SLIPPERY ROCK — Indiana (Pa.) and Slippery Rock excel at running the football — and not allowing their opponents to do so.

All of those elements cannot occur Saturday when The Rock (6-1, 3-1) hosts the rival Crimson Hawks (5-1, 4-0) in a critical PSAC West college football match up at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

“Whichever team is able to run the ball effectively will likely be the winner of this game,” SRU coach George Mihalik said.

While SRU averages 273 yards per game on the ground, IUP is netting 328 yards per contest running the ball. The Rock allows 55 per game on the ground, IUP only 84.

The Crimson Hawks rank fourth in the nation in rushing offense. SRU ranks second in rushing defense.

“It’s an interesting match up, for sure,” Mihalik said.

As is the entire game.

“Being able to run the ball is a definite plus,” IUP coach Curt Cignetti said. “But the game will go beyond that. There are a lot of phases to football.

“The team that executes better overall will be the one that comes out on top.”

Last week, quarterback Lenny Williams attempted only seven passes while his team ran for 388 yards in a 20-15 win over California (Pa.).

Since the red-shirt freshman took over as IUP’s starter behind center, he’s averaging 95.5 yards rushing per game and only 101.8 throwing the football.

“Chase (Haslett) started our opener and we decided to go with Lenny in the second game,” Cignetti said. “He fits our offense well and he’s been getting better with each week.”

“He’s really provided a spark for their offense,” Mihalik said. “Williams is a multiple threat. He’s extremely quick and elusive.”

Sophomore running back Chris Temple is a multiple-talented running back for Indiana. He has rushed for 800 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 per carry. Williams has run for 603 yards, averaging 8.8.

“Temple is the total package at running back,” Mihalik said. “He’s physical, quick and fast — and he can catch passes out of the backfield.

“No arm tackle is going to bring him down.”

Mihalik emphasized the strength of IUP’s offensive line.

“No one can do what they’ve down on the ground without solid people up front — and they’ve got them,” the coach said.

Left guard Ethan Cooper is 6-foot-4, 320 pounds while right tackle Jorge Vicioso is 6-5, 300 for Indiana. Vicioso is the only senior on the Hawks’ offensive line.

SRU has some good backs in its own right. Shamar Greene has overcome a nagging sprained ankle and has 605 yards rushing, including 167 in The Rock’s 35-24 win last week at Mercyhurst. Julian Durden has run for 575 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Rock has a trio of 300-pound linemen in center Joe LoSchiavo (6-3, 305), right tackle Cory Tucker (6-4, 305) and left guard Kyle Henderson (6-4, 300).

These two teams have combined for 27 interceptions this season and will look to capitalize on any mistakes through the air Saturday.

Butler graduate Bob Vernick continues to lead SRU’s defense with 53 tackles. He has nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Teven Williams has 50 tackles and 6.5 for loss, Marcus Martin nine tackles for loss and six sacks.

The Rock gets safety Derek Morgan along with Seneca Valley graduate and left tackle Dean Ketterer back from injuries this week. Both are expected to start on Saturday.

This game begins an intriguing three-week stretch in the PSAC West race. Clarion and IUP are the lone unbeatens in the conference and play each other next week. SRU hosts Clarion the following week.

“The difference is that we have a conference loss and the other two don’t,” Mihalik said. “Our backs are against the wall like they have been the past few weeks. I like the way we’ve responded so far.

“We have to win. They (IUP) have to win. Let’s play the game and see what happens.”

Cignetti is in his fifth season as coach at IUP and sports a 39-13 record. He is 1-3 against Mihalik, including losses of 31-21 and 42-16 the past two years.

“The biggest difference between our two teams this year is that they have an old team and we have a young one,” Cignetti said. “They start 12 or 13 seniors whereas 27 of our top 33 players are underclassmen.”

A large crowd is expected for Saturday’s game.

“It should be a great college football atmosphere between two teams that pride themselves on history and tradition,” Mihalik said.

Cignetti said he hasn’t thought about the crowd or the game’s atmosphere.

“We’re just anxious to play. We’re excited about it,” he said.

IUP leads the all-time series — which dates back to 1907 — 49-38-2.