SLIPPERY ROCK — Numbers can lie. In this case, they don't.

Lock Haven is a bad football team that Slippery Rock University hopes to keep on the mat when the two square off at noon Saturday at Hubert Jack Stadium.

Consider the following:

• Lock Haven has lost 19 games in a row, breaking the school record of 18 set from 1925-27.

• The Bald Eagles have not defeated SRU since posting a 29-26 triumph in 1980. George Mihalik-coached teams are 20-0-1 vs. Lock Haven, winning by an average score of 35-11.

• Lock Haven has 13 seniors on its roster, 51 freshmen and sophomores.

• The Bald Eagles have allowed 1,799 rushing yards this season while netting 56.

• Lock Haven is averaging 136 yards of offense per game.

• Lock Haven has not scored a point in the first half and has mustered only 34 points all season while using three starting quarterbacks.

None of that stuff matters much to SRU coach Mihalik, whose Rock team (5-4, 2-4) has dropped three games in a row.

"It's their last home game, their Senior Day, and they have to be looking at us as a Slippery Rock team they can beat," Mihalik said. "The key for us is to not let them build any confidence early.

"We need to jump on this team and get them thinking, 'Here we go again.'"

After allowing only 112 points in its first six games, The Rock has surrendered 122 during its three-game slide, including a 44-7 loss to California (Pa.) last week.

But while SRU hasn't been shut out in a PSAC-best 156 games, Lock Haven has been blanked four times in 2009. The Bald Eagles have scored more than seven points only once — a 48-14 loss to Cal in Week 3.

"This is a critical game to us and we're treating it that way," Mihalik said. "We still need one more win to clinch a winning season, and this would give it to us."

The Rock closes the season Nov. 7 at East Stroudsburg (6-3), which is in contention for a Division II playoff berth.

SRU will play Saturday's game without the services of cornerback-punt returner Robert Doiley, who figures to miss the final two games with a shoulder injury.

Doiley shares the team lead of three interceptions with Jayson Nickson and Brandon Watters.

"He's put together an outstanding season for us," Mihalik said. "It's a shame he won't be able to finish it."

Andre Freeman and A.J. Saunders will replace Doiley in the lineup.

While Lock Haven has been an offensive nightmare, its defense hasn't been so bad. Gannon had just a 10-0 lead at halftime on the Bald Eagles last week before rolling to a 27-0 victory.

"That's been their trend," Mihalik said. "Their defense keeps them in games for a half, then they wear down. We're hoping for a quicker start."

Ibrahim Smith leads the Bald Eagles with 89 rushing yards on 43 carries. Jay Hartman is the leading receiver with 21 catches for 254 yards and quarterback Jarret Krutzer has thrown for 725 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions.

Freshman quarterback Ryan O'Rourke may see more action Saturday for The Rock. Rocco Colavecchia has completed 47 percent of his passes for 1,256 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

"We'd like to get Ryan a little more game experience if that opportunity presents itself," Mihalik said.

Lock Haven coach John Klacik, 5-47 in five years at the helm, could not be reached for comment.

SRU-LOCK HAVEN SERIES

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Slippery Rock University is 20-0-1 vs. Lock Haven under coach George Mihalik:

Year SRU LH2008 45 72007 27 112006 35 02005 55 72004 31 32003 24 132002 14 72001 21 02000 41 151999 38 171998 31 71997 38 61996 37 71995 34 61994 56 301993 39 231992 41 171991 33 71990 42 71989 27 161988 21 21