5 IUP Crimson Hawks
GAME
3
vs. CHEYNEY
BREAKDOWN
September 16, 2017 12:00 PM Indiana, Pa. Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
#6/5
IUP Crimson Hawks 2-0, 0-0 PSAC West
RECORD
1-1, 0-0 PSAC East
RANKING
#6 in AFCA Coaches
RANKING
NR in AFCA Coaches
LAST GAME
Sept. 9 lost to
2017 SCHEDULES #6/5
IUP (2-0, 0-0 PSAC West)
DATE
RANK
AUGUST 31 9/9 SEPTEMBER 9 6/5 16 23 30 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Cheyney Wolves
RECORD
#5 in D2Football Media LAST GAME
W 26-23
East Stroudsburg Cheyney Edinboro * at Seton Hill *
W 38-14 12 PM 12 PM 4 PM
#5/6 California * at RV/NR Slippery Rock * at Clarion * RV/NR Gannon *
2 PM 2 PM 12 PM 12 PM
at Mercyhurst * at Bloomsburg
12 PM 1 PM
NR in D2Football Media
East Stroudsburg, 38-14
RESULT/TIME
NR/18 Ashland
Sept. 9 defeated
#5/6 California, 54-14
HEAD COACH
Paul Tortorella
HEAD COACH
Chris Roulhac
CAREER RECORD
2-0 / 1st year
CAREER RECORD
5-61-1 / 7th year
IUP RECORD
2-0 / 1st year
CU RECORD
same
TORT vs. CU*
7-0
vs. IUP
0-4
IUP vs. CU
8-0
vs. Tortorella
0-0
* as assistant coach
THE GAME The 6th-ranked Crimson Hawks are at home for the third straight week to start the season, as they host Cheyney on Saturday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium. Kickoff on Frank Cignetti Field is set for noon. IUP is off to another hot start with a 2-0 record, with wins over nationally-ranked Ashland and PSAC East foe East Stroudsburg. Cheyney opened with a huge 56-28 win over rival Lincoln, but followed that with a 40-point defeat at fifth-ranked California last week. The Crimson Hawks are looking to extend their dominance over Cheyney, as they haven't lost to the Wolves in eight all-time meetings.
Cheyney (1-1, 0-0 PSAC East) DATE
RANK
SEPTEMBER 2 9 16 23 30 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11 23
OPPONENT
Lincoln at #5/6 Cal at #6/5 IUP at Bloomsburg * East Stroudsburg * at Lock Haven * Shippensburg * West Chester * at Millersville *
RESULT/TIME
W 56-28 L 54-14 12 PM 2 PM 1 PM 12 PM 1 PM 1 PM 4 PM
Kutztown * 12 PM Edinboro 12 PM at Alabama State 3 PM (94th ann. Turkey Day Classic)
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 *pregame show begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff
IUP Comm Media/YouTube.com Vincent Lowerre, play-by-play Mike Grivna , 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 • The Crimson Hawks are 8-0 all-
• Two games and two 100-yard
• Through two weeks, already
time against Cheyney, including
running backs - Soph. Samir
seven players have caught a
four shutout victories since 2012;
Bullock ran for 200 yards in week
pass for the Crimson Hawks,
IUP has averaged 55.5 points in
one and Fr. Duane Brown broke
combining for 37 receptions and
those four shutouts
off 137 in week two, giving the
513 yards; Last year, 10 different
Crimson Hawks two of the top 10
receivers caught at least one
• IUP has won 12 straight home
rushers in the PSAC; Bullock is
pass
games and five straight games
also sixth in Division II with 282
against PSAC East teams; The
rushing yards
• On the strength of a perfect kicking night in the opener,
last loss to a cross-divisional opponent came to Kutztown (34-
• R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. is
R-Soph. PK Dillon Sarka leads
33) in 2015, which was also IUP's
one touchdown (pass or rush)
Division II with 2.50 field goals
last home defeat
away from tying Hall of Famer
made per game; Through two
Michael Mann for 5th at IUP with
games, he's made 7-7 extra
52 touchdowns responsible for
points and 5-6 field goals
• The Crimson Hawks boast the PSAC's top offense and defense, leading the league with an
• Williams is also 41 yards of total
• IUP is tied for fifth in the coun-
average of 526.5 yards while
offense away from tying Lynn
try with two blocked kicks, both
giving up just 292.0 yards on the
Heiber for 6th with 5,793 career
against Ashland; Last year, the
defensive side of the ball
yards of total offense
Crimson Hawks blocked two total kicks against Cheyney
1
QUICK FACTS
NOTEBOOK
Location
Indiana, Pa.
Enrollment
12,853
Founded
1875
Athletics Affiliation
NCAA Division II
Conference
PSAC (West)
Colors
A NEW (OLD) FACE LEADS IUP THROUGH THE TUNNEL IN 2017 After the departure of six-year head coach Curt Cignetti following the 2016 season, Paul Tortorella was named the new coach of the IUP football program. Although this will be his first head coaching job, Tortorella is no stranger to the sidelines of George P. Miller Stadium, spending the last 22 years as the IUP defensive coordinator. He’s also been the associate head coach since 2011.
Crimson & Gray
Nickname
Crimson Hawks
President
Dr. Michael Driscoll
Athletic Director
Steve Roach
Stadium
Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
Seating capacity
TORTORELLA’S DEFENSES HAVE BEEN DOMINANT Coach Tortorella has been known for his defensive prowess at IUP, consistently directing one of the best units in Division II since taking over in 1995. The Crimson Hawks finished third in the country with 24 interceptions and 35 forced turnovers in 2016, led a defense that was ranked in the top 12 in six categories in 2015, and was named Football Scoop’s Division II Coordinator of the Year in 2012.
