The test No 13 SRU football faces when it visits East Stroudsburg looking for 2nd win
SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Without playing a game last week, Slippery Rock University football has moved up to 13th in the AFCA Division II national rankings.
If history rings true, that number may prove to be bad luck for East Stroudsburg.
The Warriors (2-0) host SRU (1-0) for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Eiler-Martin Stadium. The Rock have won 16 of the 19 games played between the teams — dating back to 1928 — including the last five contests.
“I have a lot of respect for (ESU coach) Jimmy (Terwilliger),” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “He was a great quarterback when he played there and definitely has that program moving in the right direction. He is a player’s coach.”
The Warriors are coming off an 9-3 season and reached the Division II playoffs in 2023 and 2024. Their record of 27-8 over the past three years is the program’s best run in 20 years.
Quarterback Harrison Susi is ESU’s biggest offensive weapon. He leads the team with 154 yards rushing and a touchdown. He’s thrown for 234 yards and two scores.
“He’s the guy to stop,” Lutz said. “The offense runs through him.”
East Stroudsburg’s wins are road triumphs over Seton Hill (27-20) and Pace (37-26).
“This is their home opener and they’ll be jacked up,” Lutz said.
DaOne Owens will start at quarterback for SRU after coming off the bench to lead a 45-43 comeback win at home over Minnesota Duluth two weeks ago. SRU quarterbacks completed passes to seven different receivers in that game. Tight end Vincent Berardi had four catches for 95 yards.
Running back JayJay Jordan, coming off a 1,300-yard rushing season a year ago, had only seven carries in his team’s opener. He did score touchdowns on a 28-yard reception and 7-yard run. Jordan has scored touchdowns in seven straight games.
The Rock are 38-1 in its last 39 night games.
