The Slippery Rock University football team will not be leaving the friendly confines of Bob DiSpirito Field at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium much during the first half of the season.

Four of The Rock's first five games are at home, including Thursday's season opener against Seton Hill.

"We're very excited about our early-season schedule," said Slippery Rock coach Dr. George Mihalik. "We usually open the season on the road. It will be nice to be at home."

Slippery Rock took third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference last year and finished with a 7-4 record. The Rock have 17 starters returning from that squad, making them a legitimate contender to win the Western Division title.

One of the starting vacancies has been filled by center Brandon Fusco (6-5, 285), a redshirt freshman from Seneca Valley.

"Brandon worked very hard during his redshirt season," Mihalik said. "He's shown tremendous poise and the confidence to handle such a demanding position."

Knoch graduate John Krauland (6-4, 280) also will play a lot on the offensive line.

"John saw considerable playing time in a three-guard rotation last season," said Mihalik. "We've moved him to tackle this season. He will not be starting, but will see plenty of playing time."

Mars Area graduate Brad Mueller (5-11, 175) and Knoch grad Bill Elliott (6-3, 245) are also expected to make a significant contribution.

Mueller, a strong safety, is a graduate of Boston College who still has one year of eligibility remaining.

"Brad has begun work on a post-graduate degree," Mihalik said. "He still has a year of eligibility left and felt he would have a better chance of playing here. He's picking up our system very well."

Elliott is a redshirt freshman from Knoch.

"We've moved Bill from linebacker to defensive end," Mihalik said. "He's adjusted very well and has been very impressive in camp. He will not be starting, but should see a lot of playing time."

Slippery Rock tied with Indiana University of Pennsylvania for second place in the PSAC Western Division preseason poll. California University of Pennsylvania has shared the title the past two years and is favored again.

Both games will be at home. Slippery Rock will play host to Indiana on Sept. 29, then California on Oct. 27.