3 IUP Crimson Hawks
GAME
6
vs. CALIFORNIA
BREAKDOWN
October 7, 2017 2:05 PM Indiana, Pa. Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
#4/3
IUP Crimson Hawks
IUP (5-0, 2-0 PSAC West)
DATE
RANK
AUGUST 31 9/9 SEPTEMBER 9 6/5 16 6/5 23 6/4 30 4/3 OCTOBER 7 4/3 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11 #16/16 DATE
OPPONENT
RECORD
4-1, 1-1 PSAC West
RANKING
#4 in AFCA Coaches
RANKING
#16 in AFCA Coaches
LAST GAME
Sept. 30 lost to
#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 W 57-14
#16/16 California * 2:05 PM at #12/15 Slippery Rock * 2 PM at Clarion * 12 PM Gannon * 12 PM 12 PM 1 PM
California (4-1, 1-1 PSAC West)
RANK
AUGUST 31 8/7 SEPTEMBER 9 5/6 16 5/6 23 5/5 30 5/5 OCTOBER 7 16/16 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Ohio Dominican
RESULT/TIME
at Edinboro * at East Stroudsburg
#16 in D2Football Media
#18/17 Slippery Rock, 47-44
HEAD COACH
Paul Tortorella
HEAD COACH
Gary Dunn
CAREER RECORD
5-0 / 1st year
CAREER RECORD
15-2 / 2nd year
IUP RECORD
5-0 / 1st year
CAL RECORD
15-2 / 2nd year
TORT vs. CAL*
12-10
vs. IUP
2-0
IUP vs. CAL
57-25-2
vs. Tortorella
0-0
* as assistant coach
THE GAME The 4th-ranked Crimson Hawks return home to host 16th-ranked California (Pa.) in the ninth annual Coal Bowl on Saturday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium. Kickoff at Frank Cignetti Field is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. IUP is one of the hottest teams in Division II, outscoring opponents by an average of 41 points in the last three weeks, including Saturday's 57-14 win at Seton Hill. The Vulcans are 4-1 and left the ranks of the undefeated after last week's 47-44 overtime loss at Slippery Rock. The game will be webcast live by ESPN3, which is viewable via WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app. As always, the game is also 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.
W 36-34
Cheyney W 54-14 at Millersville W 29-13 Seton Hill * W 44-41 at #18/17 Slippery Rock* L 47-44 (ot) at #4/3 IUP * Clarion * at Gannon * Mercyhurst *
Sept. 30 defeated Seton Hill, 57-14
RESULT/TIME
NR/18 Ashland
at Mercyhurst * at Bloomsburg
California Vulcans
5-0, 2-0 PSAC West
2017 SCHEDULES #4/3
#16/16
RECORD
2:05 PM 3 PM 12 PM 1 PM 12 PM 12 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
HOW TO FOLLOW WQMU 92.5 FM/U92radio.com Jack Benedict, play-by play Ab Dettore, analyst Greg Drahuschak, sideline *pregame show begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff
ESPN3 / ESPN App Darren Goldwater, play-by-play Trai Essex, analyst
Live Stats Live stats for IUP home games can be found at: IUPStats.com
WIUP 90.1 FM TBD, play-by-play TBD, analyst
Twitter @IUPfootball @IUPCrimsonHawk
STORYLINES • This will be the second straight
• In IUP's two wins over Cal since
• IUP is averaging 274.7 rushing
Coal Bowl, and third since 2012,
2013, the Crimson Hawks have
yards and has scored seven
that both teams enter as top 25
given up an average of 105 pass-
rushing touchdowns in its last
teams; Cal has won both of those
ing yards with no touchdowns
three meetings with the Vulcans
meetings: 26-24 in 2012 and 31-
and six interceptions; In the
28 in 2016
three losses, 270 passing yards,
• For the second straight week,
six touchdowns, and two picks
IUP will face a top quarterback in Cal's Michael Keir; Keir averages
• Cal has owned the Coal Bowl series, with a record of 6-2 since
• IUP brings its annually strong
276 passing yards per game
2009; Both IUP wins have come
run game into this matchup,
while IUP allows 211, and has
at Miller Stadium: 20-15 in 2015
ranking sixth in Division II with
picked off opposing QBs 11 times
and 20-7 in 2013
283.6 rushing yards per game
• Traditionally a low-scoring
• The Cal defense is strong
of the most efficient (176.8
rivalry game, the average game
against the run, ranking 18th
effic) and accurate (68.3 pct)
score between 2010-15 was 19-
in the country by allowing just
passers in Division II; The Cal
17; In two meetings last year, the
94.6 yards; However, Seton Hill
pass defense is sixth worst in
average score was 38-26
and Slippery Rock averaged
the country, allowing 303 yards
137.5 rushing yards with five
per game
• IUP QB Lenny Williams is one
touchdowns the last two weeks against the Vulcans
1
QUICK FACTS
NOTEBOOK
Location
Indiana, Pa.
Enrollment
12,853
Founded Athletics Affiliation
IUP AND CAL BATTLE IN THE NINTH ANNUAL COAL BOWL Beginning in 2009, this year will be the ninth installment of the yearly trophy game between rivals IUP
1875
and California. The Vulcans have won six of the previous eight Coal Bowl games, with IUP's wins coming at
NCAA Division II
home in 2013 (20-7) and 2015 (20-15). The closest Coal Bowl came with both teams ranked in 2012 - #6 Cal
Conference
PSAC (West)
Colors
defeated #14 IUP 26-24 at Adamson Stadium.
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
COACH TORTORELLA'S 5-0 RECORD IS BEST FIVE-GAME START IN PROGRAM HISTORY With five wins in his first five games, Coach Tortorella is off to the best start by a first year head coach in program history. The previous five-game mark was 4-1, which was equaled by five different coaches. After IUP's week four win, he joined Chuck Klausing (1964) as the only first year coaches to start 4-0, and was one of only 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
6-games
Paul Tortorella
2017
3-0
4-0
5-0
?? 5-1
Sports Information Director
Ryan Rebholz
Chuck Klausing
1964
3-0
4-0
4-1
Office Phone
724-357-2747
Bill Neal
1970
3-0
3-1
4-1
5-1
Owen Dougherty
1979
3-0
3-1
4-1
5-1
Email
[email protected]
FOOTBALL HISTORY First Year of Football (Recorded)
1927
Last Playoff Appearance
2016
All-Time Record (Pct)
547-266-23 (.668)
Frank Cignetti
1986
2-1
3-1
4-1
5-1
Lou Tepper
2006
2-1
3-1
4-1
5-1
IUP RANKED IN THE TOP FIVE OF BOTH DIVISION II POLLS The Crimson Hawks held down their spots in the latest national polls, sitting at No. 4 in the AFCA Coaches
Division II Playoff Appearances
17
Poll and No. 3 in the D2Football.com Media Poll. The top-3 ranking in the media poll is the highest overall
Division II National Semifinal Apperances
6
for the program since earning the No. 2 ranking by the AFCA back on Nov. 6, 2001. See page three of the
Division II Championship Appearances
2
game notes for more information.