3,580 IUP vs. THE PSAC EAST
SPORTS INFORMATION
Since 2006, IUP is 27-7 (.794) against teams from the PSAC East, including wins in each of its last five
Sports Information Director
Ryan Rebholz
cross-divisional games dating back to 2015 - Lock Haven 38-13 (2015), Cheyney 62-0 (2015), ESU 73-42
Office Phone
724-357-2747
(2016), Cheyney 55-0 (2016), and ESU 38-14 (2017). IUP has never lost to Cheyney in eight meetings, and
Email
[email protected]
FOOTBALL HISTORY
carries a streak of four straight shutouts over the Wolves since 2012. IUP REMAINS AMONG ONE OF THE TOP RANKED TEAMS IN DIVISION II
First Year of Football (Recorded)
1927
The Crimson Hawks enter week three of the regular season ranked No. 6 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and
Last Playoff Appearance
2016
No. 5 in the D2Football Media Poll. The AFCA ranking is the highest by that poll since October 3 of last
All-Time Record (Pct)
547-266-23 (.668)
Division II Playoff Appearances
17
Division II National Semifinal Apperances
6
Division II Championship Appearances All-Time Division II Playoff Record
2 20-17
year, while the top five ranking in the media poll is the highest overall for the program since sitting at No. 4 in the coaches’ poll for five straight weeks (Sept. 9-Oct. 7) back in 2003. CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE 12-GAME HOME WIN STREAK HEADING INTO CHEYNEY WEEK Always a very good home team, IUP carries a 12-game win streak in contests played in the friendly confines of George P. Miller Stadium. The Crimson Hawks’ last loss at home came in the 2015 season opener,
COACHING STAFF
falling to Kutztown 34-33 after two missed extra point attempts. Since that loss, IUP has outscored visit-
Head Coach
Paul Tortorella
Alma Mater
Slippery Rock, 1985
IUP Record (Year)
0-0 (1st)
Offensive Coordinator
Tate Gregory
Alma Mater
Ohio, 2006
Defensive Coordinator
Jim Smith
Alma Mater Football Office
IUP, 1998 724-357-2780
TEAM INFORMATION 2016 Overall Record 2016 PSAC Record/West Finish Final Ranking (AFCA/D2Football)
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
ing opponents 431 to 188, or an average of 38.5 to 17.3. IUP’s 12-game home win streak Win
Date
Opponent (Record)
Result
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
9
Nov. 5, 2016
Mercyhurst (2-7)
W 31-20
8
Oct. 22, 2016
Clarion (2-5)
W 42-17
7
Oct. 15, 2016
16/16 Slippery Rock (5-1)
W 48-19
6
Oct. 1, 2016
Seton Hill (3-1)
W 47-39
5
Nov. 14, 2015
Cheyney (0-10)
W 62-0
4
Nov. 7, 2015
Gannon (6-3)
W 26-14
3
Oct. 17, 2015
California (4-2)
W 20-15
2
Oct. 3, 2015
Edinboro (0-4)
W 42-21
1
Sept. 19, 2015
Lock Haven (0-2)
W 38-13
IUP SPREAD OFFENSE OUT TO ANOTHER GOOD START UNDER COACH GREGORY COACHING ASSIGNMENTS
The Crimson Hawks have entered their third year of the spread offense, although a new face is calling the
Paul Tortorella - Head Coach
Sideline
plays with the addition of Coach Gregory from Charleston. It might be a new coach, but the IUP offense
Tate Gregory - Off. Coord./QBs
Sideline
is already rolling as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC and rank eighth in Division II with an average of
Mike Campolo - Offensive Line
Sideline
526.5 yards of total offense per game.
Luke Barker - Running Backs/TEs
Sideline
Johnny Franco - Safeties
Sideline
Anthony Leonard - Defensive Line
Sideline
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 two games Category
2017/PSAC Rk
2016
Rush Yds/Game
270.0/2nd
317.0
322.5
Rushing TDs
2/t-11th
10
6
Pass Yds/Game
256.5/7th
306.5
157.0
Passing TDs
4/t-6th
3
2
Passing Efficiency
154.7/4th
183.1
103.3
Total Yds/Game
526.5/1st
623.5
479.5
Points/Game
32.0/8th
64.0
35.5
2
2015
“SPLASH PLAYS” BIG PART OF THE OFFENSE IN 2017
AFCA COACHES POLL
The Crimson Hawks ran 75 offensive plays in Saturday’s win over East Stroudsburg, finishing with eight plays that covered more than 20 yards (two rush, six pass). IUP’s longest play of the day came off the
RK
SCHOOL (1st VOTES)
arm of R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr., who found R-So. WR Dom McNeil over the middle for a 69-yard touch-
1.
Northwest Missouri St. (34)
‘17 REC
2-0
LAST
1
down in the second quarter. That’s also the longest play of the early season for the Crimson Hawks. For
2.
Ferris St. (Mich.)
1-0
2
the year, IUP has 13 plays of 20-plus yards.
3.
Texas A&M-Commerce
2-0
3
4.
Shepherd (W.Va.)
1-0
4
STILL EARLY, CRIMSON HAWKS LEAD THE PSAC AND RANK 8TH IN DIVISION II IN TOTAL OFFENSE
5.
California (Pa.)
2-0
5
On the heels of a 607-yard performance against East Stroudsburg, the Crimson Hawks lead the confer-
6.
Indiana (Pa.)
2-0
6
ence by averaging 526.5 yards of total offense through the first two weeks of the season. That total is
7.
Sioux Falls (S.D.)
2-0
9
also good for eighth overall in Division II. IUP finished the 2016 season ranked 12th in the nation with an
8.
Minnesota St.
2-0
12
average of 489.6 yards per game, which set a single season program record.
9.
LIU-Post (N.Y.)
2-0
10
10. North Alabama
0-1
11
IUP IS 44-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
11.
Colorado Mesa
2-0
17
Fr. RB Duane Brown went over the 100-yard mark in the win over East Stroudsburg, as IUP improved to
12.
Grand Valley St. (Mich.)
1-1
14
44-8 since 2011 when a player rushes for at least 100 yards in a game. He’s now the third active player
13.
Midwestern St. (Texas)
1-0
16
on the roster with a 100-yard game to his credit: R-Jr. Lenny Williams, Jr. has nine and Soph. RB Samir
14.
Emporia St. (Kan.)
1-1
15
Bullock has six.
15.
Indianapolis (Ind.)
2-0
18
16.
Albany St. (Ga.)
2-0
20
CRIMSON HAWKS ARE 72-5 SINCE 2003 WHEN RUSHING FOR 200 YARDS AS A TEAM
17.
West Georgia
2-0
25
Brown led a ground game that finished with 324 rushing yards in week two, marking the 77th time since
18.
Colorado St.-Pueblo
2003 that IUP has rushed for at least 200 yards in a game. The Crimson Hawks are 72-5 in those games,
19.
Arkansas Tech
including a 19-3 record since 2015.
20. Minnesota-Duluth 21.
Fort Hays St. (Kan.)
1-1
7
2-0
NR
1-1
21
2-0
NR
DUANE BROWN DAZZLES, HITS 100-YARD MARK IN FIRST MEANINGFUL ACTION
22. Azusa Pacific (Calif.)
1-1
8
Fr. RB Duane Brown was one of the offensive starts of week two, rushing for 137 yards and a touchdown
23. Central Washington
2-0
NR
on 17 carries in the win over ESU. After seeing limited snaps in week one, the ESU game marked the first
24. Delta St. (Miss.)
2-0
NR
meaningful action of his young collegiate career, as he averaged 8.1 yards per carry.
