Cal looks for win in PSAC State Game
If California University football coach Gary Dunn wants to drive home a learning point for this afternoon’s game against Kutztown, he can use Tuesday’s national election.
Don’t believe the polls.
The undefeated Vulcans appear to be the favorite to win the PSAC State Game against the three-loss Golden Bears for this noon kickoff.
Cal is ranked No. 1 in the region, No. 6 in the AFCA Division II poll and has home-field advantage. Kutztown has won seven consecutive games since losing to Assumption, Mercyhurst and Seton Hill, including a 20-14 victory over West Chester in Week 5 that turned out to be the key game of the season.
“We know this: they are going to give us their very best game,” said Cal safety Aaron Terry. “They have a good team and we have to play well to win.”
These teams have two common opponents in Mercyhurst and Seton Hill. Kutztown fell to both, losing to Mercyhurst, 23-19, and Seton Hill, 44-22. Cal defeated both, 55-14 over Mercyhurst and 59-17 over Seton Hill. The Vulcans rank No. 1 in offense (52.4) and scoring defense (14.3) in the PSAC. Kutztown is 10th and sixth, respectfully.
“If we don’t have a great game in all three phases of the game,” Kutztown head coach Jim Clements told the Allentown Morning Call newspaper, “we’re not going to get the outcome we want. (Cal’s) playmaking ability is a 10. They make plays in special teams, then you take that and add a smothering defense, and you have a special team.”
Kutztown quarterback Collin DiGalbo, a red-shirt freshman, has passes for 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has a strong connection to Cal as his twin brother, Christian, who is Cal’s back-up center.
The offense revolves around redshirt-sophomore running back Craig Reynolds, who has rushed for 1,151 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. He has at least one score in five of the last seven games.
“They are a very physical team and have a nice running back,” said Terry. “I am sure they will give us their best effort.”
Cal’s offense has numerous weapons, including senior wide receiver Garry Brown, one of the top receivers in NCAA Division II. But the key piece this year has been quarterback Mike Keir, who is in his first year as a starter and thrown for 2,428 yards and 30 touchdowns. He has thrown 10 interceptions from his 263 attempts.
“When I was young, my favorite quarterback was Tim Tebow,” said Keir. “Now, Drew Brees is my favorite quarterback. He’s overcome a lot because of his size. He is one guy I really like to watch.”
The Vulcans are making their first appearance in the PSAC Championship since consecutive appearances in 2008-09. Kutztown returns to the State Game for the first time since 2011. The State Game was reinstated in 2008 and until last year the home team had won every game. … The game will be airing live on affiliates across Pennsylvania on ESPN3 and WPNT. Cal is making its third appearance this season on ESPN3.