All-Time Division II Playoff Record
20-17 CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE 14-GAME HOME WIN STREAK HEADING INTO WEEK SIX
COACHING STAFF
Always a very good home team, IUP has a 14-game home win streak heading into week six against Cal.
Head Coach
Paul Tortorella
Alma Mater
Slippery Rock, 1985
IUP Record (Year)
0-0 (1st)
Offensive Coordinator
Tate Gregory
Alma Mater
Ohio, 2006
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. IUP’s 14-game home win streak Win
Date
Opponent (Record)
Result
Jim Smith
14
Sept. 23, 2017
Edinboro (2-1)
W 38-7
IUP, 1998
13
Sept. 16, 2017
Cheyney (1-1)
W 65-16
724-357-2780
12
Sept. 9, 2017
East Stroudsburg (1-0)
W 38-14
11
Aug. 31, 2017
NR/18 Ashland (0-0)
W 26-23
10
Nov. 12, 2016
Bloomsburg (6-4)
W 42-13
Defensive Coordinator Alma Mater Football Office
The Crimson Hawks’ last loss at home came in the 2015 season opener, falling to Kutztown 34-33 after
TEAM INFORMATION 2016 Overall Record
10-2
9
Nov. 5, 2016
Mercyhurst (2-7)
W 31-20
6-1/2nd
8
Oct. 22, 2016
Clarion (2-5)
W 42-17
12/11
7
Oct. 15, 2016
16/16 Slippery Rock (5-1)
W 48-19
7/4
6
Oct. 1, 2016
Seton Hill (3-1)
W 47-39
Defensive Starters Returning/Lost
8/4
5
Nov. 14, 2015
Cheyney (0-10)
W 62-0
Specialists Starters Returning/Lost
0/2
4
Nov. 7, 2015
Gannon (6-3)
W 26-14
3
Oct. 17, 2015
California (4-2)
W 20-15
2016 PSAC Record/West Finish Final Ranking (AFCA/D2Football) Offensive Starters Returning/Lost
COACHING ASSIGNMENTS Paul Tortorella - Head Coach
Sideline
2
Oct. 3, 2015
Edinboro (0-4)
W 42-21
1
Sept. 19, 2015
Lock Haven (0-2)
W 38-13
Tate Gregory - Off. Coord./QBs
Sideline
Mike Campolo - Offensive Line
Sideline
IUP SPREAD OFFENSE OUT TO ANOTHER GOOD START UNDER COACH GREGORY
Luke Barker - Running Backs/TEs
Sideline
The Crimson Hawks have entered their third year of the spread offense, although a new face is calling the
Johnny Franco - Safeties
Sideline
plays with the addition of Coach Gregory from Charleston. It might be a new coach, but the IUP offense
Anthony Leonard - Defensive Line
Sideline
is already rolling as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC in passing efficiency, rushing yards, total yards and scoring, and rank in the top-10 of Division II in all four categories.
Jim Smith - Def. Coord./LBs
Booth
Jameson Zacharias - Cornerbacks
Booth
John Pettina - Volunteer Asst./DBs
Booth
Christian Bryant - Wide Receivers
Booth
Three year offensive comparison - thru five games Category
2017 / PSAC Rk
2016
Rush Yds/Game
283.6 / 1st
281.8
2015 316.4
Rushing TDs
14 / 2nd
24
17
Pass Yds/Game
233.0 / 9th
250.2
141.4
Passing TDs
11 / t-6th
9
5
Passing Efficiency
173.9 / 1st
174.0
118.5
Total Yds/Game
516.6 / 1st
532.0
457.8
Points/Game
44.8 / 1st
51.8
39.0
2
CRIMSON HAWKS RANK IN THE TOP 15 OF DIVISION II IN SIX OFFENSIVE CATEGORIES
AFCA COACHES POLL
The diverse and well-rounded IUP offense is near the top of the NCAA rankings in six categories, including points per game (44.8, 5th), rushing offense (283.6, 6th), total offense (516.6, 6th), sacks allowed (3, 6th),
RK
SCHOOL (1st VOTES)
passing efficiency (173.90, 6th), and first downs (129, 4th). Thought of as just a running team just two
1.
Northwest Missouri St. (34)
‘17 REC
5-0
LAST
1
years ago, IUP's spread offense has hurt opponents on the ground and in the air.
2.
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
2
3.
Shepherd (W.Va.)
4-0
3
IUP's "SPLASH PLAYS" BIG PART OF OFFENSE; HAS SCORED 13 TOUCHDOWNS OF 20-PLUS YARDS
4.
Indiana (Pa.)
5-0
4
IUP has produced 30 "splash plays" - a play of 20-plus yards - through five games this season. With 276
5.
Minnesota St.
5-0
6
total plays, the Crimson Hawks go for 20-yards or more every 11.8 offensive plays on average. Of those
6.
Sioux Falls (S.D.)
5-0
7
30 splash plays, 13 have gone for touchdowns, including seven through the air. Both R-Soph. WR Dom
7.
Indianapolis (Ind.)
5-0
10
McNeil and Soph. RB Samir Bullock have scored three touchdowns from 20 yards out. See page 12 of the
8.
Grand Valley St. (Mich.)
4-1
9
game notes for more information.
9.
Delta St. (Miss.)
5-0
13
10. Midwestern St. (Texas)
3-0
12
15 OFFENSIVE SCORING DRIVES HAVE BEEN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES
11.
5-0
14
IUP's big play, speedy offense has produced 15 (of 32) scoring drives that have spanned two minutes or
12.
Slippery Rock (Pa.)
5-0
18
less this season. Four of those drives have needed just one or two plays to get in the endzone. Through
13.
Central Washington
5-0
16
five games IUP's average offensive scoring drive is 6.7 plays, 60.9 yards, and 2:29.
14.
Colorado St.-Pueblo
4-1
17
15.
Ferris St. (Mich.)
3-1
15
Fort Hays St. (Kan.)
IUP IS 46-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
16. California (Pa.)
4-1
5
Soph. RB Samir Bullock had a career day in the week five win at Seton Hill, rushing for 263 yards and
17.
Humboldt St. (Calif.)
4-0
19
six touchdowns, as IUP improved to 46-8 since 2011 when a player rushes for at least 100 yards. Fr. RB
18.
Ashland (Ohio)
4-1
20
Justice Evans also got into the action, as he chipped in 114 yards on 13 carries. That marked the eighth
19.
Bowie St. (Md.)
5-0
21
time in the last seven seasons IUP has had at least two 100-yard rushers in the same game, winning each
20. Assumption (Mass.)
5-0
22
of those contests. IUP has four active players on the roster with a 100-yard game to his credit: R-Jr. QB
21.
