SLIPPERY ROCK — Indiana (Pa.) football coach Paul Tortorella refuses to look too far ahead in the PSAC West season.

“There's plenty of football to be played. Too many things can happen,” the second-year Crimson Hawks coach said.

But he knows one thing that needs to happen at 2 p.m. Saturday at Miller Stadium, when IUP (4-1, 1-1) hosts Slippery Rock University (4-1, 2-0) in the 93rd all-time meeting between the rivals.

“This is a must win for us,” he said.

At least, if IUP has hopes of repeating as PSAC West champion.

Even SRU coach Shawn Lutz agrees with that.

“At least one team is going to get out of this season with just one (division) loss,” Lutz said.

While SRU carries a three-game winning streak into this game, its first five opponents have a combined 4-21 record. The Rock's next three opponents are a combined 12-3 entering action this weekend.

IUP is coming off a 36-24 loss at California (Pa.) last week, a defeat that snapped the Crimson Hawks' 16-game regular season winning streak.

“Our only loss last year came in the playoffs,” Tortorella said. “A lot of our guys ... This is the first week they've had to come to practice after losing a game.

“It's a different experience, a different feeling for this team. We'll see how they handle it.”

One advantage the Crimson Hawks have is fourth-year starting quarterback Lenny Williams. He has thrown for 900 yards and run for 289.

By comparison, Rock quarterback Roland Rivers will be making his fourth start for SRU. He has accounted for 14 touchdowns and only one turnover thus far.

“We believe we can win this game,” Lutz said. “We've told the players ... You want people to take notice of you, go in there and beat Indiana on their homecoming. It doesn't get much better than that.

“Lenny Williams is one of the best quarterbacks to play in this conference. He makes them go.”

And with IUP rushing leader Samir Bullock not listed on the team's two-deep depth chart due to injury, Williams may go with his feet a little more than usual come Saturday.

“They have designed running plays for him. We're well aware,” Lutz said.

Just like Williams is well aware of his surroundings at all times.

“When you've played as many games as Lenny, there's nothing a defense can throw at him that he hasn't seen,” Tortorella said. “That's the advantage of experience.

“We've always used a few running backs through the course of the season. It keeps everybody fresh toward the end of the year.”

Wes Hills returns to the starting lineup at running back for SRU this week. Braden Fochtman and Chacar Berry will see action as well.

“Ideally, we'll ride Wes for as long as we have to,” Lutz said.

IUP defensive ends Deandre Easterling and Dondrea Tillman have combined for nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

“They are the best defensive end tandem in the league,” Lutz said. “They're very athletic, tall and rangy, and strong. We have to contain those guys.”

Tortortella said Slippery Rock “is much stronger defensively, they've had injuries at quarterback and haven't missed a beat.

“This game will be a test of character for us.”