25. Slippery Rock (Pa.)
2-0
NR
SAMIR BULLOCK RANKS SECOND IN PSAC, 10TH IN DIVISION II IN RUSHING Soph. RB Samir Bullock is off to a good start to the season, as he currently ranks second in the PSAC
D2FOOTBALL.COM MEDIA POLL
and 10th in the country with 141.0 rushing yards per game. His big outing came in week one, setting a new career-high with 200 yards on 25 carries (8.0 avg). He followed that up with 82 yards on 18 carries in week two. Heading into week three, Bullock also ranks ninth in the PSAC with an average of 149.5 all-purpose yards per game. LENNY WILLIAMS IS 19-3 AS CRIMSON HAWKS’ STARTING QUARTERBACK R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. is in his third year as the IUP starter, carrying an 19-3 record after week two’s win over ESU. A two-time Harlon Hill Award nominee as the best player in Division II, Williams is arguably the top dual threat quarterback in the nation, passing and rushing for a combined 5,752 yards and 51 touchdowns in 23 career games. Williams’ career stats GP
Effic
Cmp-Att
Pct
YDS
TD-INT YDS/G
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
2015
12
131.5
119-206
57.8
1549
9-4
129.1
158
1229
7.8
12
YDS/G 102.4
2016
9
214.0
93-136
68.4
1832
14-1
203.6
104
594
5.7
12
66.0
2017
2
157.4
37-58
63.8
513
4-1
256.5
9
35
3.9
0
17.5
TOTALS
23
163.3
249-400
62.5
3894
27-6
169.3
271
1858
6.9
24
80.7
WILLIAMS ALREADY ONE OF TOP SIGNAL CALLERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY After 23 career games, 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 listed 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
RK
SCHOOL
1
Northwest Missouri
‘17 REC
2-0
LAST
1
2
Ferris State
1-0
2
3
Texas A&M-Commerce
2-0
3
4
Shepherd
1-0
4
5
IUP
2-0
5
6
California
2-0
6 8
7
North Alabama
0-1
8
Sioux Falls
2-0
9
9
Minnesota State
2-0
10
10
Emporia State
1-1
11
11
Grand Valley
1-1
14
12
Midwestern State
1-0
15
13
LIU-Post
2-0
16
14
CSU-Pueblo
1-1
7
15
Minnesota Duluth
1-1
17
16
Ashland
1-1
21
17
Fort Hays
2-0
NR
18
Albany State
2-0
NR
19
Indianapolis
2-0
19
20
Colorado Mesa
2-0
22
21
West Georgia
2-0
24
Leader
22
Slippery Rock
2-0
NR
1st
Williams
23
Arkansas Tech
2-0
NR
1st
Williams
24
Valdosta State
0-1
NR
250.1
1st
Williams
25
Central Missouri
1-1
12
TDs resp. for
51
6th
5. Michael Mann, 52
Brian Eyerman, 88
Total Offense
5752
7th
6. Lynn Heiber, 5793
Andrew Krewatch, 8043
Rushing TDs
24
10th
9. De’Antwan Williams, 28
Rushing Yards
1858
17th
16. Dave Cessna, 1916
Category
Total
Place
Comp. Pct.
62.5
Passer Effic.
163.30
Total Offense/Game
Next Up
MIchael Mann, 48 Michael Mann, 4805
3
ALLEN WRIGHT LEADS CRIMSON HAWKS IN RECEPTIONS AND YARDS
RECORD BREAKDOWN 2017 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0
August September October November IUP’s Record vs. PSAC Teams at home 1-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC West Teams at home 0-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC East Teams at home 1-0 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 1-0 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 1-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... 0-14 points 1-0 15-24 points 1-0 25+ points 0-0 IUP’s Record When... leading after the 1st qtr 0-0 trailing after the first qtr 2-0 tied after the 1st qtr 0-0 leading at halftime 1-0 trailing at halftime 1-0 tied at halftime 0-0 leading after the 3rd qtr 1-0 trailing after the 3rd qtr 0-0 tied after the 3rd qtr 1-0 IUP’s Record With... less than 300 yds tot offense 0-0 300-3099 yards total offense 0-0 400-499 yards total offense 1-0 500+ 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 1-0 250+ yards rushing 1-0 less than 200 yards pass 0-0 200-249 yards passing 1-0 250-299 yards passing 1-0 300-349 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 1-0 300-399 total yards 1-0 400+ yards total offense 0-0 less than 100 yards rush 0-0 100+ yards rush 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-299 yards pass 1-0 300+ yards pass 0-0
Sr. WR Allen Wright has excelled in his new starting role early this season, leading the Crimson Hawks Tortorella 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0
with 14 receptions and 182 yards through two weeks. He caught a career-high nine passes for 102 yards in the opener, and followed that up with five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in week two. He also leads IUP with four receptions of 20 yards or more. In his first full year on offense in 2016, Wright was a big play target with 18 catches for 454 yards (25.2 avg.) and four touchdowns. DOM MCNEIL ALSO SHOWING BIG PLAY CAPABILITY IN EXPANDED ROLE R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil posted his first 100-yard receiving day, catching five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in week two. He owned the biggest play of the day against ESU, catching an intermediate
0-0 0-0
crossing route from Williams and turning into a 69-yard touchdown. After catching just one pass for nine yards in nine games a season ago, McNeil has eight receptions for 162 yards (20.2 avg) and two touchdowns through two weeks this season.
1-0 0-0
WALT PEGUES AMONG BEST RECEIVERS IN IUP HISTORY Even with two wins and breakout play from receiver, Sr. WR Walt Pegues has been missed as an injury
1-0 0-0
has delayed his 2017 debut. He does head into his final year ranked third in IUP history with 2,301 receiv-
1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0
IUP Receiving Records
ing 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.
0-0 0-0 1-0
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
REBUILT OFFENSIVE LINE COMING TOGETHER, HAS PAVED WAY FOR DOMINANT GROUND GAME The Crimson Hawks rebuilt their offensive line in fall camp, as they returned just two of their five start-
1-0 0-0 0-0
ers from 2016 -- Jr. LT Joe Peterson and R-Soph. OC Jeff Arnold. Those two have a combined 35 starts between them, as R-Sr. Jerron Searles stepped in at right tackle, Gr. Rocco Esposito at right guard, and R-Soph. Colin McAllister and left guard. The group has helped the Crimson Hawks average 270.0 rushing yards while giving up just one sack through two weeks.