4-1
8
Lenny Williams, Jr. has nine, Bullock has seven, Evans has two, and Fr. RB Duane Brown has one.
22. Winona St. (Minn.)
5-0
25
IUP's four-headed running back position
23. Southeastern Oklahoma St.
5-0
NR
Player
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
LG
Avg/G
'17 High
24. Arkansas Tech
4-1
11
Samir Bullock - Soph.
92
680
7.4
9
52
136.0
263
25. West Georgia
4-1
NR
Justice Evans - Fr.
48
313
6.5
3
59
62.6
116
Duane Brown - Fr.
23
146
6.3
1
22
48.7
137
Malik Anderson - Soph.
43
177
4.1
1
23
35.4
69
Colorado Mesa
D2FOOTBALL.COM MEDIA POLL CRIMSON HAWKS ARE 75-5 SINCE 2003 WHEN RUSHING FOR 200 YARDS AS A TEAM Five different players in week five combined rush for 431 on 56 carries, marking the 80th time since 2003 that IUP has rushed for at least 200 yards in a game. The Crimson Hawks are 75-5 in those games, including a 22-3 record since 2015 and 5-0 record this year. The 431 yards last week are the fourth most in IUP history. LENNY WILLIAMS IS 22-3 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 22-3 record into week six. A 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
Next Up
Leader
Comp. Pct.
64.8
1st
Williams
Passer Effic.
167.55
1st
Williams
Total Offense/Game
249.2
1st
Williams
TDs resp. for
58
4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 68
Total Offense
6478
4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 7034
Rushing TDs
24
10th
9. De’Antwan Williams, 28
Rushing Yards
1932
16th
15. Dan Cox, 1936
Brian Eyerman, 88 Andrew Krewatch, 8043 MIchael Mann, 48 Michael Mann, 4805
WILLIAMS AVERAGING NEARLY 130 RUSHING YARDS YARDS PER GAME IN CAREER vs. CAL Williams has used his running talents more than his arm in his two career games vs. the Vulcans, totaling 257 yards and two scores on the ground while averaging 8.3 yards per rush. Last year's 285 total yards and three combined scores came in just three quarters, as he left the game early with an injury. A different injury held him out of the playoff game in November. Williams career vs. Cal Effic
Cmp-Att Pct
YDS TD-INT
LG
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
2015
93.14
4-7
57.1
30
0-0
16
14
134
9.6
0
27
2016
112.12
12-24
50.0
162
1-1
44
17
123
7.2
2
24
TOTALS
107.83
16-31
51.6
192
1-1
44
31
257
8.3
2
27
3
LG
RK
SCHOOL
1
Northwest Missouri
‘17 REC
5-0
LAST
1
2
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
2
3
IUP
5-0
3
4
Sioux Falls
5-0
5
5
Minnesota State
5-0
7
6
Shepherd
4-0
6
7
Grand Valley
4-1
8
8
Ashland
4-1
9
9
CSU-Pueblo
4-1
10
10
Ferris State
11
Midwestern State
3-1
11
3-0
12
12
Fort Hays
5-0
13
13
Indianapolis
5-0
14
14
Delta State
5-0
16
15
Slippery Rock
5-0
17
16
California
4-1
4
17
Winona State
5-0
18 20
18
Central Washington
5-0
19
Bowie State
5-0
21
20
Humboldt State
4-0
25
21
West Alabama
4-1
NR
22
Assumption
5-0
NR
23
West Georgia
4-1
NR
24
Arkansas Tech
4-1
19
25
Washburn
4-1
NR
WILLIAMS RANKS IN TOP 12 IN COUNTRY IN THREE CATEGORIES
RECORD BREAKDOWN 2017 1-0 4-0 0-0 0-0
August September October November IUP’s Record vs. PSAC Teams at home 3-0 on the road 1-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC West Teams at home 1-0 on the road 1-0 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 1-0 away at night 0-0 IUP’s Record When Scoring... less than 20 points 0-0 20-29 points 1-0 30+ points 4-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... 0-14 points 3-0 15-24 points 2-0 25+ points 0-0 IUP’s Record When... leading after the 1st qtr 3-0 trailing after the first qtr 2-0 tied after the 1st qtr 0-0 leading at halftime 4-0 trailing at halftime 1-0 tied at halftime 0-0 leading after the 3rd qtr 4-0 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 2-0 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 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-249 yards passing 2-0 250-299 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 2-0 400+ yards total offense 0-0 less than 100 yards rush 3-0 100+ yards rush 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-299 yards pass 4-0 300+ yards pass 0-0
Williams again finds himself near the top of the Division II rankings this season, ranking fifth in passer Tortorella 1-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 1-0
efficiency (176.8), seventh in yards per attempt (9.71), and 12th in completion percentage (68.3). Last season, the signal caller finished as the Division II leader in passer efficiency (214.0), yards per completion (19.70), and yards per attempt (13.47). NEW OFFENSIVE LINE QUICKLY PROVING TO BE ONE OF BEST IN NATION UNDER COACH CAMPOLO Under the direction of Coach Campolo, the Crimson Hawks boast one of the top offensive line units in Division II. That group has led the way for a ground game that ranks sixth in the country with 283.6 yards, and has given up just three sacks in five games. IUP lost three starters from last season, including
1-0 1-0
All-American Ethan Cooper, returning R-Soph. OC Jeff Arnold and Jr. LT Joe Peterson, the latter of which has played just three games due to injury. New starters include R-Sr. RT Jerron Searles, Gr. RG Rocco Esposito, and R-Soph. LG Colin McAllister and R-Soph. LT Ken Roman.
