SLIPPERY ROCK — Time to stake a claim.

California (Pa.) and Slippery Rock University will both have that in mind when the football teams clash at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

“Winner of this game is in the driver’s seat to win the West. Simple as that,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. The game is also The Rock’s homecoming.

The seventh-ranked Rock is 7-0, 4-0, and looks to get off to only the fourth 8-0 start in program history. California is 5-1, 4-0, having played one less game since Alderson-Broaddus closed its doors prior to the teams’ scheduled season opener.

While SRU leads the PSAC with an average of 45.7 points per game, the Vulcans are averaging 34.0 ppg. in their own right. California has not scored fewer than 30 points in any game this year and is coming off a 41-14 win over Seton Hill.

“This is the best team we’ll be playing so far this year,” Lutz said. “They’ve got a better receiving corps than IUP and their quarterback is a straight drop-back passer. That will be a change for us after facing so many running quarterbacks.”

Davis Black has completed 102 of 166 passes for 1,675 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions for Cal. Eric Willis III has 35 catches for 687 yards and four touchdowns, Omari Hopkins 24 catches for 439 yards and six scores.

“They’re a big-play offense,” Lutz said. “They like to throw the ball downfield. We need to get some penetration, win the line of scrimmage. We also have to stop their run.”

The Rock only has eight quarterback sacks through seven games this season.

Eric McKann is the Vulcans’ leading rusher with 67 carries for 321 yards and six touchdowns.

Two former Butler County high school players start for California. Freeport graduate Matt Charlton is a senior starting at center while Seneca Valley graduate and Vulcan junior Josh Miller starts at outside linebacker. Butler graduate Zack Slomers is a receiver on California’s roster.

The Rock is surrendering 186.9 rushing yards per game, on average, including 183 to Gannon in last week’s 49-24 win.

“Most of that yardage came on their two long touchdown runs early (53 and 63 yards),” Lutz pointed out. “Still, we can’t be giving those plays up.”

SRU rallied from deficits of 14-0, 21-14 and 24-21 to win last week. The 24-21 deficit marked the first time this season The Rock has trailed in the second half.

Defensively, California is led by Keith Charney with four interceptions, linebacker John Hutchinson and safety Dominic Solomon with 36 and 35 tackles, respectively. Outside linebacker Ibrahim Sanogo has 6.5 quarterback sacks.

SRU is getting back two defensive players this week from injury — tackle Daniel Toosen and cornerback Donnell Henriquez. Lutz reports no injuries entering Saturday’s contest.

“Getting Toosen back will help our pass rush and Henriquez will help our nickel package and give us more flexibility in the secondary,” Lutz said.

Offensively, The Rock has scored 23 touchdowns rushing and 23 touchdowns passing. SRU is converting 58.8% of its third downs, best in all of Division II. Quarterback Brayden Long is among the nation’s leaders with 1,817 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air.

Kyle Sheets has caught 41 passes for 737 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 11 TD catches lead all of Division I and II college football.

The Rock holds a 51-33-3 advantage in the all-time series between the teams. SRU has won the last five meetings and are 9-2 in the last 11 games vs. the Vulcans.

California coach Gary Dunn could not be reached for comment.