0-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0
IUP IS 17-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN SCORING A DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWN R-Soph. DB JR Stevens returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown in week two, making it the 21st defensive score for the Crimson Hawks since 2011. IUP is nearly unbeatable in games in which its defense scores a touchdown, going 17-1 in those games over the last seven season. Last year, the Crimson Hawks tied for sixth in Division II with six defensive touchdowns - three on interceptions and three on fumbles. Last year, Eric Doe returned a blocked field goal 95 yards for a score (which NCAA statistics count as a fumble return) against Cheyney, and in 2015 Allen Wright returned an interception 23 yards for a score. The Crimson Hawks’ 21 defensive touchdowns since 2011
0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 0-0
Year
Opponent
TD
2017
East Stroudsburg
JR Stevens 38-yard interception return
Result
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
IUP def. ESU, 38-14
IUP def. Gannon, 48-3 IUP def. SRU, 48-19
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
CRIMSON HAWKS LEAD THE PSAC IN PASSING AND TOTAL DEFENSE Through two weeks, the IUP defense is again asserting itself as one of the best in the nation as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC in passing (142.0) and total yards (292.0) allowed. Those numbers also rank 26th and 29th, respectively, in Division II. The IUP "D" played big in the season opener, shutout out Ashland in the second half while allowing the strong GLIAC team total just 361 yards of offense. The Crimson Hawks improved in game two, shutting down the ESU passing game (81 yards) while allowing just 223 yards of total offense. 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
ESU
33
142
4.3
2
8-22-1
81
0
223
Totals
73
300
4.1
2
30-58-1
284
3
584 (292.0)
JEMAL AVERETTE LEADS LEADS ANOTHER TALENTED AND DEEP DEFENSIVE LINE The IUP defensive front will again be a force, as the Crimson Hawks return eight regular players - five starters - from last years group. A total of nine defensive linemen have seen playing time this year, combining for 53 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 5.0 sacks. Sr. DT Jemal Averette leads all linemen and is fourth on the team with 12 tackles this season, while also posting 2.0 TFLs and a sack. NEW LINEBACKERS STEPPING INTO STARTING ROLES, AMONG TEAM LEADERS IN TACKLES The Crimson Hawks started a pair of new linebackers in week one, with Sophs. Damon Lloyd and Nick Amendola taking over. Through two weeks, Lloyd is second on the team with 16 total tackles, including nine in the season opener. Amendola is tied for fourth on the team with 12 stops, adding a pass breakup and a fumble recovery. NOTRE DAME TRANSFER MAX REDFIELD LEADS CRIMSON HAWKS IN TACKLES Sr. SS Max Redfield has made his presence known early this season, as he leads the Crimson Hawks with 18 total tackles through two weeks. He put up 10 tackles in the opener against Ashland, and followed that up with eight tackles and a Bill Thompson State Farm Player of the Game nod after the win over East Stroudsburg. The Notre Dame transfer started 23 games and made 144 tackles in three seasons with the Fighting Irish. An NFL talent, he’ll be counted on to play all over the defensive backfield in 2017. ALL-AMERICAN JAY WATKINS SAW STREAK OF 25 STRAIGHT STARTS END LAST WEEK Sr. CB Jay Watkins saw his streak of 25 consecutive starts end last week, as he missed the ESU game with an injury. After losing nearly all of his 2014 season due to injury, he started 12 games each in 2015 and 2016, and the 2017 season opener against Ashland. Watkins led the PSAC and tied for third in Division II with seven interceptions in 2016, and has played in 35 career games at IUP with 11 interceptions. TAKHI TURNER LED CRIMSON HAWKS IN TACKLES AGAINST ASHLAND Sr. FS Takhi Turner led all IUP defensive players with 12 tackles against Ashland, including eight solo stops. He also had a tackle-for-loss and a pass breakup. Through week two, Turner has 23 career starts, including 11 a season ago when he finished second on the team with 68 total tackles to go along with three interceptions. MIKE PIETROPOLA SETTLING IN AT DEFENSIVE BACK After two years of bouncing around between quarterback, defensive back, receiver, and back to quarterback, Jr. FS Mike Pietropola looks to establish himself as a full-time defender. Pietropola is part of the Crimson Hawks' talented defensive backfield, totaling six tackles with a sack through two weeks this season. He's also one of IUP's returners, averaging 15.7 yards on three kickoff returns and 7.2 yards on four punt returns. CRIMSON HAWKS' TWO BLOCKED KICKS ARE AMONG BEST TOTALS IN DIVISION II After last season's eight blocked kicks - which ranked third in Division II - the Crimson Hawks are back at it again with two blocks in the season opening win over Ashland. R-Sr. NG Justin Weldon blocked an early point after attempt and R-Soph. LB John McDonald-Horner turned away the Eagles attempt at a game-winning field goal, as the IUP special teams were able to take four total points away from Ashland. IUP’s blocked kicks in 2017 Opponent
Player
Type
Ashland
Justin Weldon
PAT
Result No return
Ashland
John McDonald-Horner
FG
Recovered by IUP
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 -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 -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 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 2/0 22/1 2/2 14/4 2/0 13/0 2/2 14/14 2/2 32/21 2/0 8/0 2/0 8/0 2/0 23/0 2/0 2/0 1/0 2/0 2/2 13/13 2/2 14/7 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/1 23/2 1/0 2/0 0/0 21/6 2/0 23/9 2/0 35/0 2/1 24/11 2/2 4/2 2/0 2/0 1/0 1/0 2/2 14/14 -- 1/0 -- 1/0 2/0 13/6 2/1 30/5 2/2 26/12 2/0 13/0 2/2 13/3 2/2 26/20 2/2 5/2 2/0 9/0 2/0 11/0 2/1 28/14 2/0 2/0 2/1 32/1 0/0 33/24 2/2 22/21 2/0 26/3 2/2 38/25 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 24/0 2/0 6/0 1/0 17/3 2/2 34/33 2/2 13/2 2/0 5/0 -- 30/17 2/0 13/0 2/2 34/23 1/1 35/31 0/0 1/0 2/2 28/12 1/0 7/0 2/2 23/22 1/0 8/0 1/0 19/10 2/2 31/11 1/0 2/0 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
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 25 teams
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 10 teams
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC
1-0
1-0
vs. PSAC West
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC East
1-0
1-0
PSAC West home games
0-0
0-0
TOs gained
35
2nd
t-12th
PSAC West road games
0-0
0-0
TFLs/Game
7.21
3rd
t-44th
All home games
2-0
2-0
t-38th
All road games
0-0
0-0
Postseason
0-0
0-0
32nd
IUP rushes for 200+ yards
2-0
2-0
IUP scores
3
vs. CHEYNEY
BREAKDOWN
September 16, 2017 12:00 PM Indiana, Pa. Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
#6/5
IUP Crimson Hawks 2-0, 0-0 PSAC West
RECORD
1-1, 0-0 PSAC East
RANKING
#6 in AFCA Coaches
RANKING
NR in AFCA Coaches
LAST GAME
Sept. 9 lost to
2017 SCHEDULES #6/5
IUP (2-0, 0-0 PSAC West)
DATE
RANK
AUGUST 31 9/9 SEPTEMBER 9 6/5 16 23 30 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11
OPPONENT
Cheyney Wolves
RECORD
#5 in D2Football Media LAST GAME
W 26-23
East Stroudsburg Cheyney Edinboro * at Seton Hill *
W 38-14 12 PM 12 PM 4 PM
#5/6 California * at RV/NR Slippery Rock * at Clarion * RV/NR Gannon *
2 PM 2 PM 12 PM 12 PM
at Mercyhurst * at Bloomsburg
12 PM 1 PM
NR in D2Football Media
East Stroudsburg, 38-14
RESULT/TIME
NR/18 Ashland
Sept. 9 defeated
#5/6 California, 54-14
HEAD COACH
Paul Tortorella
HEAD COACH
Chris Roulhac
CAREER RECORD
2-0 / 1st year
CAREER RECORD
5-61-1 / 7th year
IUP RECORD
2-0 / 1st year
CU RECORD
same
TORT vs. CU*
7-0
vs. IUP
0-4
IUP vs. CU
8-0
vs. Tortorella
0-0
* as assistant coach
THE GAME The 6th-ranked Crimson Hawks are at home for the third straight week to start the season, as they host Cheyney on Saturday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium. Kickoff on Frank Cignetti Field is set for noon. IUP is off to another hot start with a 2-0 record, with wins over nationally-ranked Ashland and PSAC East foe East Stroudsburg. Cheyney opened with a huge 56-28 win over rival Lincoln, but followed that with a 40-point defeat at fifth-ranked California last week. The Crimson Hawks are looking to extend their dominance over Cheyney, as they haven't lost to the Wolves in eight all-time meetings.