2-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 3-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-0
IUP rushing, sacks allowed game-by-game Rushing
Sacks
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
LG
Allw'd
Ashland
35
216
6.2
0
52
0
ESU
55
324
5.9
2
15
1
Cheyney
40
247
6.2
4
59
0
Edinboro
45
200
4.4
1
22
2
at Seton Hill
56
431
7.7
7
50
0
Totals
231
1418
6.1
14
59
3
DOM MCNEIL HAS TURNED HIMSELF INTO TEAM'S BIG PLAY RECEIVER R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil, a former walk-on, has asserted as another big play threat in the IUP offense. McNeil leads the team with 388 yards on 18 receptions, and his 21.6 yards per catch ranks 16th in the country. He also has team-highs of two 100-yard receiving games, six 20-plus yard catches, and three touchdowns of more than 20 yards. McNeil has added two touchdowns on special teams - a blocked punt
3-0 2-0 0-0
return and a fumble recovery return on a bad snap against Cheyney. 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
3-0 2-0 0-0 4-0 1-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 3-0 2-0 1-0 2-0 2-0 0-0 0-0
for 84 yards and three touchdowns - all career-highs. The big target (6-4, 220) is a reliable receiver, with 13 catches for 175 yards (13.5 ypc) and four touchdowns this season. WALT PEGUES AMONG BEST RECEIVERS IN IUP HISTORY; LOOKS TO RETURN TO LINEUP SOON 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, also entering the year with a streak of 33 games with a reception, tallying at least one catch in every game he's played. CRIMSON HAWKS LEAD DIVISION II WITH +11 TURNOVER MARGIN On the strength of 15 caused turnovers, IUP is tops in the country with a +11 turnover margin this season. The Crimson Hawks have picked off 11 passes and recovered four fumbles in five games, while giving away two interceptions and two fumbles offensively. IUP DEFENSE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION UNDER COACH SMITH Through five weeks, the IUP defense is again asserting itself as one of the best in the nation under first year defensive coordinator Coach Smith. The Crimson Hawks are second in the PSAC in scoring defense (14.8), rushing defense (86.4) and total defense (297.8), also ranking in the top 25 in the nation in all three of those categories. In all, IUP ranks in the top 25 in seven different defensive statistical categories. IUP HAS THREE DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS THIS YEAR; 18-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN THE DEFENSE SCORES The Crimson Hawks are tied for sixth in Division II with three defensive touchdowns this year, including two in week three against Cheyney. They were the 22nd and 23rd defensive scores for IUP since the start of
0-0 3-0 2-0 0-0 3-0 2-0 1-0 4-0 0-0
2011, as the program improved to 18-1 during that span when the defense creates a touchdown. Last year, IUP tied for sixth in the country with six defensive touchdowns - three on interceptions, three on fumbles. IUP's 2017 defensive touchdowns Year
Opponent
TD
2017
Cheyney
Dondrea Tillman 19-yard interception return IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16
2017
Cheyney
Dom McNeil 0-yard fumble return
IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16
2017
East Stroudsburg
JR Stevens 38-yard interception return
IUP def. ESU, 38-14
4
Result
THE IUP DEFENSE HAS GIVEN UP JUST 14 SECOND HALF POINTS THROUGH FIVE WEEKS That stiffling defense has been even better in the second half, allowing a combined 601 yards (120.2 avg) and two touchdowns to five opponents in the final 30 minutes of games. Opponents are completing 50.0 percent (44-88) of their second half passes, have converted 35.9 percent (14-39) third down chances, and are averaging just 2.3 (82-188) yards per rush against the Crimson Hawks in the second half. IUP's second half defense 1st half
2nd half
RYds
TD
PYds
TD
Ashland
76
0
127
3
ESU
89
1
38
Cheyney
14
0
Edinboro
27
at Seton Hill
38
Totals
244
Averages
48.8
RYds
TD
PYds
TD
203
82
0
76
0
0
127
53
1
43
0
96
196
2
210
-47
0
91
0
44
0
110
0
137
39
0
111
1
150
2
173
0
211
61
0
92
0
153
3
644
5
888
188
1
413
1
601
177.6
37.6
128.8
Total
82.6
Total 158
120.2
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 with 39 tackles and two fumble recoveries, while Lloyd has 32 tackles and two interceptions. Amendola tallied a career-best 14 stops in week four, and Lloyd picked off both of his passes the same game. MAX REDFIELD AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS IN INTERCEPTIONS; IUP RANKS FOURTH WITH 11 Sr. SS Max Redfield is third in the PSAC and 14th in Division II with three interceptions this year. The Notre Dame transfer has a pick in each of the last three games, and also ranks in the top 20 nationally with eight total passes defensed. As a team, the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC and rank fourth in the country with 11 picks from seven different players. IUP's pass defense - last three games Yds
Pass
Cmp-Att
Allw'd
Int
Brup
Cheyney
23-47
287
2
9
Edinboro
26-47
221
5
5
at Seton Hill
27-54
265
3
5
Totals
76-148
774
10
19
51.4 pct
258.0
3.3
6.3
JR STEVENS, ANTHONY DAVIS STEPPING UP AT CORNERBACK R-Soph. CB JR Stevens and R-Jr. CB Anthony Davis have combined for 14 of IUP's 25 pass breakups this year. With seven each, they are sixth in the PSAC and 32nd in the nation in that category. Both first year starters, Stevens returned an interception 38 yards for a score in week two and Davis started three games at boundary corner for injured All-American Jay Watkins, and has picked off passes in each of the last two games. IUP RED ZONE DEFENSE AMONG BEST IN THE COUNTRY After allowing opponents to score on six of seven red zone trips in the first three weeks of the season, the Crimson Hawks have given up a combined three red zone scored in nine chances the last two weeks. For the season, IUP is ninth in Division II with a 56.2 percent (9-16) red zone defense. IUP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN HAVE NINE OF TEAM'S 10 SACKS The IUP defensive front has led the charge this season, with seven players accounting for nine of the team's 10 sacks this year. Soph. DE Dondrea Tillman accumulated two in the week three win over Cheyney, and Sr. DT Jemal Averette has two sacks for a combined 20 yards lost. 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 seven other teams for first in Division II. Averette has two of those - one point after, one field goal - and Dom McNeil's punt block he returned himself 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
5
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 -Josh Dauberman, 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)
