GRR's #1-ranked men's D2 college team IUP defeated Kent State Saturday 63-0 in a game that was more competitive than the score indicates.
Kent State had multiple scoring opportunities in the first half especially but couldn't quite connect all the dots to make it happen. IUP's superior kicking game and quickness over the ball allowed them get out of some dicey situations, and the Hawks built on that with some excellent defensive pressure in the second half.
Kent State, with flyhalf Luke Kastelic finding some runners out wide, including center Luke Blasko, was able to get into IUP territory early. IUP's discipline suffered and penalties got Kent State in position to score, but a miscue on the second phase gave IUP a reprieve.
IUP continued to be aggressive on defense, trying to take time and space away from Kastelic, and being very quick to poach the ball. And with flyhalf Barry Ashway booming kicks downfield they relieved pressure effectively.
Ashway had a long-range penalty attempt early on that drifted wide, but from the ensuing 22-meter dropout, wing Joey Cosnek fielded the ball cleanly and galloped down the right-hand sideline to score in the corner.
Up 5-0 IUP were shaken when their All-American and captain RJ Beach had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. That shook up their lineup and seemed to shake up the Hawks emotionally as well. They were a little frantic with the ball, but somehow did get into penalty range again. This time the touch judges did not raise their flags, but Kent State's Kastelic overruled them, showing great sportsmanship in informing the referee that the kick was good.
As the first half rolled on IUP started to piece things together.
Kent State was threatening but a jackle by fullback Brian Arnold and a smart kick down the field resulted in a penalty for IUP, a tap, and big lock Colton Moyer was through. As the half ended Kent State was in excellent position to get one back and perhaps garner some momentum, but a penalty in the ruck gave IUP a chance. They tapped it in side their own 22, went wide, and soon were in Kent State territory. A couple of phases later No. 8 Trent Stalling thundered up the middle, and Tyler Johnson's conversion made it 20-0 at halftime.
