SLIPPERY ROCK — For Kutztown, it's what might have been.

For Slippery Rock, it's what might be.

The Rock (8-2) closes its college football regular season at noon Saturday when it kicks off against the Golden Bears (7-3) at Andre Reed Stadium.

SRU can punch its ticket into the NCAA Division II playoffs for the third time in four years with a victory. The Rock could even land a first-round home game with some help from other teams.

A loss would likely end The Rock's season.

“Most teams are playing for pride right now, for next year or something like that,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “We're playing to be one of the 28 teams invited to the big dance.

“There's more than 160 Division II football teams and we're entering our last game with a chance to be one of those 28. We can't ask for more than that.”

SRU is currently fifth in the Super Region One rankings. The top seven after this weekend earn playoff spots. The top team gets a bye. The No's 2 through 4 teams get first-round home games.

Kutztown could sneak in with a win and plenty of help, but fourth-year coach Jim Clements isn't counting on it.

“That's for other people to decide,” Clements said. “We're not happy with our season. We expected to do better.

“Injuries have hurt us, but everybody has injuries.”

The Golden Bears lost to Assumption — currently No. 2 in Super Region One — 31-28 in the season opener. West Chester, ranked No. 6, scored in the final minute to hand Kutztown a 27-21 loss.

Quarterback Colin DiGalbo has thrown only five interceptions all year, but three of those came in the first half of a 27-13 loss to Shippensburg two weeks ago.

“Colin's been fighting an injury and we had to get him out of there,” Clements said. “I'm not sure of his status this week. He may tough it out or we may go with Chris (Kane) again.”

Kane is a senior while DiGalbo is a sophomore.

“All three of their losses have come to teams ranked among the top seven in the region,” Lutz pointed out. “They've lost the close games this year. We found a way to win them. That's how it's worked out.”

Four of SRU's eight wins are by seven points or less. Neither team had a tight game last week. The Rock blasted Seton Hill 77-38 and Kutztown blanked Cheyney, 65-0.

But the Golden Bears lost versatile running back and leading rusher Craig Reynolds for the season to a collarbone injury.

“He's definitely out,” Clements said.

Lutz is still concerned about Kutztown's deep stable of elusive backs. SRU has allowed 2,128 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing in 10 games this year. It allowed 1,911 yards and 23 TDs on the ground the previous two years combined.

Dylan Whiteman will start at a linebacker spot Saturday “to make us a little more athletic in there,” Lutz said.

SRU quarterback Tanner Garry enters this game with 3,215 yards and 30 touchdowns through the air. He is eight yards off the national lead and one TD pass shy of tying Dante Nania's single-season scoring record.

Marcus Johnson and Milly Raye have combined for 134 receptions, 2,020 yards and 22 touchdowns in the passing game. They've also produced four TDs on special teams.

“That's the best receiving combo we've had in my 20-plus years here and probably ever at this school,” Lutz said. “And, absolutely, we're in the position we're in this week because of Tanner Garry.

“You only go as far as your quarterback takes you in this league. Tanner has been amazing. He may be the best pure passer this program has ever had.”

SRU leads the series between the teams 10-2. Saturday marks their first meeting since 2014.

Kutztown defeated The Rock in the 2011 PSAC championship game.