‘17 Tot -- 11/0 5/0 25/1 5/5 17/7 5/1 16/1 5/5 17/17 5/5 35/24 5/0 11/0 5/0 11/0 5/0 26/0 3/0 3/0 4/0 5/0 5/4 16/15 5/4 17/9 1/0 1/0 4/0 4/0 2/0 2/0 5/3 26/4 4/0 5/0 0/0 21/6 5/1 26/10 5/1 38/1 5/2 27/12 5/5 7/5 5/0 5/0 4/0 4/0 5/5 17/17 2/0 9/0 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 5/1 16/7 5/1 33/5 5/4 29/14 5/0 16/0 5/5 16/6 4/3 28/21 5/5 8/5 5/0 12/0 5/0 14/0 5/3 31/16 5/0 5/0 1/0 1/0 5/4 35/4 0/0 33/24 3/3 23/22 5/2 29/5 5/5 41/28 4/2 4/2 5/0 5/0 5/0 27/0 5/0 9/0 5/0 21/3 5/5 37/36 5/5 16/5 2/0 5/0 -- 30/17 5/1 16/1 4/4 36/25 3/2 37/32 2/0 3/0 4/4 30/14 2/0 8/0 5/5 26/25 3/0 10/0 4/0 22/10 5/5 34/14 2/0 3/0 1/0 35/12
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
4-0
4-0
vs. Top 25 teams
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 10 teams
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC
4-0
4-0
vs. PSAC West
2-0
2-0
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
1-0
1-0
TFLs/Game
7.21
3rd
t-44th
All home games
4-0
4-0
t-38th
All road games
1-0
1-0
Postseason
0-0
0-0
32nd
IUP rushes for 200+ yards
5-0
5-0
IUP scores
6
vs. CALIFORNIA
BREAKDOWN
October 7, 2017 2:05 PM Indiana, Pa. Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
#4/3
IUP Crimson Hawks
IUP (5-0, 2-0 PSAC West)
DATE
RANK
AUGUST 31 9/9 SEPTEMBER 9 6/5 16 6/5 23 6/4 30 4/3 OCTOBER 7 4/3 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11 #16/16 DATE
OPPONENT
RECORD
4-1, 1-1 PSAC West
RANKING
#4 in AFCA Coaches
RANKING
#16 in AFCA Coaches
LAST GAME
Sept. 30 lost to
#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 W 57-14
#16/16 California * 2:05 PM at #12/15 Slippery Rock * 2 PM at Clarion * 12 PM Gannon * 12 PM 12 PM 1 PM
California (4-1, 1-1 PSAC West)
RANK
AUGUST 31 8/7 SEPTEMBER 9 5/6 16 5/6 23 5/5 30 5/5 OCTOBER 7 16/16 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Ohio Dominican
RESULT/TIME
at Edinboro * at East Stroudsburg
#16 in D2Football Media
#18/17 Slippery Rock, 47-44
HEAD COACH
Paul Tortorella
HEAD COACH
Gary Dunn
CAREER RECORD
5-0 / 1st year
CAREER RECORD
15-2 / 2nd year
IUP RECORD
5-0 / 1st year
CAL RECORD
15-2 / 2nd year
TORT vs. CAL*
12-10
vs. IUP
2-0
IUP vs. CAL
57-25-2
vs. Tortorella
0-0
* as assistant coach
THE GAME The 4th-ranked Crimson Hawks return home to host 16th-ranked California (Pa.) in the ninth annual Coal Bowl on Saturday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium. Kickoff at Frank Cignetti Field is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. IUP is one of the hottest teams in Division II, outscoring opponents by an average of 41 points in the last three weeks, including Saturday's 57-14 win at Seton Hill. The Vulcans are 4-1 and left the ranks of the undefeated after last week's 47-44 overtime loss at Slippery Rock. The game will be webcast live by ESPN3, which is viewable via WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app. As always, the game is also 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.
W 36-34
Cheyney W 54-14 at Millersville W 29-13 Seton Hill * W 44-41 at #18/17 Slippery Rock* L 47-44 (ot) at #4/3 IUP * Clarion * at Gannon * Mercyhurst *
Sept. 30 defeated Seton Hill, 57-14
RESULT/TIME
NR/18 Ashland
at Mercyhurst * at Bloomsburg
California Vulcans
5-0, 2-0 PSAC West
2017 SCHEDULES #4/3
#16/16
RECORD
2:05 PM 3 PM 12 PM 1 PM 12 PM 12 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
HOW TO FOLLOW WQMU 92.5 FM/U92radio.com Jack Benedict, play-by play Ab Dettore, analyst Greg Drahuschak, sideline *pregame show begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff
ESPN3 / ESPN App Darren Goldwater, play-by-play Trai Essex, analyst
Live Stats Live stats for IUP home games can be found at: IUPStats.com
WIUP 90.1 FM TBD, play-by-play TBD, analyst
Twitter @IUPfootball @IUPCrimsonHawk
STORYLINES • This will be the second straight
• In IUP's two wins over Cal since
• IUP is averaging 274.7 rushing
Coal Bowl, and third since 2012,
2013, the Crimson Hawks have
yards and has scored seven
that both teams enter as top 25
given up an average of 105 pass-
rushing touchdowns in its last
teams; Cal has won both of those
ing yards with no touchdowns
three meetings with the Vulcans
meetings: 26-24 in 2012 and 31-
and six interceptions; In the
28 in 2016
three losses, 270 passing yards,
• For the second straight week,
six touchdowns, and two picks
IUP will face a top quarterback in Cal's Michael Keir; Keir averages
• Cal has owned the Coal Bowl series, with a record of 6-2 since
• IUP brings its annually strong
276 passing yards per game
2009; Both IUP wins have come
run game into this matchup,
while IUP allows 211, and has
at Miller Stadium: 20-15 in 2015
ranking sixth in Division II with
picked off opposing QBs 11 times
and 20-7 in 2013
283.6 rushing yards per game
• Traditionally a low-scoring
• The Cal defense is strong
of the most efficient (176.8
rivalry game, the average game
against the run, ranking 18th
effic) and accurate (68.3 pct)
score between 2010-15 was 19-
in the country by allowing just
passers in Division II; The Cal
17; In two meetings last year, the
94.6 yards; However, Seton Hill
pass defense is sixth worst in
average score was 38-26
and Slippery Rock averaged
the country, allowing 303 yards
137.5 rushing yards with five
per game
• IUP QB Lenny Williams is one
touchdowns the last two weeks against the Vulcans
1
QUICK FACTS
NOTEBOOK
Location
Indiana, Pa.
Enrollment
12,853
Founded Athletics Affiliation
IUP AND CAL BATTLE IN THE NINTH ANNUAL COAL BOWL Beginning in 2009, this year will be the ninth installment of the yearly trophy game between rivals IUP
1875
and California. The Vulcans have won six of the previous eight Coal Bowl games, with IUP's wins coming at
NCAA Division II
home in 2013 (20-7) and 2015 (20-15). The closest Coal Bowl came with both teams ranked in 2012 - #6 Cal
Conference
PSAC (West)
Colors
defeated #14 IUP 26-24 at Adamson Stadium.
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
COACH TORTORELLA'S 5-0 RECORD IS BEST FIVE-GAME START IN PROGRAM HISTORY With five wins in his first five games, Coach Tortorella is off to the best start by a first year head coach in program history. The previous five-game mark was 4-1, which was equaled by five different coaches. After IUP's week four win, he joined Chuck Klausing (1964) as the only first year coaches to start 4-0, and was one of only 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
6-games
Paul Tortorella
2017
3-0
4-0
5-0
?? 5-1
Sports Information Director
Ryan Rebholz
Chuck Klausing
1964
3-0
4-0
4-1
Office Phone
724-357-2747
Bill Neal
1970
3-0
3-1
4-1
5-1
Owen Dougherty
1979
3-0
3-1
4-1
5-1
[email protected]
FOOTBALL HISTORY First Year of Football (Recorded)
1927
Last Playoff Appearance
2016
All-Time Record (Pct)
547-266-23 (.668)
Frank Cignetti
1986
2-1
3-1
4-1
5-1
Lou Tepper
2006
2-1
3-1
4-1
5-1
IUP RANKED IN THE TOP FIVE OF BOTH DIVISION II POLLS The Crimson Hawks held down their spots in the latest national polls, sitting at No. 4 in the AFCA Coaches
Division II Playoff Appearances
17
Poll and No. 3 in the D2Football.com Media Poll. The top-3 ranking in the media poll is the highest overall
Division II National Semifinal Apperances
6
for the program since earning the No. 2 ranking by the AFCA back on Nov. 6, 2001. See page three of the
Division II Championship Appearances
2
game notes for more information.
