICTORY
Head Coach
Paul Tortorella
Alma Mater
Slippery Rock, 1985
IUP Record (Year)
0-0 (1st)
Offensive Coordinator
Tate Gregory
Alma Mater
Always a very good home team, IUP has a 14-game home win streak after its week four victory over Edinboro. The Crimson Hawks’ last loss at home came in the 2015 season opener, falling to Kutztown 34-33 after two missed extra point attempts. Since that loss, IUP has outscored visiting opponents 565 to 231, or an average of 40.4 to 16.5.
Ohio, 2006
Defensive Coordinator
Jim Smith
IUP SPREAD OFFENSE OUT TO ANOTHER GOOD START UNDER COACH GREGORY
Alma Mater
IUP, 1998
The Crimson Hawks have entered their third year of the spread offense, although a new face is calling the
Football Office
724-357-2780
plays with the addition of Coach Gregory from Charleston. It might be a new coach, but the IUP offense is already rolling as the Crimson Hawks rank second in the PSAC in rushing and total offense, and third in
TEAM INFORMATION 2016 Overall Record 2016 PSAC Record/West Finish Final Ranking (AFCA/D2Football)
scoring. They also rank in the top-15 of Division II in all three categories. 10-2 6-1/2nd 12/11
Offensive Starters Returning/Lost
7/4
Defensive Starters Returning/Lost
8/4
Specialists Starters Returning/Lost
0/2
COACHING ASSIGNMENTS Paul Tortorella - Head Coach
Sideline
Tate Gregory - Off. Coord./QBs
Sideline
Mike Campolo - Offensive Line
Sideline
Three year offensive comparison - thru four games Category
2017 / PSAC Rk
2016
2015
Rush Yds/Game
246.8/ 2nd
293.5
317.3
Rushing TDs
7 / t-7th
21
13
Pass Yds/Game
239.0 / 8th
268.5
137.5
Passing TDs
10 / t-4th
8
3
Passing Efficiency
174.6 / 1st
196.2
108.4
Total Yds/Game
485.8 / 2nd
562.0
454.8
Points/Game
41.8 / 3rd
57.8
37.0
Luke Barker - Running Backs/TEs
Sideline
CRIMSON HAWKS RANK IN THE TOP 15 OF DIVISION II IN FIVE OFFENSIVE CATEGORIES
Johnny Franco - Safeties
Sideline
The diverse and well-rounded IUP offense is near the top of the NCAA rankings in five categories, includ-
Anthony Leonard - Defensive Line
Sideline
ing rushing offense (246.8, 13th), total offense (485.8, 14th), points per game (41.8, 10th), sacks allowed (three, 13th), and passing efficiency (174.56, 10th). Thought of as just a running team just two years ago,
Jim Smith - Def. Coord./LBs
Booth
Jameson Zacharias - Cornerbacks
Booth
IUP's spread offense has hurt opponents on the ground and in the air.
John Pettina - Volunteer Asst./DBs
Booth
IUP's "SPLASH PLAYS" BIG PART OF OFFENSE; HAS SCORED 10 TOUCHDOWNS OF 20-PLUS YARDS
Christian Bryant - Wide Receivers
Booth
IUP has produced 24 "splash plays" - a play of 20-plus yards - through four games this season. With 276 total plays, the Crimson Hawks go for 20-yards or more every 11.5 offensive plays on average. Of those 24 splash plays, 10 have gone for touchdowns, including seven through the air. R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil has scored three touchdowns from 20 yards out. See page 12 of the game notes for more information.
2
11 OFFENSIVE SCORING DRIVES HAVE BEEN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES
AFCA COACHES POLL
IUP's big play, speedy offense has produced 11 (of 24) scoring drives that have spanned two minutes or less this season. Four of those drives have needed just one or two plays to get in the endzone. Through
RK
SCHOOL (1st VOTES)
four games IUP's average offensive scoring drive is 6.7 plays, 58.7 yards, and 2:30.
1.
Northwest Missouri St. (34)
‘17 REC
4-0
LAST
1
2.
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
3
IUP IS 45-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
3.
