No. 22 Indiana (PA) opened the 2026 season with a statement, defeating No. 12 Ashland 34-24 on the road and in a ranked Division II football matchup Thursday night.
IUP led 21-10 at halftime and stretched its advantage to 31-10 before Ashland mounted a late comeback.
Ashland QB Drew Novak led consecutive touchdown drives in the second half to pull the Eagles within 31-24 with 9:29 remaining.
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The Crimson Hawks answered by draining the clock and getting a 34-yard Preston Rathway field goal to make it 34-24. Braedon Walker then intercepted Novak on Ashland's final possession to seal the IUP victory.
The IUP win also flips the result from last season's opener, when Ashland rallied from a 9-0 halftime deficit to defeat IUP 13-9.
Relive the action from IUP's 34-24 win over Ashland with the full game-by-game live updates and highlights below.
3:25 AM
Crimson Hawks Hold Off Eagles For Ranked Road Win
FINAL: IUP 34, Ashland 24
No. 22 IUP opens the season with a statement victory over No. 12 Ashland. The Crimson Hawks build a 31-10 lead before holding off a furious Ashland comeback, controlling the ball for nearly 37 minutes and sealing the 34-24 win with a late field goal and interception.
Ashland Stat Leaders
Drew Novak, QB: 258 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Chris Maloney, RB: 34 rushing yards
Andrew McKnight, WR: 4 receptions, 95 yards
E.J. Teah: 12 tackles
IUP Stat Leaders
Mason Maggs, QB: 264 passing yards, 2 TDs
Eric Doerue, RB: 52 rushing yards
J.C. Wilson, WR: 6 receptions, 69 yards
Shane Strayhorn: 6 tackles
Other stats worth knowing: IUP possessed the ball for 36:55 compared with Ashland's 23:05 and held the Eagles to 1-for-9 on third down.
Those numbers really tell the story of how IUP controlled this game despite Ashland averaging more yards per play.
3:18 AM
FINAL - IUP 34, Ashland 24
IUP puts the finishing touches on an impressive season-opening win.
Ashland's final chance ends when IUP's Braedon Walker intercepts Drew Novak on a tipped pass.
The Crimson Hawks run out the remaining clock to secure a 34-24 victory over Ashland.
3:12 AM
4th, 1:46 - IUP 34, Ashland 24
Ashland's defense keeps IUP out of the endzone, but IUP kicker Rathway drills a 34-yard field goal extending the Crimson Hawks' lead to 34-24 with just 1:46 remaining.
IUP's offense burns more than three minutes off the clock on the possession and, most importantly, turns a one-score game into a two-score deficit for Ashland.
3:09 AM
4th, 2:00 - IUP 31, Ashland 24
IUP is doing exactly what it needs to do with a seven-point lead, moving the chains and draining precious time off the clock.
Mason Maggs has delivered several big completions on the drive, including gains of 13 and 15 yards before converting a crucial third-and-5 with an 11-yard completion to J.C. Wilson.
IUP has moved from its own 29 to the Ashland 23 as the game reaches the two-minute warning.
3:03 AM
4th, 5:16 - IUP 31, Ashland 24
Ashland gets the ball back with a chance to tie the game but can't take advantage.
The Eagles gain just 5 yards on three plays before Drew Novak's third-down pass falls incomplete.
Owen Denny punts it away, and IUP takes over with 5:16 remaining and a chance to drain the clock on a seven-point lead.
2:56 AM
Ashland WR Issaiah Ramsey's FIRST College TD:
Novak hit Ramsey for a TD late in the 3rd and breathed some life back in Ashland.
FIRST COLLEGIATE TOUCHDOWN
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 4, 2026
Issaiah Ramsey puts 6 more on the board for Ashland in the final play of the 3rd quarter to bring the score to 31-17. IUP leads into the final quarter.#G_MAC | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo 📺 | @Ashlandfootball pic.twitter.com/F6E1IRWuB82:53 AM
4th, 9:29 - IUP 31, Ashland 24
Ashland is clawing back!
Drew Novak comes up with a huge fourth-down conversion for Ashland, lowering his shoulder and powering forward for 3 yards on fourth-and-2 to keep the Eagles' drive alive.
Novak then completes passes of 17 yards to Andrew McKnight and 23 yards to Chris Maloney before finding D.J. Harvey for a 19-yard touchdown.
