SLIPPERY ROCK — Familiar territory, familiar foe.

Slippery Rock University (9-1) goes up against Kutztown (9-1) in the PSAC football championship game at 12:05 p.m. Saturday at Andre Reed Stadium.

The game marks a rematch of the 2019 PSAC title tilt at the same venue, when SRU outscored the Golden Bears 16-0 in the fourth quarter to pull out a 37-35 victory. Kutztown defeated The Rock, 21-14, in the 2011 title game to claim the program's lone PSAC championship.

“Much of our offense is different from that 2019 game,” Kutztown coach Jim Clements said. “Our top three receivers are still here, but our line has been totally rebuilt.

“Much of our defense is back from that season. We're definitely more experienced on that side of the ball.”

The Rock is making its third consecutive appearance in the championship game and seventh in the last 10 years.

“I'm a big fan of the state title game,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “It gives these teams something special to play for.

“Once the national playoffs begin, only one team ends its season with a victory. Playing in the state game is a special memory for the seniors.”

Clements agreed.

“This is why you play the season,” he said. “We'd much rather be playing a team like Slippery Rock for the league title than closing out the schedule against (a weaker opponent).”

Kutztown's lone loss this season was a 29-26 decision to Indiana (Pa.) in the second week of the season. The Golden Bears started that game with their No. 2 quarterback, who got injured during the course of the contest.

“Our No. 1 guy was already hurt. We had to put him back in toward the end of that game,” Clements recalled. “Still, we had the ball down by three late with a chance to win.”

Kutztown enters Saturday's game as the No. 1 team in the Super Region One rankings. SRU is sixth. The top seven ranked teams in the region following this weekend's action advance to the Division II playoffs.

A Rock win will likely earn the team a home game to begin the playoffs.

“Kutztown is a very disciplined team that plays hard on every single play,” Lutz said. “We have to play a smart, clean game on Saturday.”

The Golden Bears' defense allows 12.1 points per game, fourth best in all of Division II. Kutztown allows only 251.9 yards per game.

But Clements is cautious about those numbers.

“We haven't played a team that can pass the ball like Slippery Rock,” the Kutztown coach said. “IUP had two excellent receivers. Slippery Rock has three or four, plus their tight end is very good.

“And that new quarterback is performing at a very high level.”

In his two starts, Noah Grover has completed 58 of 78 passes for 905 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions.

“Leadership is so important at the quarterback position and Noah is definitely a leader,” Lutz said.

Wide receiver Henry Litwin enters the game needing 10 catches for 146 yards to break Greg Hopkins' SRU career records in both categories.

SRU suffered some injuries last week. Defensive end Garrett de Bien has a high ankle sprain, but is expected to play. Running back Evyn Holtz, cornerback Savion Harrison and free safety Dalton Holt are all doubtful with knee injuries.

Kutztown has rushed the ball 190 more times than the Golden Bears have thrown it this season. Five players have between 60 and 88 carries, led by Darryl Davis-McNeil with 512 yards and five touchdowns.

Quarterback Eric Nickel, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound senior, has thrown for 1,508 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's rushed for nine scores. Jerome Kapp is his top receiver with 35 catches for 662 yards and seven scores.

Lutz said tackle Ryan Meyers and safety Shawn Turber-Ortiz are the keys to Kutztown's defense.

“Those guys are all over the field. They would start for us, for sure,” Lutz said. “And their punter is the best in the country.”

Dean Krcic is averaging 43.7 yards per punt. The Golden Bears have attempted only one field goal in the past six weeks and have not kicked a field goal since Week 4.