Shepherd (W.Va.)
3-0
4
Fr. RB Justice Evans rushed for 116 yards on 13 carries in the week three win over Cheyney, as IUP
4.
Indiana (Pa.)
4-0
6
improved to 45-8 since 2011 when a player rushes for at least 100 yards in a game. He’s now the fourth
5.
California (Pa.)
4-0
5
active player on the roster with a 100-yard game to his credit: R-Jr. Lenny Williams, Jr. has nine, Soph. RB
6.
Minnesota St.
4-0
8
Samir Bullock has six, and fellow Fr. RB Duane Brown has one.
7.
Sioux Falls (S.D.)
4-0
7
8.
Colorado Mesa
4-0
11
CRIMSON HAWKS ARE 74-5 SINCE 2003 WHEN RUSHING FOR 200 YARDS AS A TEAM
9.
Grand Valley St. (Mich.)
3-1
12
Five different players in week four combined rush for 200 on 45 carries, marking the 79th time since
10. Indianapolis (Ind.)
4-0
14
2003 that IUP has rushed for at least 200 yards in a game. The Crimson Hawks are 74-5 in those games,
11.
Arkansas Tech
4-0
16
including a 21-3 record since 2015 and a 4-0 record this year.
12.
Midwestern St. (Texas)
2-0
13
13.
Delta St. (Miss.)
4-0
17
THREE DIFFERENT BACKS HAVE RUSHED FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME THIS SEASON
14.
Fort Hays St. (Kan.)
4-0
18
Through four games, IUP has seen three different running backs rush for 100 yards in a game. Evans
15.
Ferris St. (Mich.)
became the third different running back this year to hit the 100-yard mark in the week three win, further
16.
Central Washington
proving the Crimson Hawks' depth at the position. Four different players average more than 34 rushing
17.
Colorado St.-Pueblo
yards per game for IUP, which averages 246.8 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry.
18.
Slippery Rock (Pa.)
4-0
21
19.
Humboldt St. (Calif.)
3-0
22
3-1
NR
IUP's four-headed running back position Player
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
LG
Avg/G
'17 High
Samir Bullock - Soph.
61
417
6.8
3
52
104.2
200
Justice Evans - Fr.
35
199
5.7
2
59
49.8
116
Duane Brown - Fr.
23
146
6.3
1
22
48.7
137
Malik Anderson - Soph.
33
137
4.2
1
23
34.2
69
20. Ashland (Ohio) 21.
2-1
2
4-0
20
3-1
19
Bowie St. (Md.)
4-0
23
22. Assumption (Mass.)
4-0
24
23. Catawba (N.C.)
4-0
25
24. LIU-Post (N.Y.)
3-1
9
4-0
NR
25. Winona St. (Minn.)
LENNY WILLIAMS IS 21-3 AS IUP STARTING QB; ALREADY ONE OF BEST IN PROGRAM HISTORY R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. is in his third year as the IUP starter, carrying a 21-3 record into week five. A
D2FOOTBALL.COM MEDIA POLL
two-time Harlon Hill Award nominee as the best player in Division II, Williams can already be listed as one of the top quarterbacks in IUP history. Williams owns several single game and season IUP records, but his name is also at or near the top in several career categories, including completion percentage, passer efficiency, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total offense, and touchdowns responsible for. Williams in the record books Category
Total
Place
Comp. Pct.
62.8
1st
Next Up
RK
SCHOOL
1
Northwest Missouri
‘17 REC
4-0
LAST
1
2
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
3 4
3
IUP
4-0
Leader
4
California
4-0
5
Williams
5
Sioux Falls
4-0
8
Passer Effic.
