SLIPPERY ROCK — One streak ended for Slippery Rock University football last Saturday. The Rock hopes to extend another one this time around.

SRU’s loss at Indiana (Pa.) last week ended its run of 16 consecutive regular season road wins. The Rock (4-1, 1-1) hosts Mercyhurst (2-3, 0-2) at 6 p.m. Saturday, having defeated the Lakers in their last six meetings. The Rock edged Mercyhurst, 20-17, on the road last season.

“We need to get off to a good start, get a lead early,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “We have to be better in the red zone. To get in there and come away with no points ... We just can’t have that.”

SRU quarterback Noah Grover threw a pair of interceptions in the end zone during the first half last week at IUP — one on first down from the 6-yard line, the other on 3rd down from the 12.

“We (as coaches) shouldn’t have put Noah in those positions,” Lutz said. “Especially on first down, we should have run the ball. Noah thinks he has to be perfect and he doesn’t. We’ll learn from that.

“That loss hurt. There’s no margin for error now. We have to concern ourselves with Mercyhurst and find a way to win this game. IO think we have an edge in speed and quickness. We have to use that.”

Another streak benefits SRU in that regard. The Rock has won 27 straight night games, dating back to Sept. 29, 2012.

The Rock has to concern itself with injuries as well. Defensive tackle Jeff Marx has experienced back spasms this week and is likely to sit out this Saturday,. Fellow defensive tackle Munchie Johnson suffered a stinger against IUP and his status for Saturday is unknown. Starting safety Selvin Haynes is out with a concussion and running back Chris D’Or has a banged-up shoulder.

Receiver Jacob Odom left last week’s game early with a cramping issue, but figures to play this week.

If Marx and Johnson can’t go, true freshman Daniel Toosen and senior Dez Johnson will man the defensive tackle positions.

“Those guys stepped in and played well at IUP,” Lutz said. “They can do it. I just hope at least Munchie can get in there this week. This is one of the best defensive lines we’ve had. Those guys have been dominant.”

SRU has not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season. Opponents are averaging only 2.6 yards per carry this year with a total of two rushing touchdowns. The Rock defense ranks first overall in the PSAC in yards allowed (235.2) and points allowed (12.0) per game.

Mercyhurst (2-3, 0-2) is coming off a 16-13 loss to Edinboro. The Lakers have dropped three straight games since cruising to season-opening wins of 45-28 over Alderson-Broaddus and 49-7 over Lock Haven.

Ryan Riemedio is in his first year as Mercyhurst head coach. He was the head coach-in-waiting last season before Marty Schaetzle retired after 20 years at the helm. Schaetzle’s teams were known for power running games and a grind-it-out style. The Lakers are more of a spread team this year.

“We know out identity offensively ,” Riemedio said. “It comes down to execution for us and putting four quarters together. We led Kutztown at halftime. We were in the game against IUP at halftime. Then it got away from us.”

Running back David Alize (65 carries-304 yards) has been injured, but is expected to return thuis Saturday. David Shoaf (82-321) splits time with him in the backfield.

“Those guys complement each other well,” Riemedio said.

“Michael Lowry, a senior, is the starting quarterback, though graduate student Joe Carter took some snaps last week. The Lakers spread the ball around. Cameron Barmore has 10 catches for 156 yards.

“Barmore is 6-foot-6, so they can throw it up there for him to go get it,” Lutz said.

Defensively, the Lakers are led by linebackers Jacob Holl and Thomas Zacharyasz. Holl, a Seneca Valley graduate, leads the team with 36 solo tackles and 54 total stops, along with two interceptions. Zacharyasz has 41 tackles and an interception.

“Holl is an active linebacker who runs around and plays with high energy,” Lutz said. “They count on him to do a lot.”

Riemedio said of Holl: “He does a great job. We can’t ask for much more of him. He’s an outstanding athlete.”

Knoch graduate Tyler Buterbaugh is a redshirt freshman linebacker who has been a regular on special teams for Mercyhurst. He has four tackles on the season.

SRU leads the series between the teams, 9-4.

“Slippery Rock is one of the top teams in the conference,” Riemedio said. “We have to execute on our end if we hope to be competitive against that team.”

The 2022 SRU Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at halftime. They include former Rock running back LaMonte Coleman, Seneca Valley graduate and retired NFL lineman Brandon Fusco, Jenn Chittenden (track and field), Jeremy Deighton (men’s soccer), Katryn McCready (track and field), Jane Morrison (multi-sport) and retired SRU athletic director Paul Lueken.