All-Time Division II Playoff Record
20-17 CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE 14-GAME HOME WIN STREAK HEADING INTO WEEK SIX
COACHING STAFF
Always a very good home team, IUP has a 14-game home win streak heading into week six against Cal.
Head Coach
Paul Tortorella
Alma Mater
Slippery Rock, 1985
IUP Record (Year)
0-0 (1st)
Offensive Coordinator
Tate Gregory
Alma Mater
Ohio, 2006
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. IUP’s 14-game home win streak Win
Date
Opponent (Record)
Result
Jim Smith
14
Sept. 23, 2017
Edinboro (2-1)
W 38-7
IUP, 1998
13
Sept. 16, 2017
Cheyney (1-1)
W 65-16
724-357-2780
12
Sept. 9, 2017
East Stroudsburg (1-0)
W 38-14
11
Aug. 31, 2017
NR/18 Ashland (0-0)
W 26-23
10
Nov. 12, 2016
Bloomsburg (6-4)
W 42-13
Defensive Coordinator Alma Mater Football Office
The Crimson Hawks’ last loss at home came in the 2015 season opener, falling to Kutztown 34-33 after
TEAM INFORMATION 2016 Overall Record
10-2
9
Nov. 5, 2016
Mercyhurst (2-7)
W 31-20
6-1/2nd
8
Oct. 22, 2016
Clarion (2-5)
W 42-17
12/11
7
Oct. 15, 2016
16/16 Slippery Rock (5-1)
W 48-19
7/4
6
Oct. 1, 2016
Seton Hill (3-1)
W 47-39
Defensive Starters Returning/Lost
8/4
5
Nov. 14, 2015
Cheyney (0-10)
W 62-0
Specialists Starters Returning/Lost
0/2
4
Nov. 7, 2015
Gannon (6-3)
W 26-14
3
Oct. 17, 2015
California (4-2)
W 20-15
2016 PSAC Record/West Finish Final Ranking (AFCA/D2Football) Offensive Starters Returning/Lost
COACHING ASSIGNMENTS Paul Tortorella - Head Coach
Sideline
2
Oct. 3, 2015
Edinboro (0-4)
W 42-21
1
Sept. 19, 2015
Lock Haven (0-2)
W 38-13
Tate Gregory - Off. Coord./QBs
Sideline
Mike Campolo - Offensive Line
Sideline
IUP SPREAD OFFENSE OUT TO ANOTHER GOOD START UNDER COACH GREGORY
Luke Barker - Running Backs/TEs
Sideline
The Crimson Hawks have entered their third year of the spread offense, although a new face is calling the
Johnny Franco - Safeties
Sideline
plays with the addition of Coach Gregory from Charleston. It might be a new coach, but the IUP offense
Anthony Leonard - Defensive Line
Sideline
is already rolling as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC in passing efficiency, rushing yards, total yards and scoring, and rank in the top-10 of Division II in all four categories.
Jim Smith - Def. Coord./LBs
Booth
Jameson Zacharias - Cornerbacks
Booth
John Pettina - Volunteer Asst./DBs
Booth
Christian Bryant - Wide Receivers
Booth
Three year offensive comparison - thru five games Category
2017 / PSAC Rk
2016
Rush Yds/Game
283.6 / 1st
281.8
2015 316.4
Rushing TDs
14 / 2nd
24
17
Pass Yds/Game
233.0 / 9th
250.2
141.4
Passing TDs
11 / t-6th
9
5
Passing Efficiency
173.9 / 1st
174.0
118.5
Total Yds/Game
516.6 / 1st
532.0
457.8
Points/Game
44.8 / 1st
51.8
39.0
2
CRIMSON HAWKS RANK IN THE TOP 15 OF DIVISION II IN SIX OFFENSIVE CATEGORIES
AFCA COACHES POLL
The diverse and well-rounded IUP offense is near the top of the NCAA rankings in six categories, including points per game (44.8, 5th), rushing offense (283.6, 6th), total offense (516.6, 6th), sacks allowed (3, 6th),
RK
SCHOOL (1st VOTES)
passing efficiency (173.90, 6th), and first downs (129, 4th). Thought of as just a running team just two
1.
Northwest Missouri St. (34)
‘17 REC
5-0
LAST
1
years ago, IUP's spread offense has hurt opponents on the ground and in the air.
2.
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
2
3.
Shepherd (W.Va.)
4-0
3
IUP's "SPLASH PLAYS" BIG PART OF OFFENSE; HAS SCORED 13 TOUCHDOWNS OF 20-PLUS YARDS
4.
Indiana (Pa.)
5-0
4
IUP has produced 30 "splash plays" - a play of 20-plus yards - through five games this season. With 276
5.
Minnesota St.
5-0
6
total plays, the Crimson Hawks go for 20-yards or more every 11.8 offensive plays on average. Of those
6.
Sioux Falls (S.D.)
5-0
7
30 splash plays, 13 have gone for touchdowns, including seven through the air. Both R-Soph. WR Dom
7.
Indianapolis (Ind.)
5-0
10
McNeil and Soph. RB Samir Bullock have scored three touchdowns from 20 yards out. See page 12 of the
8.
Grand Valley St. (Mich.)
4-1
9
game notes for more information.
9.
Delta St. (Miss.)
5-0
13
10. Midwestern St. (Texas)
3-0
12
15 OFFENSIVE SCORING DRIVES HAVE BEEN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES
11.
5-0
14
IUP's big play, speedy offense has produced 15 (of 32) scoring drives that have spanned two minutes or
12.
Slippery Rock (Pa.)
5-0
18
less this season. Four of those drives have needed just one or two plays to get in the endzone. Through
13.
Central Washington
5-0
16
five games IUP's average offensive scoring drive is 6.7 plays, 60.9 yards, and 2:29.
14.
Colorado St.-Pueblo
4-1
17
15.
Ferris St. (Mich.)
3-1
15
Fort Hays St. (Kan.)
IUP IS 46-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
16. California (Pa.)
4-1
5
Soph. RB Samir Bullock had a career day in the week five win at Seton Hill, rushing for 263 yards and
17.
Humboldt St. (Calif.)
4-0
19
six touchdowns, as IUP improved to 46-8 since 2011 when a player rushes for at least 100 yards. Fr. RB
18.
Ashland (Ohio)
4-1
20
Justice Evans also got into the action, as he chipped in 114 yards on 13 carries. That marked the eighth
19.
Bowie St. (Md.)
5-0
21
time in the last seven seasons IUP has had at least two 100-yard rushers in the same game, winning each
20. Assumption (Mass.)
5-0
22
of those contests. IUP has four active players on the roster with a 100-yard game to his credit: R-Jr. QB
21.