Cheyney (1-1, 0-0 PSAC East) DATE
RANK
SEPTEMBER 2 9 16 23 30 OCTOBER 7 14 21 28 NOVEMBER 4 11 23
OPPONENT
Lincoln at #5/6 Cal at #6/5 IUP at Bloomsburg * East Stroudsburg * at Lock Haven * Shippensburg * West Chester * at Millersville *
RESULT/TIME
W 56-28 L 54-14 12 PM 2 PM 1 PM 12 PM 1 PM 1 PM 4 PM
Kutztown * 12 PM Edinboro 12 PM at Alabama State 3 PM (94th ann. Turkey Day Classic)
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 *pregame show begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff
IUP Comm Media/YouTube.com Vincent Lowerre, play-by-play Mike Grivna , 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 • The Crimson Hawks are 8-0 all-
• Two games and two 100-yard
• Through two weeks, already
time against Cheyney, including
running backs - Soph. Samir
seven players have caught a
four shutout victories since 2012;
Bullock ran for 200 yards in week
pass for the Crimson Hawks,
IUP has averaged 55.5 points in
one and Fr. Duane Brown broke
combining for 37 receptions and
those four shutouts
off 137 in week two, giving the
513 yards; Last year, 10 different
Crimson Hawks two of the top 10
receivers caught at least one
• IUP has won 12 straight home
rushers in the PSAC; Bullock is
pass
games and five straight games
also sixth in Division II with 282
against PSAC East teams; The
rushing yards
• On the strength of a perfect kicking night in the opener,
last loss to a cross-divisional opponent came to Kutztown (34-
• R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. is
R-Soph. PK Dillon Sarka leads
33) in 2015, which was also IUP's
one touchdown (pass or rush)
Division II with 2.50 field goals
last home defeat
away from tying Hall of Famer
made per game; Through two
Michael Mann for 5th at IUP with
games, he's made 7-7 extra
52 touchdowns responsible for
points and 5-6 field goals
• The Crimson Hawks boast the PSAC's top offense and defense, leading the league with an
• Williams is also 41 yards of total
• IUP is tied for fifth in the coun-
average of 526.5 yards while
offense away from tying Lynn
try with two blocked kicks, both
giving up just 292.0 yards on the
Heiber for 6th with 5,793 career
against Ashland; Last year, the
defensive side of the ball
yards of total offense
Crimson Hawks blocked two total kicks against Cheyney
1
QUICK FACTS
NOTEBOOK
Location
Indiana, Pa.
Enrollment
12,853
Founded
1875
Athletics Affiliation
NCAA Division II
Conference
PSAC (West)
Colors
A NEW (OLD) FACE LEADS IUP THROUGH THE TUNNEL IN 2017 After the departure of six-year head coach Curt Cignetti following the 2016 season, Paul Tortorella was named the new coach of the IUP football program. Although this will be his first head coaching job, Tortorella is no stranger to the sidelines of George P. Miller Stadium, spending the last 22 years as the IUP defensive coordinator. He’s also been the associate head coach since 2011.
Crimson & Gray
Nickname
Crimson Hawks
President
Dr. Michael Driscoll
Athletic Director
Steve Roach
Stadium
Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium
Seating capacity
TORTORELLA’S DEFENSES HAVE BEEN DOMINANT Coach Tortorella has been known for his defensive prowess at IUP, consistently directing one of the best units in Division II since taking over in 1995. The Crimson Hawks finished third in the country with 24 interceptions and 35 forced turnovers in 2016, led a defense that was ranked in the top 12 in six categories in 2015, and was named Football Scoop’s Division II Coordinator of the Year in 2012.
