SLIPPERY ROCK — With a trip to undefeated Gannon looming next week and a dominant history against Seton Hill, one could hardly blame the Slippery Rock University football team if it overlooks the Griffins on Saturday.

No chance of that.

So says SRU coach George Mihalik.

“This game starts PSAC West play. This game starts the defense of our Western Division title,” Mihalik said. “This game starts the second season.

“We will be ready go play.”

The 14th-ranked Rock (3-0) will travel to Offutt Field for a 3 p.m. kickoff Saturday against Seton Hill (1-2). The Griffins are coming off a 48-38 loss at West Chester.

“We had the lead with four minutes to go and gave up two late scores,” third-year Seton Hill coach Isaac Collins said. “I feel like we're getting close to turning things around here.

“We have to be able to close out an opponent late.”

In facing Slippery Rock, the Griffins have to figure out how to stay with this opponent.

The Rock has outscored Seton Hill 221-60 in their last four meetings and lead the series between the teams, 5-1. The programs first faced each other in 2007.

Collins is 5-20 at Seton Hill. Mihalik hasn't won fewer than five games in a season at SRU in more than a decade.

“That team can score points and they're definitely getting better,” Mihalik said. “They've primarily been a passing team and they like to strike for the big play.”

Seton Hill quarterback Christian Strong threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns last week, though he was picked off three times. Ardell Brown caught six passes for 152 yards and two TDs.

Dan Pietrangelo threw for 438 yards and two scores in the Griffins' first two games before getting injured. He will be back this week.

“Both quarterbacks will play,” Collins said. “I'm anxious to see what we can do against that defense.”

Brandon Stout leads the Seton Hill running game with 235 yards. SRU's defense has yet to allow a rushing touchdown in 2015 and has permitted only 22 points in three games.

The Rock shut out Millersville last week, allowing 38 net yards and accumulating eight quarterback sacks.

“Our defensive unit is playing very well together,” Mihalik said. “They've been outstanding.”

SRU's defense has scored three touchdowns itself and has allowed only two. The Rock's 7.3 points per game allowed is fourth-best in all of Division II.

The Rock leads the PSAC in fewest points allowed and most points scored (49.3 per game) through three weeks.

“They're just strong in all areas,” Collins said. “A win over a team like that would be the signature win we're looking for.

“Give yourself a chance in the fourth quarter. That's the key. We did that last week and didn't get it done.”

With running back Shamar Greene being a game-time decision, SRU will likely turn to a combination of Julian Durden, Isiah Neely and Dominic Dingle in the backfield again. They've combined for 612 yards rushing in the past six quarters with Greene on the shelf.

Return threat Drew Scales — the active leader in NCAA Division II with a 30.6-yard kick return average — returns to the lineup this week. Left guard Kyle Henderson was shaken up last week, but will start on Saturday.

Reserve lineman Austin Fields will miss two or three weeks with a leg injury, however.

“I thought Michael Williams and Travis Gallagher did well at left tackle last week, filling in for (injured) Dean Ketterer,” Mihalik said. “We're still thin up front, though. We're breaking in a couple of freshmen there now to give us more depth.”

Place-kicker Mike Wainauskas hit a career-high 10 PATs last week and is four for five on field goal attempts. Punter Andrew Huska leads the PSAC in net punting and has nine touchbacks on kickoffs.

“Andrew has been giving us good field position and Wanny's been dependable,” Mihalik said. “Our special teams have been making impact plays and our kickers have been leading the way there.”