Box Score

Indiana, Pa. - Millersville's defense kept 24th-ranked Indiana (Pa.) within striking range throughout Saturday afternoon's contest at rain-soaked George P. Miller Stadium. The offense, however, could not hold up its end of the deal as the Marauders fell, 17-3.

Millersville's (1-2) offense was plagued by missed opportunities one week ago in a 31-14 loss at Slippery Rock, and the misfortune continued at IUP (3-0). Bill Shirk completed 23-of-41 passes for 205 yards, and the Marauders controlled time of possession by nearly a five-minute margin. But the staunch IUP defense, which entered the game allowing just 17.5 points per game locked down Millersville's running game to 28 yards on 29 attempts. The Marauder offense also turned the ball over twice, both times inside the IUP 20-yard line.

Despite not receiving much scoring support, the Millersville defense turned in its best showing of the season. IUP entered the game averaging nearly 28 points per game, and the Marauders had held an opponent to fewer than 20 points just once since 2007. But the Marauders notched two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.

The Marauder defense put the offense in business early. Senior safety Julius Carter forced a fumble, and Jeff Longley fell on it to end IUP's first possession, giving the offense an opportunity for an early lead.

Using a balanced attack that featured the legs of Brad Lantz and the arm of Bill Shirk, the Marauders marched downfield. Lantz racked up 35 yards on the drive, and Shirk completed six of seven passes including one to Lantz that put the Marauders first and goal from the IUP 6-yard line. But two rushes by Lantz and an pass to Jamal Smith put the Marauders in a fourth-and-goal situation from the one. The ensuing snap was fumbled and the Marauders' 17-play, 85-yard drive came up empty.

That proved to be a game-changing play, as IUP running back Tobias Robinson torched the Marauder defense for an 83-yard touchdown run and a 7-0 IUP lead just two minutes after the fumble.

Millersville's following drive reached IUP territory but ended when Shirk was picked off by Myke Wells, who returned it 47 yards to the Millersville 40. The Millersville defense dug in, though, forcing a punt, and kept it a one-score game until just under three minutes left in the half when Andrew Krewatch found Mychal Skinner on an 18-yard TD toss.

Millersville was first to score in the second half as John Banzhof connected on a 37-yard field goal with 7:59 left in the third quarter.

The rest of the way, the defense surrendered just three points. It forced five IUP punts, and Carter recorded his first pick of the season. The offense, however, was held to -22 rushing yards in the second half, and four of the five fourth quarter possessions ended in a three-and-out and the other was a turnover on downs with under a minute to play.

Shirk was sacked six times behind a banged-up offense line, but he still managed to find Matt Egenrieder five times for 47 yards. Greg Frantz caught a career-high four passes for a team-best 57 yards. Shirk, however, could not find the end zone, marking the first time in his 11 career starts that he failed to throw a TD pass.

Lantz led the Marauders on the ground with 45 yards on 15 carries. IUP's Robinson totaled 169 yards on 20 carries, but that total was buoyed by the 83-yard jaunt in the second quarter.

Millersville's youthful defense was led by its senior safety. Carter totaled eight tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Longley and Matt Sutjak also came up with eight stops. Linebackers Shane Gross and Ryan Christian each recorded their first career sack.

IUP, which has now started 3-0 for the third year in a row, has won three straight over Millersville and has held the Marauders to six total points in those three games.

Millersville will look to rebound on Saturday, Sept. 19 when it faces West Chester in the 2009 season opener. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. The day will also mark the 120th anniversary of Millersville football, and fans and alumni can take part in the celebration throughout the day. For more information, visit www.villealumni.com.