What Is 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game was played on November 12, 2016, between the Kutztown Golden Bears and the IUP Crimson Hawks, with IUP winning 45–14 to claim their seventh PSAC title.

Key Facts

IUP defeated Kutztown 45–14 in the 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game on November 12, 2016
The game was held at George P. Miller Stadium in Kutztown, Pennsylvania
IUP quarterback Zac Boyes threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns
Kutztown entered the game undefeated at 10–0 before the loss
IUP advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs after the victory

Overview

The 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game was a pivotal showdown between two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) powerhouses, culminating the conference's regular season and determining its representative for the NCAA Division II playoffs. Held on November 12, 2016, the game featured the Kutztown Golden Bears, who entered undefeated, against the IUP Crimson Hawks, a historically strong program seeking its seventh PSAC title.

The game was a decisive victory for IUP, who dominated on both offense and defense to win 45–14. The outcome not only crowned IUP as PSAC champions but also solidified their national playoff berth, while ending Kutztown's perfect season. This championship game was notable for its lopsided final score and standout individual performances.

IUP Crimson Hawks: Represented the PSAC West division and entered the game with a 9–1 record, having lost only to West Chester earlier in the season.
Kutztown Golden Bears: Represented the PSAC East and were 10–0 heading into the championship, making them the only undefeated team in the conference.
Game Date and Location: Played on November 12, 2016, at Kutztown University’s George P. Miller Stadium, which hosted due to Kutztown’s higher seed.
Final Score: IUP won decisively, 45–14, marking one of the most lopsided outcomes in recent PSAC championship history.
Postseason Implication: The winner earned the PSAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Football Championship, which IUP claimed with the victory.

Game Highlights and Key Plays

The 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game featured several pivotal moments that shifted momentum early in favor of IUP. From explosive offensive drives to critical defensive stops, the game showcased high-level Division II football talent.

First Quarter Surge: IUP scored 14 points in the first quarter, including a 35-yard touchdown pass from Zac Boyes to Keandre Gibson, setting the tone early.
Zac Boyes' Performance: The IUP quarterback threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns, earning game MVP honors and leading the Crimson Hawks’ offensive charge.
Kutztown’s Struggles: Kutztown’s offense, which averaged over 30 points per game during the regular season, managed only 14 points and was stifled by IUP’s defense.
Defensive Dominance: IUP forced three turnovers, including two interceptions, and held Kutztown to just 208 total yards of offense.
Running Game Impact: IUP rushed for 187 yards, led by Marcus Martin’s 76 yards and a touchdown, helping control the clock and tempo.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key statistics from the 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game, highlighting the performance gap between IUP and Kutztown.

Statistic	IUP Crimson Hawks	Kutztown Golden Bears
Final Score	45	14
Total Yards	465	208
Passing Yards	278	132
Rushing Yards	187	76
Turnovers	1	3

The statistical disparity reflects IUP’s dominance in all phases of the game. Their ability to move the ball efficiently on offense and create turnovers on defense proved decisive. Kutztown, despite a strong regular season, was unable to adjust to IUP’s speed and physicality, especially in the trenches. This game underscored the importance of playoff experience and depth in Division II football.

Why It Matters

The 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game had significant implications for both teams and the broader landscape of NCAA Division II football. Beyond the immediate playoff berth, the outcome influenced recruiting, program prestige, and postseason seeding.

Playoff Advancement: IUP earned the PSAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs, where they advanced to the second round before being eliminated.
Historic Win: The victory marked IUP’s seventh PSAC football title, extending their status as one of the conference’s most successful programs.
End of Undefeated Season: Kutztown’s 10–0 record was snapped, marking a rare setback for a program that had dominated the PSAC East.
Individual Accolades: IUP quarterback Zac Boyes received multiple postseason honors, including PSAC Player of the Year recognition.
Recruiting Impact: The high-profile win boosted IUP’s visibility, aiding in attracting top-tier Division II recruits in subsequent seasons.
Conference Legacy: The game reinforced the PSAC’s reputation as a competitive Division II conference with strong representation in national tournaments.

The 2016 championship remains a memorable chapter in PSAC football history, illustrating how preparation, execution, and experience converge in high-stakes collegiate matchups.