ERIE, Pa.  -- The Mercyhurst College football team ranks in the nation's top 20 of five different statistical categories in the latest rankings released Tuesday afternoon.

A dominant presence all year, the Lakers defensive unit ranks 16th in Division II, holding opponents to just 274.0 yards per game.  That figures translates into a 17.14 points per game average by Mercyhurst opponents, giving the Lakers claim to the nation's 20th-ranked scoring defense.

One of the biggest strengths of the defensive unit is their play against the pass, ranking 20th nationally with a 155.71 yards per game average allowance.

Linebacker Tim Herbener is the lone Laker in the individual rankings, standing 19th with 11.5 tackles for loss.  His total helps Mercyhurst to the nation's 16th-best total in tackles for loss.

The Lakers travel to Clarion this Saturday, Oct. 17 for a showdown with the Golden Eagles.  Both squads enter with identical records at 4-3 overall, 3-1 in the PSAC West and are tied for third place in the division.  

Clarion features the league's best running back in Alfonso Hoggard against the league's second-best defensive unit in the 'Hurst.  

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.  The game will be televised by SportsFEVER Television Network.  

In addition to the telecasts airing on STN-affiliated full-service television stations WTVE (Philadelphia-Lehigh Valley-South Jersey), WGCB (Harrisburg-Lancaster-York), WQMY (Wilkes-Barre-Scranton-Williamsport) and WQED (Pittsburgh-Western Pennsylvania), PSAC football will be featured for the second consecutive year on FSN Pittsburgh. STN's Monday Night PSAC Game of the Week on FSN features a replay of the game that aired live on Saturday.

Telecasts also replay on Time Warner, Armstrong, Atlantic Broadband, Blue Ridge, Service Electric and Comcast (WIUP) cable systems throughout Pennsylvania.