Nate Russell adds the extra point, and suddenly Ashland is within one score, 31-24, with 9:29 remaining.
2:46 AM
4th, 15:00 - IUP 31, Ashland 17
Ashland puts together one of its most efficient drives of the night, going 74 yards in just six plays and 2:18 to cut into IUP's lead.
Drew Novak caps the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Issaiah Ramsey, and Nate Russell adds the extra point. The Eagles enter the fourth quarter trailing 31-17.
2:37 AM
3rd, 2:23 - IUP 31, Ashland 10
Ashland holds IUP out of the end zone, but the Crimson Hawks still add three points.
IUP reaches the Ashland 4-yard line before back-to-back incompletion and a 9-yard sack push the offense back.
Preston Rathway then makes a 30-yard field goal to extend IUP’s lead to 21 points.
2:31 AM
3rd, 7:29 - IUP 28, Ashland 10
Ashland's latest possesion goes three-and-out without gaining a yard, putting the Eagles in a difficult spot as IUP’s lead grows.
Ashland QB Drew Novak throws three consecutive incompletions, with Tai’Don Strickland credited with a quarterback hurry on first down.
Owen Denny’s punt is returned 16 yards by Brennan Holmes, giving IUP possession at the Ashland 47-yard line.
2:25 AM
3rd, 7:56 - IUP 28, Ashland 10
IUP converts a critical fourth down, then turns it into another touchdown.
Facing fourth-and-1 from the Ashland 30, Mason Maggs finds Mason Dixon for a 12-yard gain to keep the drive alive. Maggs then connects with D’Avay Johnson for a 17-yard touchdown, as Johnson wins a contested catch over the Ashland defender in the end zone.
The Crimson Hawks extend their lead to 28-10 with 7:56 remaining in the third quarter.
2:16 AM
3rd, 13:06 - IUP 21, Ashland 10
IUP running back Leon Parson heads to the sideline after an 18-yard gain on the Crimson Hawks’ first play of the drive.
Parson walked off the field under his own power but appears shaken up.
His status is not yet known.
2:14 AM
3rd, 13:06 - IUP 21, Ashland 10
IUP’s defense responds with a three-and-out of its own.
Ashland gains 3 yards on three plays before a 56-yard punt gives IUP the ball at its own 21-yard line.
2:11 AM
3rd, 14:02 - IUP 21, Ashland 10
Ashland opens the second half with a major defensive stop, forcing IUP into a three-and-out.
The Crimson Hawks gain 5 yards on three plays before Gavin Mentzer punts 43 yards to the Ashland 20-yard line.
2:09 AM
3rd, 15:00 - IUP 21, Ashland 10
The second half is underway in Ashland, Ohio.
IUP receives the opening kickoff of the third quarter as the Crimson Hawks look to protect their 11-point lead.
1:54 AM
Halftime Recap: No. 22 IUP Leads No. 12 Ashland
IUP takes a surprising 21-10 lead into halftime against No. 12 Ashland after entering the matchup 10 spots lower in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll at No. 22.
The Crimson Hawks capitalize on the game’s biggest moments. Mysir Mayo recovers a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, while Leon Parson adds a 40-yard touchdown reception and a 2-yard rushing score.
The halftime statistics are nearly even, with IUP holding a 174-172 edge in total yards.
But the Crimson Hawks are 4-for-7 on third down, compared with Ashland’s 1-for-5, and have the game’s only takeaway.
Can Ashland figure out their third downs in the second half?
1:46 AM
2nd, 0:00 - IUP 21, Ashland 10 - Halftime
IUP takes a 21-10 lead into halftime after its defense keeps Ashland off the scoreboard in the second quarter.
The Eagles move into IUP territory on their final drive, but a Braeden Walker sack and a series of short gains prevent Ashland from creating a final scoring chance. IUP will receive the second-half kickoff.
1:40 AM
2nd, 3:27 - IUP 21, Ashland 10
Ashland forces IUP to punt after the Crimson Hawks’ drive is slowed by three false-start penalties.
Gavin Mentzer’s 40-yard punt goes out of bounds at the Ashland 40-yard line, giving the Eagles solid field position with 3:27 remaining before halftime.
1:36 AM
1:33 AM
2nd, 5:01 - IUP 21, Ashland 10
A promising Ashland drive stalls after a wildcat formation snap sails backward on third-and-1, resulting in a 10-yard loss.
