SLIPPERY ROCK — If numbers mean what they say, Slippery Rock is in trouble.

Ninth-ranked SRU (4-0, 1-0) travels to Adamson Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff with No. 24 California (3-0, 1-0) in a key PSAC West football match-up Saturday.

“They are three-time defending champions,” first-year Vulcans head coach Gary Dunn said of The Rock. “If you want to win the West, you better beat Slippery Rock.”

California apparently has the firepower to do just that.

The Vulcans have mauled their first three opponents, defeating Cheyney 79-3, Millersville 61-0 and Seton Hill 59-17. They lead all of Division II in 13 statistical categories, including 66.3 points per game, 6.7 points allowed per game, 29.3 rushing yards allowed per contest, 12.7 team tackles for loss per game and 100 percent red zone efficiency.

“They have playmakers, game breakers who they can get the ball to,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “That team is very explosive.

“We've been facing adversity, though, and they have not. Maybe that will play to our favor.”

California's first three opponents this season are a combined 11-88 over the past three seasons. SRU won 12 games last year alone. The Rock's first four opponents this season were 22-22 last year.

The Vulcans have yet to turn the ball over this season. SRU has only six takeaways through four games — all interceptions — after leading the nation with 47 takeaways in 2015.

First-year Cal starting quarterback Michael Kier has completed 44 of 66 passes for 724 yards and 13 touchdowns thus far.

“Michael's play has probably been our biggest surprise so far,” Dunn said. “He's been making excellent decisions back there for a first-year starter.”

Kier is a pure pocket passer, not the running-type of quarterback SRU has faced in recent weeks.

“We have to make him as uncomfortable back there as we can,” Lutz said of Kier. “We need to bring pressure. I don't think he's seen much of that yet.”

While the Vulcans deploy a number of running backs — four have rushed for between 100-200 yards — Garry Brown is their top receiver. Half of his 12 receptions have gone for touchdowns and he's returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score.

Tom Greene, a 6-foot-4 target, and Luke Smorey have been productive receivers as well.

“Brown is an NFL-caliber talent. I believe that,” Lutz said. “He's got a chance to get drafted next year. We'll have (cornerback) Titus Howard on him.”

The backfield by committee has worked for California, which also returns nine starters on defense.

“We have four quality backs and we use them all,” Dunn said. “It's been effective so far, but we're facing a major test in Slippery Rock.

“They come in with a fast-paced, productive offense and a physical, well-disciplined defense. They've been as successful as they've been for a reason.”

Opposing defenses have stacked up on Rock running back Shamar Greene the past couple of weeks. Quarterback Don King III has benefited from that strategy, throwing for 781 yards and six TDs the past two games.

“Now that our passing game is going, defenses may have to play us more honest,” Lutz said. “California has a bunch of athletes in that secondary, though, and they fly to the ball back there.”

The Rock may be without Butler graduate and middle linebacker Bob Vernick Saturday, He's battling an ankle sprain and is 50-50 as to whether he'll play.

If Vernick doesn't play, Anthony Zappone will slide into the middle and Cody Allen will start at outside linebacker.

“Bobby calls out all of our defensive signals, makes all the checks,” Lutz said. “Anthony will have to do that if Vernick can't play.”

Both teams have solid placekickers. Cal's Will Brazill has hit all three of his field goal tries and missed just one of 27 PATs. Rock freshman Jake Chapla drilled a 45-yard field goal last week, SRUs longest since C.J. Bahr hit from 47 in 2010.

“Jake is kicking with a lot more confidence now,” Lutz said. “He believes he can hit from 52 yards out.”

The Rock leads the series 46-32-3 and has won four of the past five meetings, including a 56-21 decision last year. California defeated SRU, 48-26, at Adamson Stadium in 2014.

“We have to make sure our defenders stay in the right position and don't get thrown off by their fast tempo,” Dunn said. “Slippery Rock is strong up front and they have playmakers all over the place.

“Our guys know what we're up against. We'll see how we respond.”