LOCK HAVEN — For the first time since 1999, Slippery Rock University is the coaches' preseason pick to win the PSAC West.

The Rock will have plenty of company in the quest to finish on top.

While SRU has 17 starters returning — including everyone on defense — California and Indiana are returning 16 starters each. Mercyhurst has 15 starters back.

Gannon is picked to finish sixth in the West despite returning 15 starters.

“We've been right there the past couple of years,” California coach Gary Dunn said. “I feel like we can be up there again, but there are a lot of upperclassmen coming back throughout the league.

“It's going to come down to who makes the plays to win games.”

Indiana coach Paul Tortorella described the competition in the West Division as fierce.

“Slippery Rock is the defending champion and they deserve to be No. 1 coming into the season,” he said. “But Cal and ourselves ... All three of us have a lot of people back.

“We've got 11 experienced seniors and a strong offensive line. They have to lead the way for us.”

SRU averaged 37.2 points per game last season. California and IUP averaged 33 each. All three offenses should be potent again.

California sophomore quarterback Noah Mitchell was PSAC West Freshman of the Year last season and senior running back Nelson Brown rushed for 1,201 yards last season. He is the only returning 1,000-yard back in the conference.

IUP has 11 All-PSAC West selections coming back. Samir Bullock and Justice Evans lead the Crimson Hawks' ground attack and Quinton Maxwell, a transfer from Ohio University, will replace previous four-year starter Lenny Williams at quarterback.

The 6-foot-3 Maxwell threw for more than 1,700 yards and rushed for 300 at Ohio.

Mercyhurst coach Marty Schaetzle is entering his 18th season and believes the Lakers may be a sleeper. Doug Altavilla is a returning starter as a senior quarterback and running back Garrett Owens averaged 6.5 yards per carry while rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in nine games.

“We had a really good spring and we've got a lot of dedicated players,” Schaetzle said. “We've got three starters back on the defensive line to go with an experienced secondary.”

Edinboro returns standout receiver Ta'Nauz Gregory, who had 50 catches for 796 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago. The Fighting Scots also have senior safety Brandon Anderson, who recorded 101 tackles last season.

Gannon was forced to use three quarterbacks in 2018 due to injuries and all three are back, but the Golden Knights have to replace PSAC rushing leader Marcus Jones.

Clarion coach and East Brady product Chris Weibel is confident his team can sneak into contention despite being picked seventh in the preseason poll.

The Golden Eagles return all five starting defensive backs from a unit that allowed only 21 points per game.

“We're gonna have to stay healthy, but we've got enough weapons and quality personnel to surprise some people,” Weibel said. “We have to get more consistent on offense.”

Seton Hill is the only West Division team with a new head coach as Dan Day takes over. Day was a member of the first Seton Hill football team. The Griffins allowed 44 points per game a year ago.

PSAC West teams return 28 all-conference players overall, including California defensive back LaMont McPhatter II. He led all of NCAA Division II last year with 198 interception return yards, including two touchdowns. He was the West Division's Defensive Player of the Year.

West Chester is the overwhelming favorite to win the East Division, which returns 23 all-conference selections. Golden Rams defensive back Jarey Elder ranked third in Division II with seven interceptions in 2018.

(1st place votes)PSAC West1. Slippery Rock (6)2. California (1)3. Indiana (1)4. Mercyhurst5. Edinboro6. Gannon7. Clarion8. Seton HillPSAC East1. West Chester (6)2. Shepherd (1)3. Kutztown (1)4. Shippensburg5. Bloomsburg6. East Stroudsburg7. Millersville8. Lock Haven