Slippery Rock vs. Gannon

It's a battle of two 4-0 football teams in the PSAC West. Slippery Rock comes into the game with Shamar Greene averaging 186 yards per GAME! He's been the foundation of this Rock offense that prides itself on speed. Redshirt Sophomore QB Zack Newsock has been more than a game manager to this point, yet hasn't established himself as the dominant force quarterback that Nigel Barksdale was last year. However, he is the leader of a terrifically potent offense. In fact, it's the number one offense in the PSAC.

Slippery Rock's Shamar Greene leads all Division II
running backs in rushing yards with 747 through four weeks.

Which makes this match up this Saturday even more interesting as Gannon brings in the number one defense in the PSAC. They are also a rather experienced squad. They return nine starters on a nationally ranked defense and eight starters on offense. Combined with a third year starter in Liam Nadler and there are plenty of numbers to back up the 4-0 starts from the Golden Knights.

Tonight's game comes down to a matter of size vs speed. A flashy, high paced offense from Slippery Rock and a rough and physical defense from Gannon makes this a must watch game. Add in the fact that The Rock's last regular season loss came against Gannon, the fans in upper Butler County are going to be in for a classic gridiron match up.

Saturday October 4
Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, Slippery Rock
Kick-off: 6:00 PM
Streaming online at rockathletics.com
Radio: 97.7 WLER FM

Wild Card Eve

The chants of "Kway-toe" still echo on the North Shore. The 2013 Wild Card Playoff game at PNC Park may have been a top five sporting event in the history of Pittsburgh. After starving for just a winning season, the Pirates, not only got into the postseason, but got to host a one game playoff. The crowd was deafening and the play was electric. A 6-2 win sent the Pirates into the next round and the playoff buzz continued.

Wednesday night, the Pirates have a chance to perhaps replicate the atmosphere that sent this town into a frenzy. It's another one game playoff and the stakes are equally as high as they were last year. One win, and the Pirates advance. A loss, and Pirates hit the golf course. 

This team has reconnected the city with baseball yet again. There has always been a belief that "baseball is romantic" and it shows with this team and the city. We can only hope to rekindle that same feeling this year.

First Pitch: 8:07 PM

TV: ESPN