167.39
1st
Williams
6
Shepherd
3-0
6
Total Offense/Game
250.2
1st
Williams
7
Minnesota State
4-0
9
Brian Eyerman, 88
8
Grand Valley
3-1
11
Andrew Krewatch, 8043
9
Ashland
3-1
15 14
TDs resp. for
57
t-4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 68
Total Offense
6255
4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 7034
Rushing TDs
24
10th
9. De’Antwan Williams, 28
Rushing Yards
1918
16th
15. Dan Cox, 1936
MIchael Mann, 48
10
CSU-Pueblo
3-1
Michael Mann, 4805
11
Ferris State
2-1
2
12
Midwestern State
2-0
12
13
Fort Hays
4-0
16
14
Indianapolis
4-0
17
15
Colorado Mesa
4-0
18
16
Delta State
4-0
19
17
Slippery Rock
4-0
20
18
Winona State
4-0
21
19
Arkansas Tech
4-0
22
WILLIAMS AVERAGING OVER 300 YARDS PER GAME IN CAREER vs. SETON HILL Williams emerged onto the national scene as a freshman in 2015, when he broke the PSAC record for rushing yards in a game by a quarterback with 205 at Seton Hill. He totaled 362 yards with three touchdowns on 31 total plays that week to help IUP to a 47-10 road win. In his career vs. Seton Hill, Williams averages more than 300 yards per game, and 9.2 yards per play. Williams career vs. Seton Hill Effic
Cmp-Att Pct
YDS TD-INT
LG
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
20
Central Washington
4-0
23
2015
191.92
9-15
60.0
157
2-0
36
16
205
12.8
1
62
21
Bowie State
4-0
24
2016
168.55
11-19
57.8
211
1-0
47
16
35
2.2
1
11
22
North Alabama
1-2
7
TOTALS
178.86
20-34
58.8
368
3-0
47
32
240
7.5
2
62
23
Central Missouri
3-1
25
WILLIAMS RANKS SEVENTH IN DIVISION II IN PASSING EFFICIENCY One of the most consistent quarterbacks in the country, Williams ranks seventh in Division II with a passing efficiency rating of 178.1. His completion percentage of 65.7 (65-99) leads the PSAC and ranks 17th in the nation, while his 9.66 yards per pass attempt is 12th and his 10 touchdowns are 15th.
3
24
Emporia State
2-2
10
25
Humboldt State
3-0
NR
DOM MCNEIL HAS TURNED HIMSELF INTO TEAM'S BIG PLAY RECEIVER
RECORD BREAKDOWN 2017 1-0 3-0 0-0 0-0
August September October November IUP’s Record vs. PSAC Teams at home 3-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC West Teams at home 1-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC East Teams at home 2-0 on the road 0-0 IUP vs. Ranked Opponents at home 1-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record in Games... decided by 7 pts or less 1-0 decided by 3 pts or less 1-0 home during day 3-0 home at night 1-0 away during day 0-0 away at night 0-0 IUP’s Record When Scoring... less than 20 points 0-0 20-29 points 1-0 30+ points 3-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... 0-14 points 2-0 15-24 points 2-0 25+ points 0-0 IUP’s Record When... leading after the 1st qtr 2-0 trailing after the first qtr 2-0 tied after the 1st qtr 0-0 leading at halftime 3-0 trailing at halftime 1-0 tied at halftime 0-0 leading after the 3rd qtr 3-0 trailing after the 3rd qtr 0-0 tied after the 3rd qtr 1-0 IUP’s Record With... less than 300 yds tot offense 0-0 300-399 yards total offense 0-0 400-499 yards total offense 3-0 500+ yards total offense 1-0 less than 100 yards rush 0-0 100-149 yards rushing 1-0 150-199 yards rushing 1-0 200-249 yards rushing 3-0 250+ yards rushing 1-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-249 yards passing 1-0 250-299 yards passing 2-0 300-349 yards passing 0-0 350+ yards passing 0-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... less than 200 total yards 0-0 200-299 total yards 3-0 300-399 total yards 1-0 400+ yards total offense 0-0 less than 100 yards rush 2-0 100+ yards rush 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-299 yards pass 3-0 300+ yards pass 0-0
R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil has asserted himself as possibly the biggest threat on the IUP offense, leading Tortorella 1-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 0-0
the team with 353 receiving yards and 22.1 yards per catch. His 16 catches and three receiving touchdowns are both second on the team, adding two more scores on special teams (fumble recovery, blocked punt). McNeil also has team-highs of two 100-yard receiving games, five 20-plus yard catches, and three touchdowns of more than 20 yards. JOJO GAUSE HAD BREAKOUT GAME AGAINST EDINBORO R-Soph. WR JoJo Gause had his best career game in the week four win over Edinboro, snagging six balls for 84 yards and three touchdowns - all career-highs. The big target (6-4, 220) is a reliable receiver, with
1-0 0-0
11 catches for 147 yards (13.4 ypc) and four touchdowns this season. WALT PEGUES AMONG BEST RECEIVERS IN IUP HISTORY; LOOKS TO RETURN TO LINEUP SOON
2-0 0-0
A week one injury has delayed the season debut of Sr. WR Walt Pegues, but hopes to return to the lineup soon. One of the best receivers in program history, he heads into his final year ranked third in IUP history with 2,301 receiving yards and fourth with 145 receptions. He’s been a consistent threat since day one,
1-0 0-0
also entering the year with a streak of 33 games with a reception, tallying at least one catch in every game he's played. IUP Receiving Records
1-0 1-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-0
Rec
Player
Years
Yards
Player
Years
1.
