Man, looking back at the iup football schedule 2024, it was a total rollercoaster. If you’re a fan of the Crimson Hawks, you know exactly what I mean. One minute we’re cruising at 4-0, and the next, we’re biting our nails in a rainy parking lot in Edinboro.
Honestly, the 2024 season was weirdly defined by "what ifs." What if a couple of plays against Slippery Rock went the other way? What if the overtime in California, PA didn’t turn into a defensive stalemate?
The Hawks finished the year 7-3 overall. That’s solid, sure. But for a program with the kind of history Indiana University of Pennsylvania has, it felt a little bit like leaving meat on the bone. Coach Paul Tortorella’s squad had the talent—especially on defense—to be a playoff lock, but the PSAC West is basically a meat grinder every single Saturday.
The Brutal Road Start
IUP didn't get any favors from the schedule makers early on.
They started with three straight games on the road.
That’s tough for any team.
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The season opener on September 5 against Ashland was a statement. Ashland is usually a powerhouse in the G-MAC, but the IUP defense basically put them in a straightjacket. A 19-10 win in Ohio felt like the perfect springboard. Then came the wins over Lock Haven (20-17) and a blowout at Millersville (42-14).
By the time the team finally got back to George P. Miller Stadium for the Hall of Fame Game on September 28, they were ranked and rolling. They shut out Clarion 31-0. Everything looked perfect.
The Mid-Season Heartbreak
Then came October 5. Homecoming.
Slippery Rock came to town.
This game was basically the season in a nutshell. It was a heavyweight fight that ended 33-32 in favor of the Rock. Losing by one point in front of a packed homecoming crowd is the kind of thing that hangs over a locker room for weeks. And you could kind of see it the following week.
Traveling to Edinboro on October 12, the Hawks just looked a step slow. They lost 27-23. Suddenly, that 4-0 start felt like a distant memory.
Breaking Down the 2024 Results
Here is how the meat of the schedule actually played out:
- Sept 5: at Ashland (W, 19-10)
- Sept 14: at Lock Haven (W, 20-17)
- Sept 21: at Millersville (W, 42-14)
- Sept 28: vs Clarion (W, 31-0)
- Oct 5: vs Slippery Rock (L, 32-33)
- Oct 12: at Edinboro (L, 23-27)
- Oct 19: vs Seton Hill (W, 20-13)
- Oct 26: at California (PA) (L, 13-16 in OT)
- Nov 2: at Gannon (W, 35-7)
- Nov 16: vs Shippensburg (W, 38-7)
The Coal Bowl and the Finish
The 15th Annual Coal Bowl against Cal U is always a circus. It’s loud, it’s physical, and usually, it’s low-scoring. 2024 didn't disappoint in the "stress" department. IUP lost a 16-13 heartbreaker in overtime.
Think about that.
Two of their three losses were by a combined four points.
If Karst Hunter—who had a monster year with over 1,400 yards passing and nearly 500 rushing—makes one more play, we’re talking about a 9-1 team. Hunter was a warrior all season, playing through various bangs and bruises. He and Maurice Massey (who earned First Team All-PSAC honors) were a legit duo. Massey was basically a human highlight reel, consistently bailing out the offense when things got stagnant.
On the defensive side, Garrett Cox and the front seven were legit. They finished the year ranked near the top of the conference in yards allowed. When you only give up 14 points a game, you expect to win more than seven games. That’s the nuance of the 2024 season that most people miss—the defense was championship-caliber, but the offense just couldn't find that late-game "clutch" factor in October.
Why 2024 Matters for the Future
Even though they missed the NCAA playoffs, the 2024 campaign set a foundation. You saw guys like JD Younger and Nick Andrasi step up in big moments. Younger ended up with 7 rushing touchdowns, and Andrasi was money on field goals, including a massive 49-yarder against Edinboro.
Basically, the 2024 season was a lesson in margins. In the PSAC, the gap between a 10-0 season and a 7-3 season is about three plays.
If you're looking to track the progress of the program moving forward, keep an eye on the transfer portal additions. The 2024 team relied heavily on veteran leadership, and with a few of those guys graduating, the 2025 roster is going to look a bit different.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Review the Stats: Dive into the final 2024 box scores on the IUP Athletics site to see how the young defensive backs performed late in the season.
- Check the 2025 Recruiting Class: Coach Tortorella has already started filling gaps left by departing seniors, particularly on the offensive line.
- Watch the Replays: Most of the 2024 home games are archived on the PSAC Sports Digital Network if you want to see that Slippery Rock thriller one more time (if you can stomach it).