The Eagles attempt to draw IUP offsides on fourth-and-11, but the Crimson Hawks do not bite. QB Drew Novak then punts 23 yards to the IUP 16-yard line.
1:25 AM
2nd, 8:30 - IUP 21, Ashland 10
IUP turns a fourth-down penalty into a touchdown.
Mason Maggs’ fourth-down pass intended for Jeremiah Coleman falls incomplete, but Ashland’s Kayden Myers is flagged for pass interference to keep the Crimson Hawks’ drive alive.
Two plays later, Leon Parson scores on a 2-yard touchdown run.
Preston Rathaway's extra point is good.
1:14 AM
Check out Ashland's first TD:
WIDE OPEN DJ Harvey
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 4, 2026
Ashland adds 7 points to the board after finding Harvey in the back of the end zone. #G_MAC | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo 📺 | @ashlandfootball pic.twitter.com/jeFE75g4yW1:12 AM
1st, 0:00 - IUP 14, Ashland 10
The first quarter comes to a close with IUP holding a 14-10 lead over Ashland.
The Eagles will begin the second quarter with possession, facing second-and-18 from their own 10-yard line.
1:07 AM
1st, 0:41 - IUP 14, Ashland 10
IUP regains the lead on a 40-yard touchdown pass from Mason Maggs to Leon Parson.
Maggs finds D’Avay Johnson for a 17-yard gain to move the Crimson Hawks into Ashland territory, then connects with Parson down the left side for the score. Preston Rathway’s extra point is good.
IUP leads 14-10 with 41 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
1:00 AM
1st, 4:10 - Ashland 10, IUP 7
Ashland overcomes a costly holding penalty and answers IUP with a touchdown drive behind two big connections from Drew Novak to D.J. Harvey.
Novak finds Harvey for 32 yards on third-and-9 to move the Eagles into scoring range, then connects with him again for a 20-yard touchdown. Nate Russell adds the extra point to put Ashland back in front, 10-7.
12:52 AM
1st, 7:19 - IUP 7, Ashland 3
IUP takes the lead on a wild turnover touchdown.
On Ashland’s first play after a punt pinned the Eagles at their own 1-yard line, Drew Novak is stopped for a 1-yard loss and loses a fumble in the end zone. IUP’s Mysir Mayo recovers the ball for a touchdown, and Preston Rathway adds the extra point.
The Crimson Hawks lead 7-3 with 7:19 remaining in the first quarter.
12:50 AM
1st, 7:25 - Ashland 3, IUP 0
Ashland’s defense forces a punt on IUP’s opening possession. The Crimson Hawks move from their own 35-yard line to the Ashland 45, but their eight-play, 20-yard drive ends without points. IUP special teams pinned the punt on Ashland's 1-yard line.
The Eagles take over with a 3-0 lead and 7:25 remaining in the first quarter.
12:43 AM
1st, 12:24 - Ashland 3, IUP 0
Ashland opens the game with an eight-play, 55-yard drive that ends with Nate Russell’s 31-yard field goal.
The Eagles take an early 3-0 lead with 12:24 remaining in the first quarter.
12:37 AM
1st, 15:00 - Ashland 0, IUP 0
Ashland will receive the opening kickoff to start the game.
The Eagles are in purple jerseys, white pants and purple helmets.
IUP is in white jerseys, gray pants and gray helmets.
12:33 AM
Game is Underway
Ashland will receive the opening kickoff to start the game.
The Eagles are in purple jerseys, white pants and purple helmets.
IUP is in white jerseys, gray pants and gray helmets.
12:17 AM
IUP Vs. Ashland Now Scheduled To Begin At 8:30 p.m. ET
FloSports has announced that the IUP vs. Ashland broadcast is now scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET following the weather delay.
Follow along here for live updates, highlights and analysis once the ranked Week 1 matchup gets underway.
12:06 AM
Ashland Chases Another Great Midwest Title
The Eagles were picked to win the Great Midwest Athletic Conference for the third consecutive season and the fourth time in five years.
11:55 PM
IUP Begins A Road-Heavy September
Thursday’s game starts a challenging stretch for IUP, which opens the season with three consecutive road games. The Crimson Hawks travel to West Chester and Shippensburg after visiting Ashland.
11:43 PM
Weather Delay Continues In Ashland
IUP and Ashland remain in a weather delay.