214
Jai Hill
1988-91
1.
4,073
Jai Hill
1988-91
2.
165
Carmelo Ocasio
3.
153
Ken Witter
4.
145
Walt Pegues
5.
139
Lewis Hicks
1999-02
2.
2,891
Carmelo Ocasio
2005-08
3.
2,301
Walt Pegues
1999-02
2014-pres
4.
2,194
JeMone Smith
1990-93
1996-98
5.
2,138
Tony Trave
1984-87
2014-pres
NEW OFFENSIVE LINE QUICKLY PROVING IT IS BEST UNIT IN PSAC Once again, IUP can boast arguably the best offensive line in the conference, as the group has led the way for four straight 200-yard rushing games and has given up just three sacks so far this year. R-Soph.
2-0 2-0 0-0 2-0 2-0 0-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 1-0
OC Jeff Arnold leads the way from the pivot, with new starters R-Sr. Jerron Searles, Gr. Rocco Esposito, and R-Soph. Colin McAllister making a near seamless transition. R-Soph. Ken Roman started at left tackle in week four for injured Jr. Joe Peterson. Also look for Fr. Josh Dauberman. IUP HAS THREE DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS THIS YEAR; 18-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN THE DEFENSE SCORES The Crimson Hawks are tied for first in Division II with three defensive touchdowns already this year, including two in week three from Soph. DL Dondrea Tillman and R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil. They were the 22nd and 23rd defensive scores for IUP since the start of 2011, as the program improved to 18-1 during that span when the defense creates a touchdown. Last year, IUP tied for sixth in Division II with six defensive touchdowns - three on interceptions and three on fumbles. The Crimson Hawks’ 23 defensive touchdowns since 2011 Year
Opponent
TD
2017
Cheyney
Dondrea Tillman 19-yard interception return IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16
Result
0-0 0-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 3-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 2-0 0-0 0-0
2017
Cheyney
Dom McNeil 0-yard fumble return
2017
East Stroudsburg
JR Stevens 38-yard interception return
2016
at #18 Fairmont St. Steve Franco 82-yard interception return
IUP def. Fairmont St., 62-13
2016
Mercyhurst
Kevin Clarke 30-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 31-20
2016
at Gannon
Mikale Makle 58-yard fumble recovery
2016
#16 Slippery Rock Jay Watkins 49-yard fumble recovery
2016
at ESU
Jemal Averette 8-yard interception return
IUP def. ESU, 73-42
2015
Cheyney
Allen Wright 23-yard interception return
IUP def. Cheyney, 62-0
2015
at Mercyhurst
Takhi Turner 7-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 35-14
2015
at Mercyhurst
Dorian Lane 80-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 35-14
2015
at Mercyhurst
Steve Franco 50-yard interception return
IUP def. Mercyhurst, 35-14
2015
Lock Haven
Dorian Lane 19-yard interception return
IUP def. Lock Haven, 38-13
2015
Kutztown
Matt Mowad 23-yard interception return
Kutztown def. IUP, 34-33
2014
Clarion
A. Robertson 14-yard interception return
IUP def. Clarion, 31-0
0-0 3-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 2-0 1-0 3-0 0-0
2013
at Clarion
Marco Pecora 45-yard interception return
IUP def. Clarion 42-14
2013
Millersville