3,580 IUP vs. THE PSAC EAST
SPORTS INFORMATION
Since 2006, IUP is 27-7 (.794) against teams from the PSAC East, including wins in each of its last five
Sports Information Director
Ryan Rebholz
cross-divisional games dating back to 2015 - Lock Haven 38-13 (2015), Cheyney 62-0 (2015), ESU 73-42
Office Phone
724-357-2747
(2016), Cheyney 55-0 (2016), and ESU 38-14 (2017). IUP has never lost to Cheyney in eight meetings, and
[email protected]
FOOTBALL HISTORY
carries a streak of four straight shutouts over the Wolves since 2012. IUP REMAINS AMONG ONE OF THE TOP RANKED TEAMS IN DIVISION II
First Year of Football (Recorded)
1927
The Crimson Hawks enter week three of the regular season ranked No. 6 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and
Last Playoff Appearance
2016
No. 5 in the D2Football Media Poll. The AFCA ranking is the highest by that poll since October 3 of last
All-Time Record (Pct)
547-266-23 (.668)
Division II Playoff Appearances
17
Division II National Semifinal Apperances
6
Division II Championship Appearances All-Time Division II Playoff Record
2 20-17
year, while the top five ranking in the media poll is the highest overall for the program since sitting at No. 4 in the coaches’ poll for five straight weeks (Sept. 9-Oct. 7) back in 2003. CRIMSON HAWKS HAVE 12-GAME HOME WIN STREAK HEADING INTO CHEYNEY WEEK Always a very good home team, IUP carries a 12-game win streak in contests played in the friendly confines of George P. Miller Stadium. The Crimson Hawks’ last loss at home came in the 2015 season opener,
COACHING STAFF
falling to Kutztown 34-33 after two missed extra point attempts. Since that loss, IUP has outscored visit-
Head Coach
Paul Tortorella
Alma Mater
Slippery Rock, 1985
IUP Record (Year)
0-0 (1st)
Offensive Coordinator
Tate Gregory
Alma Mater
Ohio, 2006
Defensive Coordinator
Jim Smith
Alma Mater Football Office
IUP, 1998 724-357-2780
TEAM INFORMATION 2016 Overall Record 2016 PSAC Record/West Finish Final Ranking (AFCA/D2Football)
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
ing opponents 431 to 188, or an average of 38.5 to 17.3. IUP’s 12-game home win streak Win
Date
Opponent (Record)
Result
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
9
Nov. 5, 2016
Mercyhurst (2-7)
W 31-20
8
Oct. 22, 2016
Clarion (2-5)
W 42-17
7
Oct. 15, 2016
16/16 Slippery Rock (5-1)
W 48-19
6
Oct. 1, 2016
Seton Hill (3-1)
W 47-39
5
Nov. 14, 2015
Cheyney (0-10)
W 62-0
4
Nov. 7, 2015
Gannon (6-3)
W 26-14
3
Oct. 17, 2015
California (4-2)
W 20-15
2
Oct. 3, 2015
Edinboro (0-4)
W 42-21
1
Sept. 19, 2015
Lock Haven (0-2)
W 38-13
IUP SPREAD OFFENSE OUT TO ANOTHER GOOD START UNDER COACH GREGORY COACHING ASSIGNMENTS
The Crimson Hawks have entered their third year of the spread offense, although a new face is calling the
Paul Tortorella - Head Coach
Sideline
plays with the addition of Coach Gregory from Charleston. It might be a new coach, but the IUP offense
Tate Gregory - Off. Coord./QBs
Sideline
is already rolling as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC and rank eighth in Division II with an average of
Mike Campolo - Offensive Line
Sideline
526.5 yards of total offense per game.
Luke Barker - Running Backs/TEs
Sideline
Johnny Franco - Safeties
Sideline
Anthony Leonard - Defensive Line
Sideline
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 two games Category
2017/PSAC Rk
2016
Rush Yds/Game
270.0/2nd
317.0
322.5
Rushing TDs
2/t-11th
10
6
Pass Yds/Game
256.5/7th
306.5
157.0
Passing TDs
4/t-6th
3
2
Passing Efficiency
154.7/4th
183.1
103.3
Total Yds/Game
526.5/1st
623.5
479.5
Points/Game
32.0/8th
64.0
35.5
2
2015
“SPLASH PLAYS” BIG PART OF THE OFFENSE IN 2017
AFCA COACHES POLL
The Crimson Hawks ran 75 offensive plays in Saturday’s win over East Stroudsburg, finishing with eight plays that covered more than 20 yards (two rush, six pass). IUP’s longest play of the day came off the
RK
SCHOOL (1st VOTES)
arm of R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr., who found R-So. WR Dom McNeil over the middle for a 69-yard touch-
1.
Northwest Missouri St. (34)
‘17 REC
2-0
LAST
1
down in the second quarter. That’s also the longest play of the early season for the Crimson Hawks. For
2.
Ferris St. (Mich.)
1-0
2
the year, IUP has 13 plays of 20-plus yards.
3.
Texas A&M-Commerce
2-0
3
4.
Shepherd (W.Va.)
1-0
4
STILL EARLY, CRIMSON HAWKS LEAD THE PSAC AND RANK 8TH IN DIVISION II IN TOTAL OFFENSE
5.
California (Pa.)
2-0
5
On the heels of a 607-yard performance against East Stroudsburg, the Crimson Hawks lead the confer-
6.
Indiana (Pa.)
2-0
6
ence by averaging 526.5 yards of total offense through the first two weeks of the season. That total is
7.
Sioux Falls (S.D.)
2-0
9
also good for eighth overall in Division II. IUP finished the 2016 season ranked 12th in the nation with an
8.
Minnesota St.
2-0
12
average of 489.6 yards per game, which set a single season program record.
9.
LIU-Post (N.Y.)
2-0
10
10. North Alabama
0-1
11
IUP IS 44-8 SINCE 2011 WHEN A PLAYER RUSHES FOR 100 YARDS IN A GAME
11.
Colorado Mesa
2-0
17
Fr. RB Duane Brown went over the 100-yard mark in the win over East Stroudsburg, as IUP improved to
12.
Grand Valley St. (Mich.)
1-1
14
44-8 since 2011 when a player rushes for at least 100 yards in a game. He’s now the third active player
13.
Midwestern St. (Texas)
1-0
16
on the roster with a 100-yard game to his credit: R-Jr. Lenny Williams, Jr. has nine and Soph. RB Samir
14.
Emporia St. (Kan.)
1-1
15
Bullock has six.
15.
Indianapolis (Ind.)
2-0
18
16.
Albany St. (Ga.)
2-0
20
CRIMSON HAWKS ARE 72-5 SINCE 2003 WHEN RUSHING FOR 200 YARDS AS A TEAM
17.
West Georgia
2-0
25
Brown led a ground game that finished with 324 rushing yards in week two, marking the 77th time since
18.
Colorado St.-Pueblo
2003 that IUP has rushed for at least 200 yards in a game. The Crimson Hawks are 72-5 in those games,
19.
Arkansas Tech
including a 19-3 record since 2015.
20. Minnesota-Duluth 21.
Fort Hays St. (Kan.)
1-1
7
2-0
NR
1-1
21
2-0
NR
DUANE BROWN DAZZLES, HITS 100-YARD MARK IN FIRST MEANINGFUL ACTION
22. Azusa Pacific (Calif.)
1-1
8
Fr. RB Duane Brown was one of the offensive starts of week two, rushing for 137 yards and a touchdown
23. Central Washington
2-0
NR
on 17 carries in the win over ESU. After seeing limited snaps in week one, the ESU game marked the first
24. Delta St. (Miss.)
2-0
NR
meaningful action of his young collegiate career, as he averaged 8.1 yards per carry.
