SLIPPERY ROCK — Last year was an aberration — and first-year Slippery Rock University head football coach Shawn Lutz knows it.

The Rock traveled to Gannon and hung a lopsided 41-14 loss on the Golden Knights.

“We were coming off that upset loss at Seton Hill and we were an angry football team that day,” Lutz recalled.

When Gannon (3-0) visits Mihalik-Thompson Stadium at 6 p.m. Saturday to play SRU (3-0) in a battle of unbeatens, Lutz figures the rivalry will return to what it has been.

A nail-biter.

Seven of the past 10 games between these two teams have come down to the final possession.

“This has become a bit of a rivalry,” Lutz said. “Gannon is a fully-funded program with players on its roster from all over the place. We're anticipating quite a battle.

“This is our PSAC West opener and we are the defending champions. We know we're going to get everybody's best shot.”

The Rock's 18-game home winning streak will be on the line Saturday. Lutz's biggest concern is mobile Gannon sophomore quarterback Zach Phillips, who has thrown for 309 yards and leads the Golden Knights with 333 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

“When you have a quarterback who can run and pass, there's no limit to the playbook,” Lutz said. “We can't let him break containment and extend plays.”

Tyler Johnson has rushed for 299 yards and four TDs for Gannon, which is coming off narrow wins of 24-20 over Shippensburg and 30-27 over Bloomsburg in overtime. Quad Law has 12 catches for 112 yards.

Grove City graduate Foaster Reznor starts at a corner position for the Golden Knight defense. Mike Zanders is an All-American at safety and Gannon's other safety, Christian Carpenter, leads the team with 25 tackles.

“They are a physical team up front that likes to stop the run,” Lutz said. “We may have to hit them with some passes early to loosen up their defense for Shamar (Greene).”

Greene, SRU's all-time rushing leader, was limited to 53 yards on 17 carries in last week's 59-23 win at Lock Haven. But Don King III threw for 411 yards and three touchdowns as The Rock rolled up 648 yards offensively.

Cornelius “Millie” Raye caught 11 passes for 174 yards and two scores.

“We did a lot of quick passes, bubble plays, just to get the ball in Millie's hands,” Lutz said. “We know what he can do in open space. Give him the ball and he can make plays.”

Raye and King III both suffered hip-pointers last week and were limited in practice this week, but will be ready to play Saturday. Butler graduate Bob Vernick — SRU's second leading tackler behind Anthony Zappone — sprained an ankle, but is expected to play Saturday as well.

Six of the eight teams in the PSAC West are undefeated entering action Saturday.

“There are no easy games, no breathers in this league,” Lutz said. “We have to get better each week and I feel we got better in the Lock Haven game.

“Our offense moved much quicker. It was more like the tempo we want to play at.”

Special teams could play a factor Saturday. SRU freshman Jake Chapla missed field goal tries from 29 and 31 yards at Lock Haven, but drilled one from 44. He has kicked some PATs low this season as well.

“Jake's been trying to do everything too perfect,” Lutz said. “He needs to relax and just kick the ball. He's got the leg. The talent is there.”

Gannon's Brandon Marshall is averaging 34.5 yards on six kickoff returns. The Rock's Drew Scales ranks second among all active kick returners with a career average of 29.6.

Gannon coach Brad Rzyczycki could not be reached for comment. The fifth-year coach has guided his team to three consecutive winning seasons.