Jay Watkins 20-yard fumble recovery
IUP def. Millersville, 62-3
2013
at Seton Hill
Dorian Lane 39-yard interception return
IUP def. Seton Hill 26-0
2012
#25 Shepherd
Carl Fleming 77-yard interception return
IUP def. Shepherd, 27-17
2012
#7 Shippensburg
Carl Fleming 40-yard interception return
IUP def. Shippensburg, 41-10
2012
at Gannon
Terrell Holloway 8-yard interception return
IUP def. Gannon, 38-35
2011
at Lock Haven
M. Toussaint 29-yard interception return
IUP def. Lock Haven, 56-6
2011
at Clarion
Johnny Franco 42-yard interception return
IUP def. Clarion, 38-7
4
IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16 IUP def. ESU, 38-14
IUP def. Gannon, 48-3 IUP def. SRU, 48-19
IUP LEADS PSAC, RANKS IN THE TOP 20 IN DIVISION II INRUSHING AND TOTAL DEFENSE Through four weeks, the IUP defense is again asserting itself as one of the best in the nation as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC in both rushing (83.3) and total (281.3) defense. Those numbers are also some of the best in the nation, ranking ninth (rushing) and 18th (total). IUP is also second in the PSAC in points allowed at 15.0 per game, with No. 20/9 Ashland's 23 points in the opener the most of any oppponent this season. IUP defense game-by-game Rushing Ashland
Passing
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
Cmp-Att-Int Yds
TD
Tot Yds
40
158
3.9
0
22-26-0
203
3
361 223
ESU
33
142
4.3
2
8-22-1
81
0
Cheyney
33
-33
-1.0
0
23-47-2
287
2
254
Edinboro
22
66
3.0
0
26-47-5
221
1
287
Totals
128
333
2.6
2
79-152-8
792
6
Averages
83.3
1125
198.0
281.3
THE iUP DEFENSE HAS GIVEN UP JUST 14 SECOND HALF POINTS THROUGH FOUR WEEKS That stiffling defense has been even better in the second half, allowing a combined 448 yards and two touchdowns to four opponents in the final 30 minutes of games. Opponents are completing 52.3 percent (33-63) of their second half passes, have converted 31 percent (10-32) third down chances, and are averaging just 1.6 (69-112) yards per rush against the Crimson Hawks in the second half. LINEBACKERS AMENDOLA AND LLOYD AMONG TEAM DEFENSIVE LEADERS Soph. LBs Nick Amendola and Damon Lloyd have excelled as first year starters. Amendola leads the Crimson Hawks and ranks eighth in the PSAC with 36 tackles, while Lloyd has 27 tackles and two interceptions. Amendola tallied a career-best 14 stops in week four, with Lloyd getting both of his interceptions against the Fighting Scots. REDFIELD, STEVENS AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS IN PASSES DEFENSED Sr. SS Max Redfield and R-Soph. CB JR Stevens are both tied for third in the PSAC and 16th in Division II with 1.75 passes defensed per game, breaking up seven on the year. Redfield is second on the team with 31 total tackles and has picked off a pass in each of his last two games, while Stevens broke up four passes in IUP's week three win over Cheyney. IUP RANKS FOURTH IN PSAC WITH NINE SACKS, EIGHT OF THOSE FROM DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The IUP defensive front has led the charge this season, with seven players accounting for eight of the team's nine sacks this year. Those nine sacks rank fourth in the PSAC, and are ahead of their pace from last year when it took five games to match that number. Soph. DE Dondrea Tillman has a team-best 2.0 sacks, both coming in week three against Cheyney. IUP's defensive line depth Player