25. Slippery Rock (Pa.)
2-0
NR
SAMIR BULLOCK RANKS SECOND IN PSAC, 10TH IN DIVISION II IN RUSHING Soph. RB Samir Bullock is off to a good start to the season, as he currently ranks second in the PSAC
D2FOOTBALL.COM MEDIA POLL
and 10th in the country with 141.0 rushing yards per game. His big outing came in week one, setting a new career-high with 200 yards on 25 carries (8.0 avg). He followed that up with 82 yards on 18 carries in week two. Heading into week three, Bullock also ranks ninth in the PSAC with an average of 149.5 all-purpose yards per game. LENNY WILLIAMS IS 19-3 AS CRIMSON HAWKS’ STARTING QUARTERBACK R-Jr. QB Lenny Williams, Jr. is in his third year as the IUP starter, carrying an 19-3 record after week two’s win over ESU. A two-time Harlon Hill Award nominee as the best player in Division II, Williams is arguably the top dual threat quarterback in the nation, passing and rushing for a combined 5,752 yards and 51 touchdowns in 23 career games. Williams’ career stats GP
Effic
Cmp-Att
Pct
YDS
TD-INT YDS/G
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
2015
12
131.5
119-206
57.8
1549
9-4
129.1
158
1229
7.8
12
YDS/G 102.4
2016
9
214.0
93-136
68.4
1832
14-1
203.6
104
594
5.7
12
66.0
2017
2
157.4
37-58
63.8
513
4-1
256.5
9
35
3.9
0
17.5
TOTALS
23
163.3
249-400
62.5
3894
27-6
169.3
271
1858
6.9
24
80.7
WILLIAMS ALREADY ONE OF TOP SIGNAL CALLERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY After 23 career games, 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 listed 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
RK
SCHOOL
1
Northwest Missouri
‘17 REC
2-0
LAST
1
2
Ferris State
1-0
2
3
Texas A&M-Commerce
2-0
3
4
Shepherd
1-0
4
5
IUP
2-0
5
6
California
2-0
6 8
7
North Alabama
0-1
8
Sioux Falls
2-0
9
9
Minnesota State
2-0
10
10
Emporia State
1-1
11
11
Grand Valley
1-1
14
12
Midwestern State
1-0
15
13
LIU-Post
2-0
16
14
CSU-Pueblo
1-1
7
15
Minnesota Duluth
1-1
17
16
Ashland
1-1
21
17
Fort Hays
2-0
NR
18
Albany State
2-0
NR
19
Indianapolis
2-0
19
20
Colorado Mesa
2-0
22
21
West Georgia
2-0
24
Leader
22
Slippery Rock
2-0
NR
1st
Williams
23
Arkansas Tech
2-0
NR
1st
Williams
24
Valdosta State
0-1
NR
250.1
1st
Williams
25
Central Missouri
1-1
12
TDs resp. for
51
6th
5. Michael Mann, 52
Brian Eyerman, 88
Total Offense
5752
7th
6. Lynn Heiber, 5793
Andrew Krewatch, 8043
Rushing TDs
24
10th
9. De’Antwan Williams, 28
Rushing Yards
1858
17th
16. Dave Cessna, 1916
Category
Total
Place
Comp. Pct.
62.5
Passer Effic.
163.30
Total Offense/Game
Next Up
MIchael Mann, 48 Michael Mann, 4805
3
ALLEN WRIGHT LEADS CRIMSON HAWKS IN RECEPTIONS AND YARDS
RECORD BREAKDOWN 2017 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0
August September October November IUP’s Record vs. PSAC Teams at home 1-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC West Teams at home 0-0 on the road 0-0 IUP’s Record vs. PSAC East Teams at home 1-0 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 1-0 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 1-0 IUP’s Record When Allowing... 0-14 points 1-0 15-24 points 1-0 25+ points 0-0 IUP’s Record When... leading after the 1st qtr 0-0 trailing after the first qtr 2-0 tied after the 1st qtr 0-0 leading at halftime 1-0 trailing at halftime 1-0 tied at halftime 0-0 leading after the 3rd qtr 1-0 trailing after the 3rd qtr 0-0 tied after the 3rd qtr 1-0 IUP’s Record With... less than 300 yds tot offense 0-0 300-3099 yards total offense 0-0 400-499 yards total offense 1-0 500+ 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 1-0 250+ yards rushing 1-0 less than 200 yards pass 0-0 200-249 yards passing 1-0 250-299 yards passing 1-0 300-349 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 1-0 300-399 total yards 1-0 400+ yards total offense 0-0 less than 100 yards rush 0-0 100+ yards rush 2-0 less than 200 yards pass 1-0 200-299 yards pass 1-0 300+ yards pass 0-0
Sr. WR Allen Wright has excelled in his new starting role early this season, leading the Crimson Hawks Tortorella 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0
with 14 receptions and 182 yards through two weeks. He caught a career-high nine passes for 102 yards in the opener, and followed that up with five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in week two. He also leads IUP with four receptions of 20 yards or more. In his first full year on offense in 2016, Wright was a big play target with 18 catches for 454 yards (25.2 avg.) and four touchdowns. DOM MCNEIL ALSO SHOWING BIG PLAY CAPABILITY IN EXPANDED ROLE R-Soph. WR Dom McNeil posted his first 100-yard receiving day, catching five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in week two. He owned the biggest play of the day against ESU, catching an intermediate
0-0 0-0
crossing route from Williams and turning into a 69-yard touchdown. After catching just one pass for nine yards in nine games a season ago, McNeil has eight receptions for 162 yards (20.2 avg) and two touchdowns through two weeks this season.
1-0 0-0
WALT PEGUES AMONG BEST RECEIVERS IN IUP HISTORY Even with two wins and breakout play from receiver, Sr. WR Walt Pegues has been missed as an injury
1-0 0-0
has delayed his 2017 debut. He does head into his final year ranked third in IUP history with 2,301 receiv-
1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0
IUP Receiving Records
ing 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.
0-0 0-0 1-0
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
REBUILT OFFENSIVE LINE COMING TOGETHER, HAS PAVED WAY FOR DOMINANT GROUND GAME The Crimson Hawks rebuilt their offensive line in fall camp, as they returned just two of their five start-
1-0 0-0 0-0
ers from 2016 -- Jr. LT Joe Peterson and R-Soph. OC Jeff Arnold. Those two have a combined 35 starts between them, as R-Sr. Jerron Searles stepped in at right tackle, Gr. Rocco Esposito at right guard, and R-Soph. Colin McAllister and left guard. The group has helped the Crimson Hawks average 270.0 rushing yards while giving up just one sack through two weeks.
