The Slippery Rock University football team has been named the preseason favorite to win the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division following the PSAC Media Day in Lock Haven Monday. It is the first time since the 1999 season that The Rock has been picked by the league coaches to finish first. The Rock returns 11 starters on defense and a number of starters on offense, along with first-team all-conference quarterback Roland Rivers III. Rivers III threw for more than 3,300 yards and 35 touchdowns last season in leading The Rock to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. Slippery Rock finished ranked number seven in the final American Football Coaches Association poll last season.
The Rock earned six of the eight possible votes in the coaches poll. California was picked two finish second. IUP was picked third in the west. West Chester was picked to win the East Division over newcomer Shepherd.
The Rock will begin their season September 5th against Wayne State in Michigan. Hear coverage on The Rock Station 97.7fm and at 977rocks.com