Venue: Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Capacity: ~10,000
Coverage: Rock Athletics Digital Network (free on web, mobile, and connected TV apps), The Rock Station 97.7 FM (Butler County), PSAC Sports Digital Network
Weather Forecast (Slippery Rock, PA)
Conditions: Mostly clear skies
Kickoff Temperature: ~70°F (21°C)
Wind: 4–6 mph from the west
Precipitation Chance: <10%
Impact: Ideal evening football weather — minimal effect on passing or kicking games
Injury Report
Slippery Rock The Rock
QB1 (Probable) – Healthy after 250+ passing yards and 2 TDs in opener
RB1 (Probable) – 100+ yards rushing in Week 1, no reported injury
WR2 (Questionable) – Minor ankle sprain, limited in practice
LB1 (Probable) – Shoulder wrap, cleared for contact
Shepherd Rams
QB1 (Probable) – Expected to start after full participation in practice
RB1 (Questionable) – Hamstring tightness, game-time decision
CB1 (Out) – Knee injury, expected to miss 2–3 weeks
Recent Form
Slippery Rock
Week 1: Defeated Wayne State (MI) 24–13 — defense recorded multiple sacks, offense balanced
2024 Finish: 12–2 overall, PSAC champions, NCAA DII semifinalist
Strength: Elite pass rush (ranked #2 nationally in sacks), deep receiving corps
Shepherd
Week 1: Lost at Frostburg State 41–27 — offense showed flashes but defense allowed 500+ total yards
2024 Finish: 9–3 overall, PSAC East runner-up, NCAA DII playoff berth
Strength: Quick-strike passing game, experienced offensive line
Series History
All-Time: Slippery Rock leads 5–3
At SRU: Slippery Rock undefeated at home vs. Shepherd
Last Meeting: Sept. 14, 2024 — SRU won 38–28, forcing 3 turnovers and holding Shepherd to 3 points in the second half
Key Player Matchups
SRU Pass Rush vs. Shepherd Offensive Line: The Rock’s nationally ranked sack unit against a Rams front that allowed multiple pressures in Week 1
Shepherd QB1 vs. SRU Secondary: Rams’ vertical passing attack vs. a disciplined Rock defensive backfield
Special Teams: SRU’s kicker perfect on FGs this season; Shepherd’s return unit averaging 24 yards per kick return
Betting Trends
Slippery Rock has won 18 straight home openers (last loss in 2005)
SRU is 8-2 ATS in last 10 games vs. PSAC East opponents
Shepherd is 2-6 ATS in last 8 road games
The Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams
Game Odds
Shepherd Rams 54.5
Slippery Rock The Rock – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025
