In just two weeks, stands across the nation will be packed full of rowdy fans cheering on their teams as week one of the 2026 college football season kicks off. NCAA Division II non-conference matchups feature the nation’s top-performing teams, including PSAC-favorite Indiana (PA) at #19 Ashland on Thursday, September 3.
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With such a packed slate, it may be hard to choose which game to tune into.
Here’s why Indiana (PA) vs #19 Ashland is the game to watch on Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. EST:
Both Teams Were Picked to Win The Conference Title
The Indiana (Pa.) Crimson Hawks and the Ashland Eagles enter as the preseason favorite of their conference. After claiming the conference West Division title in 2025, IUP received five of eight first-place votes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference football coaches’ preseason poll. Ashland received six of ten from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference coaches, the third consecutive year the Eagles have been picked to win the crown.
Ashland Could Grab Their Second Win vs. IUP
Since the first meeting between the schools in 2017, Indiana (Pa.) has put up a hearty 5-1 record against Ashland. The Eagles had lost five straight until last season, when they took down the Crimson Hawks 13-9 on their own turf. The four point differential was the smallest margin of victory for either team since 2018 (IUP 21-17).
The Crimson Hawks & Eagles Had Just One Conference Loss Apiece in 2025
During the 2025 campaign, both teams fell to a conference rival just once. IUP’s lone loss was a 30-27 decision at Slippery Rock on October 18. Ashland fell to Findlay late in the season, scoring just three points to the Oilers’ 14 on November 8.
Archived Footage On FloCollege
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