Tkls
TFL
Sks
INT
FF
Jemal Averette
17
2.0
1.0
0
1
Blks 2
Dondrea Tillman
17
4.0
2.0
1
0
0
Justin Weldon
14
2.5
1.5
0
0
1
Jordan Diven
14
1.0
1.0
0
0
0
Deandre Easterling
11
2.5
1.5
0
0
0
Dyllon Scott
11
1.0
1.5
0
0
0
Matt Mowad
10
0.5
0.5
1
0
0
Diamond Jones
7
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
Q. Wright-Downing
4
2.0
0.0
0
0
0
CRIMSON HAWKS' FIVE BLOCKED KICKS LEADS DIVISION II The IUP special teams is back at it this year with five blocked kicks, which is tied with four other teams for first in Division II. Sr. DT Jemal Averette has two of those - one point after, one field goal - and Dom McNeil's punt block was returned 15 yards for a touchdown against Cheyney. IUP’s blocked kicks in 2017 Opponent
Player
Type
Ashland
Justin Weldon
PAT
Result No return
Ashland
John McDonald-Horner
FG
No return
Cheyney
Jemal Averette
PAT
No return
Cheyney
Dom McNeil
Punt
Returned 15 yards for touchdown
Edinboro
Jemal Averette
FG
No return
CAREER GAMES PLAYED/STARTED Player ‘13 Malik Allen, DL -Devin Altland, WR -Nick Amendola, LB -Malik Anderson, RB -Jeff Arnold, OL -Jemal Averette, DL -Devonne Barnes, OL -Noah Bertram, TE -Sean Bowling, PK -Duane Brown, RB -Mike Brown, OL -Swahneek Brown, WR -Samir Bullock, RB -Devin Castro, DB -Shafique Cooley, OL -Anthony Davis, DB* -Mike DeBaugh, QB -Gabriel Diaz, OL -Jordan Diven, DL -Eric Doe, DB -Deandre Easterling, DL -Rocco Esposito, OL* -Justice Evans, RB -Diondre Faulk, LB -JoJo Gause, WR -Cameron Gray, DB* -Caleb Horton, DB -Maurice House, DB -Kolbe Hughes, WR* -C.J. Jackson, TE -Diamond Jones, DL --Zac Kelly, WR* Damon Lloyd, LB -Mikale Makle, DB -Colin McAllister, OL -J. McDonald-Horner, LB* -Dom McNeil, WR -Matt Mowad, DL -Branden Myers, LB -Yuka Onya, DL -Rex Pearce, TE -Walt Pegues, WR -Joe Peterson, OL -Mike Pietropola, DB -Max Redfield, DB* 12/1 Ken Roman, OL -Gunnar Royer, LS -Nico Ruiz, K/P* -Dillon Sarka, K -Dyllon Scott, DL -Jerron Searles, OL* 10/10 J.R. Stevens, DB -Isaiah Stokes, DB -Chris Temple, RB -Dondrea Tillman, DL -Takhi Turner, DB -Jay Watkins, DB 9/5 Zack Weaver, LB -Justin Weldon, DL -Shelby Wilkerson, DB* 1/0 Lenny Williams, QB -Miles Williamson, WR -Kidus Woldeyes, OL -Allen Wright, WR -Q. Wright-Downing, DL -Chris Wuestner, WR* 9/1
‘14 ‘15 ---- 8/0 ------11/0 12/12 ---- 3/0 -- 11/0 ------ 11/11 ------9/0 ---2/0 9/6 -- 9/2 10/0 12/0 -- 12/2 -- 2/0 ------------11/6 -10/1 10/3 -- 12/0 ------ 12/7 ------11/3 8/5 ----8/0 12/0 11/2 12/12 -- 8/7 -- 12/0 13/11 11/11 ---- ---- 11/0 ---- 5/2 12/11 10/10 ----9/1 10/9 --10/9 11/1 1/1 12/12 --7/0 10/2 5/0 --- 12/11 -- 4/0 -- 11/10 11/7 11/0 --13/0 --
‘16 11/0 12/1 12/2 11/0 12/12 7/7 6/0 3/0 10/0 -1/0 -12/5 --12/1 1/0 10/0 12/7 12/0 10/8 0/0 --12/12 7/0 1/0 1/0 -8/0 12/10 11/0 11/1 12/11 3/0 7/0 9/0 7/5 --10/0 10/10 12/12 12/3 ---11/0 4/0 11/1 -11/0 3/0 11/7 11/0 11/11 12/12 1/0 9/8 -9/9 3/0 7/0 7/2 1/0 12/11
*Not all games played at IUP (transfers)
5
