SLIPPERY ROCK — Looking for motivation? Seton Hill doesn’t have to look far.

The Griffins invade Mihalik-Thompson Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff Thursday in a mutual Division II college football opener. Seton Hill suffered a 51-14 loss to The Rock in last year’s opener at Greensburg.

Seton Hill is also joining the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in 2013. This is the Griffins’ final year in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC).

“I’m sure they’d love to come in here and even the score from last year,” SRU coach George Mihalik, beginning his 25th season, said. “The fact they’re joining our league is a motivational boost for them, as well.

“They would love to show our league it didn’t make a mistake in adding them on.”

Last year’s loss to Slippery Rock sent Seton Hill reeling to a 1-10 season. Starting quarterback Ryan Morris, a senior, returns after starting seven games last season.

The Griffins’ backfield and receiving corps are totally new, however.

“We were in a handful of games last year,” fifth-year Seton Hill coach Joel Dolinski said. “A couple of different bounces, one or two fewer mistakes and we win some of those.”

Seton Hill is picked to finish eighth out of nine teams in the WVIAC preseason poll.

“I’m not concerned about where we’re picked in the poll,” said Dolinski. “That’s a bunch of coaches making educated guesses based off what happened last year.”

Mihalik said the Griffins have three new starting receivers, all transfers from other schools. They have a new defensive coordinator, as well.

“That’s a fully funded program with 36 full scholarships at their disposal,” Mihalik said. “I’m sure there’s plenty of talent there.”

This is the fourth time in six years SRU is opening the season against Seton Hill. Besides last year, The Rock lost to the Griffins 27-20 in 2008 and defeated them 51-24 in 2007.

“Us moving into the PSAC has no bearing on this game as far as I’m concerned,” Dolinski said. “We’re just focusing on trying to compete with Slippery Rock in this particular game.

“Whether they play in the PSAC, SCC, Big Ten ... it doesn’t matter. I have a ton of respect for Coach Mihalik and his staff regardless.”

That staff has a bit of a new look this season and that does concern Dolinski.

“Shawn Lutz is still the defensive coordinator there, so a lot of what they do on that side of the ball will carry over,” Dolinski said. “They have a new staff on offense, so it may take us a while to figure out what they’re trying to do there.”

The Rock’s no-huddle offense will include a pair of young players starting at tackle. Sophomore Cory Tucker will start at right tackle, while true freshman Joe LoSchiavo is starting at left tackle.

Andrew Bridgeforth, another true freshman, is in the mix at wide receiver for The Rock, as is Woodland Hills graduate and true freshman Jaimire Dutrieuille.

“Those guys can make a lot of things happen once they catch the football,” Mihalik said.

Jared Buck, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, will be The Rock’s quarterback.

Defensively, local product Tony Papley (Slippery Rock) will play defensive end and tackle, while Mars products Austin Miele and Seth Geyer will see action at safety and linebacker, respectively.

“There’s always butterflies for the opening game, especially considering all of the young talent we’ll have on the field and the new coaching staff offensively,” Mihalik said.

“We are coming off one of the more competitive camps we’ve had in recent years. Our offense and defense were getting after each other. It was a positive, competitive atmosphere that will hopefully carry over to Thursday night.”

SRU has won its last three season openers, scoring an average of 42 points in those games. Mihalik is 11-13 in season openers.