Slippery Rock University football 2024 preview: What to watch, 3 things to know and schedule

John Enrietto Eagle Correspondent

August 21, 2024 Last Updated: August 21, 2024 10:53 AM Sports

Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock sophomore defensive back and Freeport native Ben Lane poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock sophomore wide receiver Ethan Trettel and Butler native poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior quarterback and Hanover native Brayden Long poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior offensive lineman and Fenelton Nathan Waltman poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock sophomore defensive back and Freeport native Ben Lane poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior offensive lineman and Fenelton Nathan Waltman poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior running back and Pickerington North, Ohio, native Idris Lawrence poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior quarterback and Hanover native Brayden Long poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior defensive back and Pittsburgh native Eddie Faulkner IV poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior running back and Pickerington North, Ohio, native Idris Lawrence poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock senior defensive back and Pittsburgh native Eddie Faulkner IV poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock sophomore wide receiver Ethan Trettel and Butler native poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz during practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock sophomore defensive back and Freeport native Ben Lane poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock sophomore wide receiver Ethan Trettel and Butler native poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior quarterback and Hanover native Brayden Long poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior offensive lineman and Fenelton Nathan Waltman poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock sophomore defensive back and Freeport native Ben Lane poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior offensive lineman and Fenelton Nathan Waltman poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock head football coach Shawn Lutz poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior running back and Pickerington North, Ohio, native Idris Lawrence poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior quarterback and Hanover native Brayden Long poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior defensive back and Pittsburgh native Eddie Faulkner IV poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior running back and Pickerington North, Ohio, native Idris Lawrence poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock senior defensive back and Pittsburgh native Eddie Faulkner IV poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock University’s football team during a morning practice on August 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock sophomore wide receiver Ethan Trettel and Butler native poses for a portrait on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw
Slippery Rock’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, coach Shawn Lutz, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence, and Ben Lane pose for a portrait on on August 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle. 08/18/24

Rob McGraw

Expectations never change when it comes to Slippery Rock University football.

The Rock enters the 2024 season bidding for its sixth consecutive PSAC West championship and NCAA Division II playoff appearance. It is picked to finish first in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll, receiving the first-place vote from each of the other six teams in the league. SRU is ranked No. 11 on the AFCA Division II Preseason Poll.

“All of those accolades were generated from last year’s team,” eighth-year head coach Shawn Lutz said. “This year’s team hasn’t done a thing yet. That’s the challenge of it. Win the PSAC, get to the playoffs, win a national championship.

“Those are our goals every year.”

This year, the difficulty of achieving that goal is apparent right off the bat.

Slippery Rock University football: What to watch in 2024

Slippery Rock University football’s Eddie Faulkner IV, Ethan Trettel, Brayden Long, Nathan Waltman, Idris Lawrence and Ben Lane pose for a portrait Aug. 14, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

The Rock begins the campaign with a home game Sept. 7 against defending Northeast 10 Conference champion New Haven, then travels to West Virginia the following weekend to face perennial PSAC East power Shepherd. Both of those teams reached the NCAA playoffs last year.

SRU is also playing a rare 10-game regular season schedule this fall as Mercyhurst left the conference and a replacement opponent could not be worked out.

“There’s no margin for error here,” Lutz said. “You can get to the playoffs with a 9-2 record a lot easier than if you’re 8-2. I can’t recall opening a season against two opponents the caliber of New Haven and Shepherd before.

“At the same time, it’s exciting. We’re going to find out where we’re at right away. And I think we’re going to surprise some people.”

The Rock enters the season having to replace four starters on the offensive line and reconstruct a wide receiver corps that graduated Kyle Sheets and Cohen Russell, the only Division II receiving duo to top more than 1,100 receiving yards each, last year.

Lutz pointed out New Haven has 30 seniors on its roster. Like Shepherd, New Haven also received votes on AFCA’s preseason poll.

“Coming over here and beating us would mean the world to them,” Lutz said of New Haven. “But we’re never hurting for skilled players at The Rock, and (offensive line coach) Chris Conrad has been here a long time. He knows how to put a line together.

“We have a target on our back right from the start. We’re used to that.”

3 things to know about 2024 Slippery Rock University football

Slippery Rock University football quarterback Brayden Long, a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist last season, looks to pass during a morning practice Aug. 16, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

1. Harlon Hill candidate

Senior quarterback Brayden Long was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy — given to the best Division II football player — last year and could get there again. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Long threw for 3,808 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2023, putting together one of the most productive seasons behind center in Rock history.

“I know I can prepare myself better for games, pay more attention to the little details,” Long said. “I plan on doing more film study, getting to know the opponents better.”

Long will be working with different personnel. Tight end Kam Kruzelyak, receiver Logan Ramper and tackle Joe Cooper are SRU’s only other returning starters offensively.

“I’m confident in the talent Coach Lutz and his staff bring in here every year,” Long said. “It comes down to developing chemistry and getting it done as a unit.”

Rashawn Harvey, a transfer from West Liberty, caught 71 passes for 971 yards and eight touchdowns for the Hilltoppers last season. He figures to become a prime target for Long in 2024.

“Brayden is such an intelligent player,” Lutz said. “To me, offensive line, defensive line and quarterback are the most critical positions on the field. We have that last one covered, for sure.”

2. Reinforcement in the backfield

While Chris D’Or — rushing for 750 yards and 10 TDs — returns at running back, he will be joined by transfer Idris Lawrence, who rushed for 3,043 yards in three seasons at Notre Dame (Ohio). Last year, Lawrence made All-American by running for 1,145 yards and nine TDs.

He has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining.

“We made the playoffs my freshmen and sophomore years at Notre Dame but missed last year,” Lawrence said. “I love Slippery Rock’s program. They win consistently, and I know I can help continue that trend.

“My goal is another 1,000-yard season, but also a conference title and long playoff run.”

Lutz described Lawrence as a strong, physical runner.

“He’s got good speed, but I won’t call him a breakaway back,” Lutz said. “You’re not going to arm-tackle that guy. It will take a bunch of defenders to get him on the ground.”

3. Defensive backfield depth

Freeport graduate Ben Lane started four games at cornerback as a true freshman last year, recovering three fumbles in one game. He’ll have to work even harder to get on the field this season.

SRU returns starting corners Josh Stokes (led PSAC with five interceptions) and Donnell Henriquez, safeties Eddie Faulkner IV and Ali Abdul-Hakim. Stokes and Faulkner were All-Americans last year. The latter’s father, Eddie, is the running backs coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“That’s been a big advantage for me,” Falkner said. “I’ve been able to benefit from getting to know the Steelers and their coaches. ... My dad got me going down the right path.

“It’s my senior year, and I’ve played in two PSAC Championship games but don’t have that ring yet. A lot of us feel that way. We’re a veteran group in the secondary; this league throws the ball a lot, and we’re looking forward to how we can impact games this year.”

SRU football schedule 2024