An updated kickoff time has not been announced.
Follow along here for the latest from Ashland, Ohio.
11:26 PM
IUP Returns 12 Starters From Its 2025 Playoff Team
The Crimson Hawks return seven starters on offense and five on defense from last season’s PSAC West championship team.
11:15 PM
Paul Tortorella Begins His Ninth Season At IUP
IUP head coach Paul Tortorella enters his ninth season leading the Crimson Hawks. Since taking over the program in 2017, Tortorella has compiled a whopping 68-23 record and led IUP to four NCAA Division II playoff appearances.
Tortorella is 4-1 against Ashland as IUP’s head coach.
11:04 PM
IUP Vs. Ashland Delayed By Weather
Tonight's IUP-Ashland game is currently in a weather delay.
An updated start time has not yet been announced.
Check back here for the latest updates from Ashland, Ohio.
10:55 PM
10:40 PM
IUP Vs. Ashland: Last Five Matchups
Sept. 4, 2025: Ashland 13, IUP 9
Sept. 5, 2024: IUP 19, Ashland 10
Aug. 31, 2023: IUP 24, Ashland 17
Nov. 26, 2022: IUP 19, Ashland 13
Aug. 30, 2018: IUP 21, Ashland 17
IUP has won four of the last five meetings, though Ashland ended the Crimson Hawks’ five-game winning streak in the series with last season’s 13-9 victory.
10:27 PM
Ashland Brings Back All-Conference Experience
Ashland returns several players who earned All-Great Midwest recognition in 2025, including first-team linebacker Jack Talkington and second-team selections Ty’aris Stevenson, D.J. Harvey, Ben Holzopfel and E.J. Teah.
Junior right tackle Nico Traczyk also returns after earning Great Midwest Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and first-team All-Super Region 3 recognition last season.
10:16 PM
An Early Test For IUP’s New Defensive Front
IUP is replacing its entire defensive line from last season, creating an immediate test against Ashland’s violent rushing attack.
The Eagles averaged an impressive 180 rushing yards per game in 2025.
10:09 PM
IUP Debuts New Offensive Coordinator
IUP begins 2026 with Marco Pecora making his debut as the Crimson Hawks’ offensive coordinator. The former IUP player returns after serving as Saint Francis’ offensive coordinator.
Ashland, meanwhile, brings back an offense that averaged more than 180 rushing yards per game in 2025. How IUP’s rebuilt defensive front handles the Eagles’ ground game will be an early storyline to watch.
9:58 PM
How Ashland And IUP Performed In 2025
Ashland finished the 2025 season 10-3 overall and 8-1 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play. The Eagles shared the conference championship and won an NCAA Division II playoff game.
IUP finished 7-4 overall, won the PSAC West with a 5-1 divisional record and reached the Division II playoffs.
9:54 PM
Ashland And IUP Meet Tonight In A Rematch Of A Defensive Battle
Ashland defeated IUP 13-9 in last season’s opener. The Crimson Hawks led 9-0 at halftime before the Eagles scored 13 unanswered points in the second half.
IUP leads the all-time series 5-1, but Ashland will look for a second consecutive victory in the matchup Thursday night.
9:52 PM
Indiana (Pa.) Crimson Hawks Football Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. ET: at Ashland
Saturday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m. ET: at West Chester
Saturday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m. ET: at Shippensburg
Saturday, Sept. 26, 4 p.m. ET: vs. Seton Hill
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m. ET: at Edinboro
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m. ET: vs. Lock Haven
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m. ET: vs. Slippery Rock
Saturday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. ET: at California (Pa.)
Saturday, Oct. 31, noon ET: at Gannon
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m. ET: vs. Clarion
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m. ET: vs. Shepherd
9:38 PM
Ashland Eagles Football Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. ET: vs. Indiana (Pa.)
Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. ET: vs. Grand Valley State
Saturday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m. ET: vs. Ohio Dominican
Saturday, Sept. 26, noon ET: at Walsh
Saturday, Oct. 3, 1 p.m. ET: vs. Tiffin
Saturday, Oct. 10, noon ET: at Findlay
Saturday, Oct. 17, noon ET: at Thomas More
Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m. ET: vs. Kentucky Wesleyan
Saturday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m. ET: vs. Northwood
Saturday, Nov. 7, noon ET: at Hillsdale
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m. ET: at Lake Erie
9:06 PM
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