SLIPPERY ROCK — Points have been hard to come by for Slippery Rock University against Indiana (Pa.) the past couple of years.

For that matter, so have yards.

The Rock offense has managed no points and 248 yards of offense in the past two games against the rival Crimson Hawks. Last year's 17-0 loss at IUP marked the first time SRU had been shut out since 1996.

A.J. Saunders returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown and the score stood up for a 7-3 Rock victory in 2009, the last time the teams met at SRU.

The two rivals get together again at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

“Our offensive line is in for a stern test this week,” Mihalik said. “IUP has an aggressive defense that loves to attack the line of scrimmage. Their whole unit is always moving forward.”

Saturday's game marks the PSAC West opener for both teams and both are coming off losses. Mistakes cost SRU a 20-13 loss at West Chester while Indiana suffered a 20-16 loss to fourth-ranked Bloomsburg.

Bloomsburg managed only 76 yards rushing against the Crimson Hawks. The Rock managed just 53 yards rushing last week.

“If a team can't run the football, it's hard to win,” Mihalik said. “We threw 47 passes last week. It's not in our best interest to do that.”

IUP is coached by Curt Cignetti, eldest son of former coach Frank Cignetti, who was 182-50-1 at Indiana from 1986 to 2005.

Curt Cignetti came from the University of Alabama, where he served as wide receiver coach and recruiting coordinator for the Crimson Tide,. He was on the staff for the team's national championship season of 2009 and recruited Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram to the program.

“I wanted to run the show, a chance to be the boss,” Cignetti said of his decision to take over at IUP. “We accomplished a lot at Alabama. I was part of a national championship there, so what was left? It was time.”

Crimson Hawk running back Harvie Tuck leads the PSAC with 132.5 yards per game early this season. Quarterback Pat Smith has completed 29 of 52 passes for 348 yards.

Terrill Barnes is a deep threat for IUP, averaging 28.2 yards per catch on six receptions. Seneca Valley graduate Matt Plautz, a transfer from Monmouth, has settled in as the No. 2 receiver with five catches for 77 yards.

“We try to be balanced offensively, but Harvie has done an outstanding job for us,” Cignetti said.

The Rock's defense has allowed only 27 points through three games. Zach Sheridan has 20 tackles to lead the team while ends Jeff Thompson and Josh Smith, along with linebacker Jake Wickline, have combined for 13.5 tackles for loss.

SRU cornerback Anthony Saunders is unlikely to play again this week as he is still recovering from a concussion.

“We'll have some younger people seeing time in the secondary and they've got some fast receivers,” Mihalik allowed. “That's a concern.”

Senior receiver Devin Goda, who caught a career-high 11 passes last week, has been anything but a concern for Mihalik. He needs 22 more catches to pass Colin Golden and move into second place on The Rock's all-time receiving list, trailing only Greg Hopkins.

“Goda has been a reliable receiver who causes matchup problems as our slot guy,” Mihalik said. “Linebackers have trouble staying with him and he can catch the ball in a crowd.”

Special teams may play a factor again Saturday. The Rock allowed a punt return for a touchdown and had field goal and PAT attempts blocked. IUP's Jerrell McFadden returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown last week.

“Their punter is 6-foot-7, 250 pounds and just booms the ball,” Mihalik said. “We need to be strong on special teams. Nothing turns the momentum of a football game like a big special teams play.”

Both teams have Division II playoff aspirations that could be dampened by a loss Saturday.

“Slippery Rock is an excellent team, well-coached and with a lot of talent,” Cignetti said. “We need to be on top of our game to get out of there with a win.”

MIHALIK VS. IUP

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Slippery Rock University football coach George Mihalik is 5-19 in his career against Indiana (Pa.), including 2-10 at home. Game results follow:

Year IUP SRU1988 38 01989 52 71990 62 131991 38 01992 34 171993 45 241994 62 141995 41 71996 32 311997 9 161998 21 271999 14 521999 27 202000 24 202001 23 72002 34 282003 27 142004 34 132005 38 172006 17 212007 34 312008 23 162009 3 72010 17 0