SLIPPERY ROCK — Homecoming games suit Slippery Rock University just fine, thank you.

The Rock spoiled Gannon’s homecoming last week with a 41-14 football victory in Erie. Now SRU hosts its own homecoming contest, taking on California (Pa.) at 2 p.m. at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

SRU (4-1, 1-1) is 23-4 in its homecoming games under coach George Mihalik. The Rock has won six straight homecomings — including a 17-3 win over Cal in 2011 — and nine of its last 10.

The Vulcans (4-1, 2-0) have scored at least one touchdown in 43 straight games since that 2011 defeat.

“There’s always a good, exciting atmosphere here for homecoming,” Mihalik said. “There’s plenty of alumni and former players back in town who may be seeing our football team for the first and only time this year.

“We make sure that’s not lost on our players. We want to make a good impression.”

They want to avoid a second PSAC West loss as well, especially against California.

“They are a very athletic team and they’re undefeated in the conference. That’s all you need to say,” Mihalik said.

California has not won a game at The Rock since 2009. The Vulcans trail in the all-time series between the teams 45-32-3, but did hang a 48-36 defeat on SRU last season.

The Vulcans are coming off three consecutive narrow wins, defeating Shippensburg 34-26, Edinboro 37-30 and rallying from an early 18-point deficit to nip Seton Hill, 38-34, last week.

“Teams have attempted more passes against us than any team in the country,” California coach Mike Kellar said. “We’ve got 16 sacks, but I feel like we should have more, given that fact.

“We have not faced a defensive front like Slippery Rock’s gonna throw at us and that’s a concern. Those guys are going to come right at us.”

The Rock defense bounced back with a strong effort last week at Gannon. SRU ranks sixth in the nation in Division II with 16 takeaways and has scored four touchdowns on defense while recording two safeties so far this season.

Butler graduate Bob Vernick leads The Rock with 39 tackles from his linebacker position. He has 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Defensive end Marcus Martin has 34 tackles and four sacks.

“Bob Vernick had a great game at Gannon. Our entire defense did,” Mihalik said. “But we’ll be tested this week. California’s offensive line is very athletic and (Cal quarterback) James Harris gets rid of the ball quickly.”

Harris, a senior, has thrown for 1,399 yards and 12 touchdowns. Receivers Garry Brown and Kowan Scott average 19.5 and 24.8 yards per catch, respectively. Running back John Franklin III has rushed for 505 yards and eight scores.

“They love the big play in the passing game and Brown and Scott are two guys who can get down the field,” Mihalik said.

Even with Shamar Greene already missing two and a half games, The Rock’s running game has excelled. SRU’s trio of Greene, Julian Durden and Isiah Neely lead a ground attack that’s produced 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns. SRU has allowed just 328 net yards and two touchdowns rushing.

Though inclement weather has limited The Rock passing game early this season, Cornelius Raye has 22 catches to lead a balanced air game.

“They’ve got a bunch of guys who they get out in space, who gain a lot of yards after the catch,” Kellar said. “Slippery Rock runs that package extremely well. We need to stay active on defense.

“While Slippery Roxk has gone to an up-tempo, spread look on offense, their philosophy hasn’t changed. They want to run the football. If you can take that away and make them one-dimensional, you’ve got ‘em.

“If not, you’re in for a long day.”

Mihalik conceded that California has the edge on special teams coming into Saturday.

“They’ve been more consistent in their play there,” he said. “We have to stay focused on every play with that unit. We’ve had kicks blocked because we’ve lost focus. That’s all it is.”