Mark Luther can see the numbers. And he doesn't like them.

Slippery Rock University is third in the PSAC in rushing with 219.8 yards per game. Lock Haven is 13th in rushing defense, allowing 293.2 yards per game.

"Bloomsburg just stuffed the ball down our throat, and Slippery Rock's gonna try to do the same thing," said the fifth-year Lock Haven head football coach.

"If we don't show up ready to compete, we're going to have the same result," he added.

That result was a 54-0 loss to Bloomsburg last week, a game in which the Bald Eagles (1-3) were outgained 450 yards to 65.

The Rock (2-2) travels to Hubert Jack Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday against Lock Haven (1-3) in a mutual PSAC West opener.

"Everything starts over at this point," SRU coach George Mihalik said. "We haven't done anything yet in terms of league play."

But they've done plenty to Lock Haven. SRU hasn't lost to Lock Haven since 1980 and holds a decided 35-12-1 edge in the series.

Since defeating Cheyney 35-19 in their opener, the Bald Eagles have lost 62-7 to Division I-AA James Madison, 28-20 to Kutztown and 54-0 to Bloomsburg.

Starting quarterback Troy Wile suffered a sprained ankle against James Madison and hasn't played since. There is only a slight chance he'll play Saturday.

"We'll test it (the ankle) and see how it responds," Luther said. "If he can go, he can go. But I'm not counting on it."

Fellow sophomore Brian Camberg has completed 32-of-69 passes for 401 yards and two touchdowns since taking over behind center. Rafael Smith has been his favorite receiver with 10 catches for 136 yards.

"I've been disappointed with our play at quarterback," Luther said. "Rob Kristiniak (another sophomore) took over in the second half last week. We're looking for some consistent play out of that position and haven't found it."

The Bald Eagles have found consistent play from senior running back Maurice Walker, who has 309 yards on 61 carries and is a dangerous return man.

"Lock Haven always has a dangerous kick and punt return unit and we have to guard against giving them momentum on special teams," Mihalik said.

"I see three critical points to this game. One, it's the conference opener. Two, Lock Haven was stung last week and their pride's been challenged. Three, they always seem to play well at home."

Defensively, Luther said his line has been struggling, and that's put pressure on the linebackers and secondary.

"We have to improve there," Luther said. "There's no secret when you're playing Slippery Rock. They like to play physical, straight-ahead football."

All-conference left guard Don Harbison returns from a two-game suspension this week for The Rock. H-Back Brandon Richardson, sidelined the past two games with a high ankle sprain, is expected to return as well.

SRU brings a two-game winning streak into the contest. Running back Josh Kniess leads the ground attack with 102 carries for 498 yards and six touchdowns.

Kniess needs just 130 yards rushing and one touchdown to surpass career-highs in both categories.

With Richardson returning and quarterback Nate Crookshank coming off a 125-yard passing day with no interceptions, SRU's passing game might break through as well.

"We just want to keep playing well," Mihalik said. "We're happy with the progress of the team to this point. Our defense has been playing very well."

SRU is third in the PSAC in total defense - allowing 246 yards per game - and is second in the league with 12 quarterback sacks.

"They have things back on track," Luther said of The Rock. "They have another quarterback who can run around and make things happen like Randy McKavish, and their defense has been outstanding.

"We know what's coming at us: A big, strong football team."