Game Preview - Seton Hill

The #10 Golden Rams (2-0) travel to Greensburg, PA to take on the Seton Hill Griffins (1-1) for their homecoming on Saturday. Kickoff at Offutt Field is set for 6:00 pm.

Series History:
This will be the first time these two teams meet on the football field.

Scouting the Opponent:

Seton Hill was a women's college until 2002. The Griffins inaugural football season was 2005 and they joined the now defunct West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 2006. After finishing the 2008 regular season 9-2, they advanced to the NCAA playoffs and defeated American International in the first round before getting trounced by California in the second round. From 2009 through 2012, the Griffins had a cumulative record of just 4-40. As part of the WVIAC breakup after the 2011-12 school year, Seton Hill, along with Pitt-Johnstown (which does not sponsor football), joined the PSAC. The Griffins lone victory last season was a 17-10 win over Cheyney and they're coming off a 27-16 win over Lock Haven last week.

After amassing a 25-8 record in three seasons at Widener University, head coach Isaac Collins is seeking the same level of success in his second season at Seton Hill. And so far this season, he's off to a good start. Last season the Griffins totaled just 22 touchdowns. Consider that Rondell White himself had 24 touchdowns for the Golden Rams. And in 2013, the Griffins surrendered almost five sacks per contest. Compare that to West Chester's average of one per game against a schedule that included four games against playoff participants. But this year's Griffin offense is markedly improved after the first two games.

Sophomore Jarvis McClam started and finished last season as a wide receiver (16 catches, 132 yards, 1 TD). However, he played five games at quarterback and used his legs (107 carries, 476 yards, 4 TD's) more than his arm (32-81 246 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) to move the Griffin offense. Throwing the ball when McClam lined up wide was Nick Halfhill (91-173, 1,002 yards, 9 TD's, 11 interceptions) who has now been moved to tight end. So who's playing quarterback this season? Primarily Drew Jackson (32-76, 440 yards, 5 TD's, 1 interception) who missed last year due to an injury, although Dan Pietrangelo (10-13, 97 yards) has also seen time under center. The offensive line has yet to yield a sack. Top receivers are FJ Williams (8 catches, 122 yards, 2 TD's) and Erik Kerns (7 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD), but nine other players have at least one catch. Brandon Stout (32 carries, 123 yards) leads the rushing attack.

Despite registering six sacks and four interceptions over their first two games, Seton Hill has the second worst defense in the PSAC, surrendering 509 yards (184 rushing, 325 passing) and 35 points per game. After last season, linebacker Tyler Zimmer (11 tackles) was All-PSAC West, All-Super Region 1, and an Academic All-American. He's flanked by Tim Johnson (18 tackles, 3.5 TFL's, 1 forced fumble). Up front is Arthur Tsapdong (10 tackles, 2.0 TFL's) and Alex Attia (9 tackles, 2.0 TFL's). Ricardo Housen (12 tackles, 1 int, 2 PBU's) and Otis Williams (10 tackles, 1 PBU) are a pair of big defensive backs, while Phillip Moreland (9 solo tackles, 5 PBU's) leads the PSAC in pass breakups.

Analysis:

Saturday starts a string of three games against opponents that went a combined 5-28 last season. No opponent should be overlooked, and despite the Golden Rams' 2-0 record, they have yet to look sharp this season. Sean McCartney, the PSAC's top-rated passer with a 161.8 efficiency, should be able to take advantage of a secondary that yields 325 yards per game through the air. Seton Hill doesn't have a grind-it-out offense as five of their seven offensive touchdowns have originated outside the red zone. So the Golden Ram defense needs to pressure the quarterback while being weary of the big play.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio  

PSAC Site - Football - Week 3 Notes

KYW Newsradio - WCU Looks For 3-0 Start Saturday At Seton Hill

Daily Local News - WCU heavily favored in inaugural matchup versus Seton Hill

D2football - PSAC Columnist - Week 3 in the PSAC