‘17 Tot -- 11/0 4/0 24/1 4/4 16/6 4/1 15/1 4/4 16/16 4/4 34/23 4/0 10/0 4/0 10/0 4/0 25/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 4/0 4/3 15/14 4/3 16/8 1/0 1/0 3/0 3/0 4/3 25/4 3/0 4/0 0/0 21/6 4/0 25/9 4/1 37/1 4/2 26/12 4/4 6/4 4/0 4/0 3/0 3/0 4/4 16/16 2/0 9/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 4/1 15/7 4/1 32/5 4/3 28/13 4/0 15/0 4/4 15/5 3/2 27/20 4/4 7/4 4/0 11/0 4/0 13/0 4/2 30/15 4/0 4/0 1/0 1/0 4/3 34/3 0/0 33/24 3/3 23/22 4/2 28/5 4/4 40/27 3/1 3/1 4/0 4/0 4/0 26/0 4/0 8/0 4/0 20/3 4/4 36/35 4/4 15/4 2/0 5/0 -- 30/17 4/1 15/1 3/3 35/24 2/1 36/31 2/0 3/0 4/4 30/14 1/0 7/0 4/4 25/24 2/0 9/0 3/0 21/10 4/4 33/13 2/0 3/0 0/0 34/12
PAUL TORTORELLA (1ST SEASON) A longtime IUP assistant coach, Paul Tortorella will step up to lead the Crimson Hawks as their new head coach in 2017. He was named the 12th head coach of the IUP football program on January 3. Tortorella brings years of experience and knowledge to his new position, spending the last 22 seasons as IUP’s defensive coordinator. He has a background as IUP’s safeties coach – he also served as the associate head coach from 2011-16 – but will look to direct the team as a whole and will move away from calling defenses as he transitions to head coach. His first major task at the helm of the program came just less than a month after taking over, as he put the finishing touches on a 19-member recruiting class. His first signing class was an even mixture of offensive and defensive players, with 16 hailing from the state of Pennsylvania.
QUICK FACTS Michele Luke, Annalise, Zachary, Michael Slippery Rock University Bachelor’s Degree Health & Physical Education (1985)
Wife: Children: Education:
YEARS
POSITION(S)
1985
Linebackers
SCHOOL
1986-88
Linebackers/Def Backs
1989-91
Spec Teams Coord/TEs/RBs Maryland
1992-94
Defensive Backs
Mt. Lebanon HS Maryland
Akron
1995-2016 Defensive Coordinator
IUP
2017-pres
IUP
Head Coach
TORTORELLA’S 2012 SEASON DIVISION II COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR by FOOTBALL SCOOP
The Crimson Hawks gave up just 257.9 yards and 12.5 points per game, recording three shutouts and holding opponents to 10 points or fewer four additional times. IUP gave up an average of 80.1 rushing yards per outing, holding opponents to less than 100 yards nine times during the season. Offenses managed just 2.6 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns in 439 carries. The passing defense was also tough to crack, as IUP finished 17th in the nation by giving up 177.8 yards per game and 14th with a defensive pass efficiency of 101.85. Nine times quarterbacks failed to complete 50.0 percent of their passes against the Crimson Hawks, including each of the last four games. IUP racked up 20 interceptions and gave up just 14 touchdown passes.
On March 28, Tortorella announced his completed coaching staff. Returning assistants moving into new roles include: Jim Smith as the new defensive coordinator, while also remaining at linebackers; Johnny Franco moving from cornerbacks to safeties; and John Pettina takes over coaching the “Star” position after helping out Tortorella with the safeties.
