SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University football coach George Mihalik is looking for his 100th career home victory Saturday night.

He may have to survive a guessing game to find it.

Mihalik begins his 27th year at the helm of Rock football when SRU entertains Kutztown in a 6 p.m. kickoff at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. He is 99-42 (.702 winning percentage) in his coaching career at home.

Jim Clements is in his first year as Kutztown head coach. He was 66-24 in eight years as head coach at Division III Delaware Valley and is that school’s all-time wins leader.

Returning Golden Bear quarterback Josh Luckenbaugh has already been unseated as the starter by junior Chad Barton. Kutztown returns 17 of 22 starters from last season.

“But with a new coach, who knows what they’re gonna do?,” Mihalik pondered. “With a new coach comes a new philosophy. That’s the biggest challenge we have going into this game.

“What kind of offense will they run? What will their scheme be defensively? We have nothing to go on.”

History is on The Rock’s side, anyway. SRU has won its last five season openers, scoring more than 50 points in the past three. The Rock is also 9-2 all-time against Kutztown, including a 58-10 thrashing on the Golden Bears’ turf last season.

“We know how athletic and talented they are,” Clements said of The Rock. “All five members of their offensive line is back from a team that reached the PSAC championship game.

“Their quarterback played a little against us last year. Our guys know something about him.”

Redshirt sophomore Zach Newsock replaces graduated PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year Nigel Barksdale behind center for The Rock. Newsock completed 31 of 51 passes for 463 yards and four touchdowns in limited action last year. He completed seven of eight aerials against Kutztown.

Newsock beat out sophomore Josh Weakland in a close competition for the starting job. Jared Buck, who started a few games for SRU in 2012, battled an arm injury in camp and is third-string right now.

“We didn’t decide on our starter until Tuesday,” Mihalik said. “It was very close. I have confidence in either guy. We wouldn’t change or adjust our offense at all if Josh was in there.”

Productive running backs Shamar Greene, Teddy Blakeman and Brett Crenshaw all return for The Rock. They combined for more than 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground in 2013.

“This may be a year where our run sets up the pass,” Mihalik said. “We’re experienced at slot receiver, but not on the outside.”

Jaimire Dutrieuille had 42 catches for 640 yards last year as a slot man, including 175 yards and three TDs vs. Kutztown.

“We’re still going to run an up-tempo offense, but the quick-strike touchdowns? I doubt you’ll be seeing that,” Mihalik said.

The Golden Bears return two impact players defensively in end Zach Greenwald and middle linebacker Sam Dougan. Greenwald was eighth in all of Division II with 20.5 tackles for loss a year ago while Dugan had 88 tackles, including 14 for loss.

Kutztown returns only two running backs with any experience, but it’s deep in receivers with Kodi Reed (60 catches-797 yards-9 TDs), Brett Fox (43-573) and Anthony Kelly (34-322).

“We’re still moving personnel around, trying different sets,” Clements said. “We can play up-tempo if we want. We’ll determine that by the opponent and whatever system works best for us.”

Butler County will have an impact in replacing SRU’s front seven defensively in 2014. All seven of those starters from last year — including five All-PSAC performers — have graduated.

Butler graduate Bob Vernick will be at middle linebacker, Mars grad Austin Miele has moved from safety to outside linebacker and Seneca Valley grad Nick Dahlstrom will split time at defensive tackle.

“Bob Vernick will have an outstanding career here,” Mihalik said. “We’re confident in all of those guys. Our defense will continue to be relentless.”

Notes: The Rock will wear special throwback elements with their uniforms this year to commemorate the university’s 125th anniversary. ... SRU players will wear special JK decals on their helmets in memory of former defensive coordinator Joe Kopnisky and four-year lineman and Knoch graduate John Krauland, who both passed away recently. ... SRU’s 2014 Athletic Hall of Fame class — Matt Kinsinger, Jessica Bungo Livermore, Lori Robinson Nuzzo, Pat O’Hare, Nate Thimons, Chuck Tursky and Tom Wise — will be recognized at the game.