SLIPPERY ROCK — The Milk Jug is on the line.

So is much more for Slippery Rock University's football team as it tries to stay a step ahead of Indiana (Pa.) and California (Pa.) Saturday in the race for the PSAC West title.

The Rock (7-0, 4-0) hosts Clarion (3-4, 1-3) at 1 p.m. at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. SRU leads the series — dating back to 1910 — 54-24-3 and has won 19 of the past 22 meetings between the teams.

“It is so hard to go undefeated,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “This team is trying to make history. If we play like we're supposed to play, we can get this done.”

Only two other Rock teams — in 1924 and 1939 —have ever started a season 8-0. SRU has lost the Milk Jug Game only once in its nine-year existence.

Donated by Clarion employee Chad Thomas, the “trophy” is presented to the winner of the annual Clarion-SRU game.

“The Milk Jug is definitely not something we want to give up,” Lutz said.

Clarion has dropped four of its last five games since starting out 2-0 under fifth-year coach Chris Weibel. The Golden Eagles have been bitten by the injury bug, particularly on defense.

“We've got two starting linebackers out and a corner,” Weibel said. “We've had offensive linemen go down and our running back (Mylique McGriff) is day to day right now.

“We just don't have the depth to overcome losing that many starters.”

Through the season's first five weeks, McGriff was the leading rusher in the PSAC with 607 yards. He has missed the past two games.

Since his absence, Clarion has struggled to run the football.

Senior quarterback Jeff Clemens, a North Allegheny product, has thrown for 1,181 yards, 14 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

“He's a veteran guy who gets rid of the ball quickly,” Lutz said. “He's only been sacked maybe six times.”

“Jeff is more effective when he doesn't have to take 60 or 70 snaps,” Weibel said. “We need to have a balanced attack.”

Clarion threw for 250 yards against Indiana last week, but rushed for only 58. Freeport graduate Matt Charlton, a red-shirt freshman, is listed at No. 2 at left guard on Clarion's depth cghart.

Charlton has seen action at guard, tackle and center this year as a fill-in for injured linemen. Karns City graduate Bradon Bastion, a true freshman, is listed at No. 2 at right tackle.

“We want to keep his red-shirt, but you never know when Bradon may be forced into action,” Weibel said.

KC grad Maverick Kelsea starts at fullback for Clarion and is primarily a blocker.

“They have four solid receivers they can throw to,” Lutz said. “This could come down to which team moves the ball best on the other one.”

SRU running back Charles Snorweah injured an ankle last week at Edinboro. He is likely to play, but won't be 100 percent. Fellow running back DeSean Dinkins has sore ribs.

Braden Fochtman may see more action in the backfield Saturday. Nassir Weaver, another back, has a torn pectoral muscle and is out for the season,

“We'll just go deeper down the depth chart,” Lutz said. “Other guys will get their chance. We have a package for (slotback) Cinque Sweeting at running back as well.”

Henry Litwin and Jermaine Wynn Jr. contuinue to shine as a Rock receiving duo. Through 21 games in the same lineup, Litwin has 97 catches for 1,461 yards, Wynn 93 catches for 1,419. Both have 17 touchdown receptions.

Roland Rivers III has thrown for 2,191 yards, 25 TDs and only four interceotions. His numbers continue to rank among the best in all of Dicvision II.

“Roland's a bit banged up right now. He's been hit hard the past couple of weeks,” Lutz said.

Defensively, The Rock has lost linebacker Trysten McDonald to an ACL injury. Arison Sanders filled in for him last week and will make his first collegiate start Saturday.

Place-kicker Jake Chapla is battling a sore back. Jackson Gildea, a fellow Plum graduate, will handle the kicking and punting duties if Chapla can't go.

SRU is averaging 6.3 plays on its 48 touchdown drives this year. The Rock leads the country in penalties taken, averaging 14 flags for 135 yards in its six PSAC games.

“It is what it is. I'm not going to talk about it anymore,” Lutz said of the penalties. “We have to stop taking the personal fouls and unsportsmanlikes.

“We're going to take everybody's best shot. Just play hard between the whistles.”

Weibel referred to The Rock's offense as “more dynamic” than last year.

“They just have so many weapons,” Weibel said. “Film study is critical for us this week. We're going to watch tons of film, try to decipher what they're trying to do and figure out how to stop it.”