0-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0
IUP IS 17-1 SINCE 2011 WHEN SCORING A DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWN R-Soph. DB JR Stevens returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown in week two, making it the 21st defensive score for the Crimson Hawks since 2011. IUP is nearly unbeatable in games in which its defense scores a touchdown, going 17-1 in those games over the last seven season. Last year, the Crimson Hawks tied for sixth in Division II with six defensive touchdowns - three on interceptions and three on fumbles. Last year, Eric Doe returned a blocked field goal 95 yards for a score (which NCAA statistics count as a fumble return) against Cheyney, and in 2015 Allen Wright returned an interception 23 yards for a score. The Crimson Hawks’ 21 defensive touchdowns since 2011
0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 0-0
Year
Opponent
TD
2017
East Stroudsburg
JR Stevens 38-yard interception return
Result
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
IUP def. ESU, 38-14
IUP def. Gannon, 48-3 IUP def. SRU, 48-19
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
CRIMSON HAWKS LEAD THE PSAC IN PASSING AND TOTAL DEFENSE Through two weeks, the IUP defense is again asserting itself as one of the best in the nation as the Crimson Hawks lead the PSAC in passing (142.0) and total yards (292.0) allowed. Those numbers also rank 26th and 29th, respectively, in Division II. The IUP "D" played big in the season opener, shutout out Ashland in the second half while allowing the strong GLIAC team total just 361 yards of offense. The Crimson Hawks improved in game two, shutting down the ESU passing game (81 yards) while allowing just 223 yards of total offense. 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
ESU
33
142
4.3
2
8-22-1
81
0
223
Totals
73
300
4.1
2
30-58-1
284
3
584 (292.0)
JEMAL AVERETTE LEADS LEADS ANOTHER TALENTED AND DEEP DEFENSIVE LINE The IUP defensive front will again be a force, as the Crimson Hawks return eight regular players - five starters - from last years group. A total of nine defensive linemen have seen playing time this year, combining for 53 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 5.0 sacks. Sr. DT Jemal Averette leads all linemen and is fourth on the team with 12 tackles this season, while also posting 2.0 TFLs and a sack. NEW LINEBACKERS STEPPING INTO STARTING ROLES, AMONG TEAM LEADERS IN TACKLES The Crimson Hawks started a pair of new linebackers in week one, with Sophs. Damon Lloyd and Nick Amendola taking over. Through two weeks, Lloyd is second on the team with 16 total tackles, including nine in the season opener. Amendola is tied for fourth on the team with 12 stops, adding a pass breakup and a fumble recovery. NOTRE DAME TRANSFER MAX REDFIELD LEADS CRIMSON HAWKS IN TACKLES Sr. SS Max Redfield has made his presence known early this season, as he leads the Crimson Hawks with 18 total tackles through two weeks. He put up 10 tackles in the opener against Ashland, and followed that up with eight tackles and a Bill Thompson State Farm Player of the Game nod after the win over East Stroudsburg. The Notre Dame transfer started 23 games and made 144 tackles in three seasons with the Fighting Irish. An NFL talent, he’ll be counted on to play all over the defensive backfield in 2017. ALL-AMERICAN JAY WATKINS SAW STREAK OF 25 STRAIGHT STARTS END LAST WEEK Sr. CB Jay Watkins saw his streak of 25 consecutive starts end last week, as he missed the ESU game with an injury. After losing nearly all of his 2014 season due to injury, he started 12 games each in 2015 and 2016, and the 2017 season opener against Ashland. Watkins led the PSAC and tied for third in Division II with seven interceptions in 2016, and has played in 35 career games at IUP with 11 interceptions. TAKHI TURNER LED CRIMSON HAWKS IN TACKLES AGAINST ASHLAND Sr. FS Takhi Turner led all IUP defensive players with 12 tackles against Ashland, including eight solo stops. He also had a tackle-for-loss and a pass breakup. Through week two, Turner has 23 career starts, including 11 a season ago when he finished second on the team with 68 total tackles to go along with three interceptions. MIKE PIETROPOLA SETTLING IN AT DEFENSIVE BACK After two years of bouncing around between quarterback, defensive back, receiver, and back to quarterback, Jr. FS Mike Pietropola looks to establish himself as a full-time defender. Pietropola is part of the Crimson Hawks' talented defensive backfield, totaling six tackles with a sack through two weeks this season. He's also one of IUP's returners, averaging 15.7 yards on three kickoff returns and 7.2 yards on four punt returns. CRIMSON HAWKS' TWO BLOCKED KICKS ARE AMONG BEST TOTALS IN DIVISION II After last season's eight blocked kicks - which ranked third in Division II - the Crimson Hawks are back at it again with two blocks in the season opening win over Ashland. R-Sr. NG Justin Weldon blocked an early point after attempt and R-Soph. LB John McDonald-Horner turned away the Eagles attempt at a game-winning field goal, as the IUP special teams were able to take four total points away from Ashland. IUP’s blocked kicks in 2017 Opponent
Player
Type
Ashland
Justin Weldon
PAT
Result No return
Ashland
John McDonald-Horner
FG
Recovered by IUP
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 -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 -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 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 2/0 22/1 2/2 14/4 2/0 13/0 2/2 14/14 2/2 32/21 2/0 8/0 2/0 8/0 2/0 23/0 2/0 2/0 1/0 2/0 2/2 13/13 2/2 14/7 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/1 23/2 1/0 2/0 0/0 21/6 2/0 23/9 2/0 35/0 2/1 24/11 2/2 4/2 2/0 2/0 1/0 1/0 2/2 14/14 -- 1/0 -- 1/0 2/0 13/6 2/1 30/5 2/2 26/12 2/0 13/0 2/2 13/3 2/2 26/20 2/2 5/2 2/0 9/0 2/0 11/0 2/1 28/14 2/0 2/0 2/1 32/1 0/0 33/24 2/2 22/21 2/0 26/3 2/2 38/25 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 24/0 2/0 6/0 1/0 17/3 2/2 34/33 2/2 13/2 2/0 5/0 -- 30/17 2/0 13/0 2/2 34/23 1/1 35/31 0/0 1/0 2/2 28/12 1/0 7/0 2/2 23/22 1/0 8/0 1/0 19/10 2/2 31/11 1/0 2/0 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
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 25 teams
1-0
1-0
vs. Top 10 teams
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC
1-0
1-0
vs. PSAC West
0-0
0-0
vs. PSAC East
1-0
1-0
PSAC West home games
0-0
0-0
TOs gained
35
2nd
t-12th
PSAC West road games
0-0
0-0
TFLs/Game
7.21
3rd
t-44th
All home games
2-0
2-0
t-38th
All road games
0-0
0-0
Postseason
0-0
0-0
32nd
IUP rushes for 200+ yards
2-0
2-0
IUP scores
