On last night’s edition of Hawk Talk on U92 and Renda Digital TV, IUP head football coach Paul Tortorella talked about the week of rest the Crimson Hawks enjoyed thanks to a bye in the first round of the NCAA Division 2 playoffs, and about ramping up for this week’s challenge against Ashland.
One big concern for the coach is whether or not leading receiver Duane Brown and leading rusher Dayjure Stewart can play. Both have knee injuries. The All-American Brown did not suit up for the PSAC championship game win over Shepherd and Stewart was hurt in the first quarter. The coach said it’s “questionable” if either of them can play this week.
Tortorella said while it’s not always good to get a bye, in this case the Crimson Hawks were very grateful for the time off.
IUP needs to find a way to play its best game of the season this Saturday, according to Tortorella.
Tortorella said Ashland’s offense is different to prepare for than most other teams, thanks to an excellent running game.
Brown has been nominated for this year’s Harlon Hill Trophy as the top player in Division Two football. The official list of nominees was released yesterday. Twelve players from Super Region One are among the 48 candidates, including Shepherd quarterback Tyson Bagent, who won it last year. Other PSAC players joining Brown and Bagent on the list are Slippery Rock defensive lineman DJ Adediwura, Gannon quarterback Kory Curtis, Mercyhurst linebacker Jacob Hill, and Seton Hill linebacker Jaylen McDuffie.
The sports information directors at the 164 D-2 schools nominate and vote on the award. Each region’s list of nominees will be pared to the top two next Monday, and the winner from among the final eight will be announced on December 16th.
Kickoff for the IUP/Ashland game is set for one o’clock on Saturday.
IUP announced yesterday that any fan purchasing a ticket to the football game will get free admission to the men’s basketball game afterward. The tipoff time for IUP/New Haven basketball has been moved to 4:30.
Tickets for the football game went on sale yesterday, both online and at the First Commonwealth bank Box Office at the KCAC. There are no season tickets for NCAA playoff games, so season ticket holders must purchase tickets separately for Saturday’s game. The Co-Op Store has purchased an allotment of tickets to give away to IUP students.
The parking lots surrounding Miller Stadium will open at 10 AM on Saturday. Parking will be ten dollars. Reserved VIP tailgating spaces are available for sixty dollars.
