SLIPPERY ROCK — Historical significance means nothing to Slippery Rock University football coach Shawn Lutz.

At least, not now.

- SRU is looking to go 9-0 for the first time since 1924.

- Roland Rivers III needs five touchdown passes to break Nate Crookshank's career Rock record of 60. Crookshank was a four-year starter. Rivers has played 20 games as a two-year starter.

- Jake Chapla needs 13 points to break the PSAC career record of 361 scored by a kicker — held by Bloomsburg's Dan Fisher.

“Our players aren't using those things as motivation,” Lutz said. “After the season, we'll look back on all of that stuff.

“What has our guys fired up is that we dropped to No. 10 in the national rankings. That's what they're upset about. It's a respect thing.”

The Rock (9-0, 5-0) can gain a lot more than respect with a win over California (Pa.) Saturday at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. A victory over the Vulcans (6-2, 4-1) would clinch the PSAC West championship.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. SRU will honor its seniors before the game.

California needs a win to keep its own NCAA Division II playoff hopes alive.

“I don't pay any attention to that right now,” California coach Gary Dunn said of the playoff picture. “I don't have a vote in the region rankings.

“We'll let the season play out and see where we stand.”

California will enter the game with the top-ranked defense in the PSAC. The Vulcans allow an average of 288 yards per game and have generated 24 takeaways (16 interceptions) and 22 quarterback sacks.

“How our offensive line handles their defensive front will probably determine who wins this game,” Lutz said. “And they have one of the best players in Division II roaming around at safety.”

Strong safety Lamont McPhatter II is an NFL prospect. He has 39 tackles and two interceptions. Defensive end Gerald Brown leads the team with 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six quarterback sacks.

The Vulcans' only two losses are a 35-28 decision to unbeaten Kutztown and a 17-6 defeat to once-beaten Indiana (Pa.). Kutztown is ranked No. 1 in Super Region One. SRU is No. 2 and IUP No. 4.

“They could easily be undefeated right now,” Lutz said.

California quarterback Noah Mitchell — a second-year starter as a sophomore — has thrown for 1,878 yards and 20 touchdowns. Tyson Hill and Jordan Dandridge have 44 receptions each. They and Derrick Caraway have six TD catches each.

“Noah has matured a lot since last season” Dunn said. “He has a better feel for our offense this year and we've been able to expand the playbook as a result.”

Whether Mitchell plays Saturday remains a question. He was knocked out of last week's game with Mercyhurst. Josh Dale, a sophomore transfer from UNC Pembrooke, threw for 140 yards and two TDs in relief.

Nelson Brown leads the Vulcan rushing attack with 735 yards and seven TDs. Seneca Valley graduate Eric Hudanick, a third-year starter at right tackle as a junior, anchors the offensive line.

“If Mitchell doesn't play, I think we'll see a lot more of Brown,” Lutz said. “We need to bottle him up at the point of attack. He's a 220-pound power back and we don't want him running loose against our secondary.”

Rock running back Charles Snorweah remains a question mark with a nagging ankle. DeSean Dinkins returns to action from his own injury and is expected to start in the backfield.

Cinque Sweeting moved from the slot to running back last week.

“We have a package for Sweeting as a running back, but I prefer to keep him in the slot as another threat in our passing game,” Lutz said.

Henry Litwin has 53 catches for 732 yards, Jermaine Wynn Jr. 50 catches for 827 and nine TDs. Sweeting is averaging 69 yards per game through the air.

California is allowing a paltry 38.6 rushing yards per game.

“Slippery Rock is a super-talented team,” Dunn said. “It all starts with their quarterback. He does a great job of running their offense.

“Their defense causes concern, too, especially their linebackers. They are extremely quick and active.”

Brad Zaffram leads The Rock with 47 tackles and 15 TFL's. Butler graduate Tim Vernick has 41 tackles. Defensive end Chad Kuhn leads the PSAC with 8.5 sacks.

SRU holds a 48-33-3 lead in the series, which dates back to 1905. The Rock has won six of the last eight meetings.

SRU is 35-3 at home since 2013 and is seeking its 15th consecutive PSAC West victory.