IUP also ranked first in opponents first downs (14.4 per game); second in turnover margin (+1.50 per game); 12th in turnovers (35); tied for 27th in red zone efficiency (68 percent – 21 scores in 31 trips); and 32nd in third down defense (33.9 percent – 64-for-189).
New assistant hires were Tate Gregory as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; Christian Bryan as the wide receivers coach; and Jameson Zacharias as the cornerbacks coach. Gregory came from Charleston, while Bryan was at Carnegie Mellon and Zacharias coached at Central Michigan.
Since Tortorella’s first season with the program in 1995, 15 IUP defensive players have earned All-American honors, while 107 have been named to All-PSAC West teams. Four players have been named PSAC Defensive Player of the Year under Tortorella, with two freshmen earning conference rookie of the year accolades.
He also was able to see two-time All-American Ethan Cooper sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft in April. Cooper had multiple on-campus visits from teams, including the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texas and Jacksonville Jaguars, among others.
Since coming to IUP, Tortorella has directed a defense that has consistently ranked among the best in the nation. His extensive knowledge of schematics and personnel has made him one of the most respected coaches in the area.
WHERE HE’S BEEN
championship, and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals with a 12-2 record.
In 2016, Tortorella guided an opportunistic defensive unit that ranked third in Division II with 24 interceptions and 35 caused turnovers. IUP’s six total defensive touchdowns was tied for sixth in the country, while its .674 defensive red zone percentage was 20th. For six straight games the Crimson Hawks limited opponents to 20 points or less, with high-scoring rival Slippery Rock finishing with just 19 in IUP’s blowout mid-October victory. First round playoff opponent Fairmont State, which had a 10-1 record and averaged 30.0 points in the regular season, was limited to just 13 points by Tortorella’s crew.
2012 was one of Tortorella’s best seasons, as he was named the NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop. Under Tortorella’s guidance, IUP led the nation in total and scoring defense, while also ranking third in rushing defense, during a season in which the Crimson Hawks won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)
IUP compiled a record of 177-69 (.720) during Tortorella’s 22 seasons leading the defense, as the program won nine outright or shared PSAC West regular season titles and earned 10 NCAA playoff berths.
Tortorella got his coaching start on the prep level in 1985, serving as linebackers coach at Mount Lebanon High School. He then began a nine-year stint as an assistant coach at a pair of Division I universities, including six at Maryland and three at Akron. He joined the Maryland staff as a graduate assistant working with linebackers and the secondary from 1986-87 followed by one year as a volunteer assistant secondary coach. In 1989, he was hired on a full-time basis as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach, and he added halfbacks to his list of responsibilities in 1990. In 1992, Tortorella departed Maryland for Akron, where he coached defensive backs through the 1994 season before joining the IUP staff. Three IUP cornerbacks have earned All-America recognition during Tortorella’s time at IUP, including Barry Threats (1997 and 1998), Joey Flora (2001) and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (2008 and 2009). Tortorella is a 1985 graduate of Slippery Rock with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. He and his wife, Michele, are the parents of Luke, Annalise, Zachary and Michael.
IUP Team Defensive Rankings Category
Stat
PSAC
D-II
RYds/Game
80.1
1st
3rd
PYds/Game
177.8
3rd
17th
Tot Yds/Game
257.9
1st
1st
Points/Game
12.5
1st
1st
Interceptions
20
1st
t-12th
Def Pass Effic
101.9
1st
14th
Fumb Rec
15
3rd
t-14th
BY THE NUMBERS: PAUL TORTORELLA 2017
TOTALS
vs. Unranked teams
3-0
3-0
vs. Top 25 teams
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 10 teams
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC
3-0
3-0
vs. PSAC West
1-0
1-0
vs. PSAC East
2-0
2-0
PSAC West home games
1-0
1-0
TOs gained
35
2nd
t-12th
PSAC West road games
0-0
0-0
TFLs/Game
7.21
3rd
t-44th
All home games
4-0
4-0
t-38th
All road games
0-0
0-0
Postseason
0-0
0-0
32nd
IUP rushes for 200+ yards
4-0
4-0
IUP scores