4-1
8
Lenny Williams, Jr. has nine, Bullock has seven, Evans has two, and Fr. RB Duane Brown has one.
22. Winona St. (Minn.)
5-0
25
IUP's four-headed running back position
23. Southeastern Oklahoma St.
5-0
NR
Player
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
LG
Avg/G
'17 High
24. Arkansas Tech
4-1
11
Samir Bullock - Soph.
92
680
7.4
9
52
136.0
263
25. West Georgia
4-1
NR
Justice Evans - Fr.
48
313
6.5
3
59
62.6
116
Duane Brown - Fr.
23
146
6.3
1
22
48.7
137
Malik Anderson - Soph.
43
177
4.1
1
23
35.4
69
Colorado Mesa
D2FOOTBALL.COM MEDIA POLL CRIMSON HAWKS ARE 75-5 SINCE 2003 WHEN RUSHING FOR 200 YARDS AS A TEAM Five different players in week five combined rush for 431 on 56 carries, marking the 80th time since 2003 that IUP has rushed for at least 200 yards in a game. The Crimson Hawks are 75-5 in those games, including a 22-3 record since 2015 and 5-0 record this year. The 431 yards last week are the fourth most in IUP history. LENNY WILLIAMS IS 22-3 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 22-3 record into week six. A 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
Next Up
Leader
Comp. Pct.
64.8
1st
Williams
Passer Effic.
167.55
1st
Williams
Total Offense/Game
249.2
1st
Williams
TDs resp. for
58
4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 68
Total Offense
6478
4th
3. Tony Alliucci, 7034
Rushing TDs
24
10th
9. De’Antwan Williams, 28
Rushing Yards
1932
16th
15. Dan Cox, 1936
Brian Eyerman, 88 Andrew Krewatch, 8043 MIchael Mann, 48 Michael Mann, 4805
WILLIAMS AVERAGING NEARLY 130 RUSHING YARDS YARDS PER GAME IN CAREER vs. CAL Williams has used his running talents more than his arm in his two career games vs. the Vulcans, totaling 257 yards and two scores on the ground while averaging 8.3 yards per rush. Last year's 285 total yards and three combined scores came in just three quarters, as he left the game early with an injury. A different injury held him out of the playoff game in November. Williams career vs. Cal Effic
Cmp-Att Pct
YDS TD-INT
LG
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
2015
93.14
4-7
57.1
30
0-0
16
14
134
9.6
0
27
2016
112.12
12-24
50.0
162
1-1
44
17
123
7.2
2
24
TOTALS
107.83
16-31
51.6
192
1-1
44
31
257
8.3
2
27
3
LG
RK
SCHOOL
1
Northwest Missouri
‘17 REC
5-0
LAST
1
2
Texas A&M-Commerce
4-0
2
3
IUP
5-0
3
4
Sioux Falls
5-0
5
5
Minnesota State
5-0
7
6
Shepherd
4-0
6
7
Grand Valley
4-1
8
8
Ashland
4-1
9
9
CSU-Pueblo
4-1
10
10
Ferris State
11
Midwestern State
3-1
11
3-0
12
12
Fort Hays
5-0
13
13
Indianapolis
5-0
14
14
Delta State
5-0
16
15
Slippery Rock
5-0
17
16
California
4-1
4
17
Winona State
5-0
18 20
18
Central Washington
5-0
19
Bowie State
5-0
21
20
Humboldt State
4-0
25
21
West Alabama
4-1
NR
22
Assumption
5-0
NR
23
West Georgia
4-1
NR
24
Arkansas Tech
4-1
19
25
Washburn
4-1
NR
WILLIAMS RANKS IN TOP 12 IN COUNTRY IN THREE CATEGORIES
RECORD BREAKDOWN 2017 1-0 4-0 0-0 0-0
August September October November IUP’s Record vs. PSAC Teams at home 3-0 on the road 1-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC West Teams at home 1-0 on the road 1-0 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 1-0 away at night 0-0 IUP’s Record When Scoring... less than 20 points 0-0 20-29 points 1-0 30+ points 4-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... 0-14 points 3-0 15-24 points 2-0 25+ points 0-0 IUP’s Record When... leading after the 1st qtr 3-0 trailing after the first qtr 2-0 tied after the 1st qtr 0-0 leading at halftime 4-0 trailing at halftime 1-0 tied at halftime 0-0 leading after the 3rd qtr 4-0 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 2-0 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 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-249 yards passing 2-0 250-299 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 2-0 400+ yards total offense 0-0 less than 100 yards rush 3-0 100+ yards rush 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-299 yards pass 4-0 300+ yards pass 0-0
Williams again finds himself near the top of the Division II rankings this season, ranking fifth in passer Tortorella 1-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 1-0
efficiency (176.8), seventh in yards per attempt (9.71), and 12th in completion percentage (68.3). Last season, the signal caller finished as the Division II leader in passer efficiency (214.0), yards per completion (19.70), and yards per attempt (13.47). NEW OFFENSIVE LINE QUICKLY PROVING TO BE ONE OF BEST IN NATION UNDER COACH CAMPOLO Under the direction of Coach Campolo, the Crimson Hawks boast one of the top offensive line units in Division II. That group has led the way for a ground game that ranks sixth in the country with 283.6 yards, and has given up just three sacks in five games. IUP lost three starters from last season, including
1-0 1-0
All-American Ethan Cooper, returning R-Soph. OC Jeff Arnold and Jr. LT Joe Peterson, the latter of which has played just three games due to injury. New starters include R-Sr. RT Jerron Searles, Gr. RG Rocco Esposito, and R-Soph. LG Colin McAllister and R-Soph. LT Ken Roman.
2-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 3-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-0
IUP rushing, sacks allowed game-by-game Rushing
Sacks
No.
