The Foe: Kutztown enters the game with a 3-0 record, identical to ESU’s. The Warriors and Golden Bears share two common opponents in Edinboro and Gannon. The defending PSAC champion and NCAA semifinalist is built similarly to ESU, with an elite defense and a strong running game. The matchup features two top-10 rushing defenses in NCAA Division II, and KU boasts the second-best defense in terms of yards allowed per game. The Golden Bears lead the nation in sacks per game (4.33) and allow just 6.7 points per game, ranking fourth in the country. Offensively, KU averages 177 rushing yards, which ranks fourth in the PSAC.
The Series: The Warriors hold a 44-26-1 lead in the all-time series, but the Golden Bears have won the last nine meetings, dating back to 2013. KU has edged ESU by a single possession in each of the past three seasons, with all games coming down to the wire. The Warriors seek their second win against the Golden Bears since 2010. ESU previously won nine consecutive matchups with KU from 2001 to 2009.
Family Weekend: Family Weekend is a campus-wide celebration in honor of parents, grandparents, and extended family that will take place every September. This unique weekend experience will provide families with the opportunity to spend a fun time together, explore the campus, behold the beautiful Pocono scenery, and experience the wealth of activities that are in store. Click here for more information and a full schedule of events.
Revisiting Gannon: Despite a slow start, ESU scored 24 unanswered points to defeat Gannon 24-7 in its home opener on Sept. 14 at Eiler-Martin Stadium. The Warriors' defense has held opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards in each of their first three games this season, limiting Gannon to 75 yards on 22 attempts. Quarterback Sean McTaggart completed 18 of 25 passes for 188 yards, including a touchdown to fullback Matt Frame. Tyriq Lewis and Tahir Mills led the ground game, with Lewis rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Mills added 70 yards and a score. The Warriors tallied 198 rushing yards, with Lewis and Mills combining for 192 yards on 33 attempts.
ESU vs. The Top 25: ESU looks to upset No. 8 Kutztown, seeking a win against an AFCA-ranked opponent for the second consecutive season. The Warriors defeated No. 12 IUP 13-12 last season, snapping a 22-game losing streak against ranked teams. ESU holds an 11-33 record against nationally ranked teams since the AFCA DII Coaches Poll began in 2000. A win against Kutztown would be ESU's second victory against a top-10 team, with the first coming during the 2005 NCAA playoffs when ESU, led by quarterback Jimmy Terwilliger, beat No. 2 Bloomsburg 52-39. ESU enters the game with a 1-13 all-time record against top-10 opponents and seeks its first win against a ranked team at Eiler-Martin Stadium since Aug. 28, 2008, against Virginia Union.
ESU Wins Against AFCA Nationally Ranked Opponents:
| 9/23/2000 | No. 15 SHEPHERD | 35-28 (OT) |
| 9/21/2002 | No. 21 SHEPHERD | 35-23 |
| 10/5/2002 | At No. 20 Bloomsburg | 16-13 |
| 9/4/2004 | At No. 21 Edinboro | 20-7 |
| 11/20/2004 | No. 21 EDINBORO | 36-32 |
| 9/3/2005 | No. 12 EDINBORO | 23-21 |
| 9/10/2005 | At No. 22 C .W . Post | 66-49 |
| 11/19/2005 | At No. 2 Bloomsburg | 52-39 |
| 9/23/2006 | No. 25 California | 41-34 |
| 8/28/2008 | No. T-25 Virginia Union | 14-11 |
| 9/9/2023 | At No. 12 IUP | 13-12 |
Stout Defense: As it did last season, ESU’s defense has been dominant through the first three games of 2024. The Warriors rank sixth in rushing defense, seventh in scoring defense, 16th in sacks, and 18th in turnovers forced. ESU has held all three opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards.
Lewis and Mills LLC: Known historically for its quarterback play, ESU has developed into a rushing power in recent years. Tyriq Lewis and Tahir Mills lead the attack this season, with ESU’s 216.3 rushing yards per game ranking first in the PSAC and ninth in NCAA Division II. Lewis (96.0) and Mills (88.7) rank third and fourth in the PSAC in rushing yards per game.
Taking Care of the Ball: ESU has turned the ball over just once in three games—an interception on its first drive against Pace. This ranks first in the PSAC and third in NCAA Division II. The Warriors’ defense has forced five turnovers with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. ESU's turnover margin ranks 13th nationally.
TL2K: Tyriq Lewis is nearing 2,000 career rushing yards, entering the game with 1,797 yards. The Downingtown native is 11th on ESU’s all-time rushing list and needs 118 yards to break into the top 10.
| Rank | Yards | Player | Years |
| 1 | 3993 | Robert Healy | 2013-16 |
| 2 | 2579 | Rick Sterner | 1988-92 |
| 3 | 2510 | Andre Castiglioni | 1999-01 |
| 4 | 2398 | Derek Lucas | 2002-05 |
| 5 | 2363 | Toby Barkman | 1960-63 |
| 6 | 2177 | Kendrick Williams | 2009-12 |
| 7 | 2047 | Pete Radocha | 1974-76 |
| 8 | 2030 | Harold Strunk | 1974-77 |
| 9 | 1942 | Jaymar Anderson | 2016-18 |
| 10 | 1914 | Greg Vaughn | 2000-03 |
| 11 | 1797 | Tyriq Lewis | 2021-pres. |
Complete Balance: Fourteen Warriors have caught a pass this season on 46 total completions. No receiver has more than 10 receptions or 130 yards. Five different players have caught touchdown passes from McTaggart, including Evan Roche, John Siggins, DJ Thomson, Randy Fizer, and Matt Frame. McTaggart has thrown completions to at least six receivers in each of the first three games.
A True Student-Athlete: John Siggins is the 10th Warrior to be named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy®, recognizing the best football scholar-athlete in the nation. He is one of 18 NCAA Division II semifinalists and three from the PSAC. A nursing major with a 3.51 GPA, Siggins volunteers with multiple organizations and is involved with ESU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Up Next: ESU heads to Millersville next weekend for a noon kickoff at Biemersderfer Stadium.