Yds
Avg
TD
LG
Allw'd
Ashland
35
216
6.2
0
52
0
ESU
55
324
5.9
2
15
1
Cheyney
40
247
6.2
4
59
0
Edinboro
45
200
4.4
1
22
2
at Seton Hill
56
431
7.7
7
50
0
Totals
231
1418
6.1
14
59
3
DOM MCNEIL HAS TURNED HIMSELF INTO TEAM'S BIG PLAY RECEIVER R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil, a former walk-on, has asserted as another big play threat in the IUP offense. McNeil leads the team with 388 yards on 18 receptions, and his 21.6 yards per catch ranks 16th in the country. He also has team-highs of two 100-yard receiving games, six 20-plus yard catches, and three touchdowns of more than 20 yards. McNeil has added two touchdowns on special teams - a blocked punt
3-0 2-0 0-0
return and a fumble recovery return on a bad snap against Cheyney. 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
3-0 2-0 0-0 4-0 1-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 3-0 2-0 1-0 2-0 2-0 0-0 0-0
for 84 yards and three touchdowns - all career-highs. The big target (6-4, 220) is a reliable receiver, with 13 catches for 175 yards (13.5 ypc) and four touchdowns this season. WALT PEGUES AMONG BEST RECEIVERS IN IUP HISTORY; LOOKS TO RETURN TO LINEUP SOON 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, also entering the year with a streak of 33 games with a reception, tallying at least one catch in every game he's played. CRIMSON HAWKS LEAD DIVISION II WITH +11 TURNOVER MARGIN On the strength of 15 caused turnovers, IUP is tops in the country with a +11 turnover margin this season. The Crimson Hawks have picked off 11 passes and recovered four fumbles in five games, while giving away two interceptions and two fumbles offensively. IUP DEFENSE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION UNDER COACH SMITH Through five weeks, the IUP defense is again asserting itself as one of the best in the nation under first year defensive coordinator Coach Smith. The Crimson Hawks are second in the PSAC in scoring defense (14.8), rushing defense (86.4) and total defense (297.8), also ranking in the top 25 in the nation in all three of those categories. In all, IUP ranks in the top 25 in seven different defensive statistical categories. IUP HAS THREE DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS THIS YEAR; 18-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN THE DEFENSE SCORES The Crimson Hawks are tied for sixth in Division II with three defensive touchdowns this year, including two in week three against Cheyney. They were the 22nd and 23rd defensive scores for IUP since the start of
0-0 3-0 2-0 0-0 3-0 2-0 1-0 4-0 0-0
2011, as the program improved to 18-1 during that span when the defense creates a touchdown. Last year, IUP tied for sixth in the country with six defensive touchdowns - three on interceptions, three on fumbles. IUP's 2017 defensive touchdowns Year
Opponent
TD
2017
Cheyney
Dondrea Tillman 19-yard interception return IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16
2017
Cheyney
Dom McNeil 0-yard fumble return
IUP def. Cheyney, 65-16
2017
East Stroudsburg
JR Stevens 38-yard interception return
IUP def. ESU, 38-14
4
Result
THE IUP DEFENSE HAS GIVEN UP JUST 14 SECOND HALF POINTS THROUGH FIVE WEEKS That stiffling defense has been even better in the second half, allowing a combined 601 yards (120.2 avg) and two touchdowns to five opponents in the final 30 minutes of games. Opponents are completing 50.0 percent (44-88) of their second half passes, have converted 35.9 percent (14-39) third down chances, and are averaging just 2.3 (82-188) yards per rush against the Crimson Hawks in the second half. IUP's second half defense 1st half
2nd half
RYds
TD
PYds
TD
Ashland
76
0
127
3
ESU
89
1
38
Cheyney
14
0
Edinboro
27
at Seton Hill
38
Totals
244
Averages
48.8
RYds
TD
PYds
TD
203
82
0
76
0
0
127
53
1
43
0
96
196
2
210
-47
0
91
0
44
0
110
0
137
39
0
111
1
150
2
173
0
211
61
0
92
0
153
3
644
5
888
188
1
413
1
601
177.6
37.6
128.8
Total
82.6
Total 158
120.2
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 with 39 tackles and two fumble recoveries, while Lloyd has 32 tackles and two interceptions. Amendola tallied a career-best 14 stops in week four, and Lloyd picked off both of his passes the same game. MAX REDFIELD AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS IN INTERCEPTIONS; IUP RANKS FOURTH WITH 11 Sr. SS Max Redfield is third in the PSAC and 14th in Division II with three interceptions this year. The Notre Dame transfer has a pick in each of the last three games, and also ranks in the top 20 nationally with eight total passes defensed. As a team, the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC and rank fourth in the country with 11 picks from seven different players. IUP's pass defense - last three games Yds
Pass
Cmp-Att
Allw'd
Int
Brup
Cheyney
23-47
287
2
9
Edinboro
26-47
221
5
5
at Seton Hill
27-54
265
3
5
Totals
76-148
774
10
19
51.4 pct
258.0
3.3
6.3
JR STEVENS, ANTHONY DAVIS STEPPING UP AT CORNERBACK R-Soph. CB JR Stevens and R-Jr. CB Anthony Davis have combined for 14 of IUP's 25 pass breakups this year. With seven each, they are sixth in the PSAC and 32nd in the nation in that category. Both first year starters, Stevens returned an interception 38 yards for a score in week two and Davis started three games at boundary corner for injured All-American Jay Watkins, and has picked off passes in each of the last two games. IUP RED ZONE DEFENSE AMONG BEST IN THE COUNTRY After allowing opponents to score on six of seven red zone trips in the first three weeks of the season, the Crimson Hawks have given up a combined three red zone scored in nine chances the last two weeks. For the season, IUP is ninth in Division II with a 56.2 percent (9-16) red zone defense. IUP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN HAVE NINE OF TEAM'S 10 SACKS The IUP defensive front has led the charge this season, with seven players accounting for nine of the team's 10 sacks this year. Soph. DE Dondrea Tillman accumulated two in the week three win over Cheyney, and Sr. DT Jemal Averette has two sacks for a combined 20 yards lost. 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 seven other teams for first in Division II. Averette has two of those - one point after, one field goal - and Dom McNeil's punt block he returned himself 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
5
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 -Josh Dauberman, 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)
‘17 Tot -- 11/0 5/0 25/1 5/5 17/7 5/1 16/1 5/5 17/17 5/5 35/24 5/0 11/0 5/0 11/0 5/0 26/0 3/0 3/0 4/0 5/0 5/4 16/15 5/4 17/9 1/0 1/0 4/0 4/0 2/0 2/0 5/3 26/4 4/0 5/0 0/0 21/6 5/1 26/10 5/1 38/1 5/2 27/12 5/5 7/5 5/0 5/0 4/0 4/0 5/5 17/17 2/0 9/0 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 5/1 16/7 5/1 33/5 5/4 29/14 5/0 16/0 5/5 16/6 4/3 28/21 5/5 8/5 5/0 12/0 5/0 14/0 5/3 31/16 5/0 5/0 1/0 1/0 5/4 35/4 0/0 33/24 3/3 23/22 5/2 29/5 5/5 41/28 4/2 4/2 5/0 5/0 5/0 27/0 5/0 9/0 5/0 21/3 5/5 37/36 5/5 16/5 2/0 5/0 -- 30/17 5/1 16/1 4/4 36/25 3/2 37/32 2/0 3/0 4/4 30/14 2/0 8/0 5/5 26/25 3/0 10/0 4/0 22/10 5/5 34/14 2/0 3/0 1/0 35/12
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
4-0
4-0
vs. Top 25 teams
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 10 teams
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC
4-0
4-0
vs. PSAC West
2-0
2-0
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
1-0
1-0
TFLs/Game
7.21
3rd
t-44th
All home games
4-0
4-0
t-38th
All road games
1-0
1-0
Postseason
0-0
0-0
32nd
IUP rushes for 200+ yards
5-0
5-0
IUP scores
