2008 Youngstown State Penguins Additional Information
Coaching Staff
The Lighter Side
As this season takes flight our first opponent doesn't seem too rich in their game day football traditions. However, there is one aspect of the game that Youngstown State is credited with having created, the throwing of the penalty flag.
Historical Data
Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH) Founded in 1908
Preseason Accolades
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Jon Heacock
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Chris Bache - Offensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator
Sam Eddy - Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs
Dave Elliott - Wide Receivers
Sherod Holmes - Cornerbacks
Jeff Mills - Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Jerry Olsavsky - Linebackers
Antoine Smith - Defensive Line
Brian Wright - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Brian Jones - Undergraduate Assistant
Dan Kopp - Director of Football Operations
Kyle Rivera - Video Assistant
Shawn Coin, Video Coordinator, passed away August 18th - RIP Shawn, our thoughts are with your family, including your pregnant wife
RecruitingOfficial School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Chris Bache - Offensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator
Sam Eddy - Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs
Dave Elliott - Wide Receivers
Sherod Holmes - Cornerbacks
Jeff Mills - Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Jerry Olsavsky - Linebackers
Antoine Smith - Defensive Line
Brian Wright - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Brian Jones - Undergraduate Assistant
Dan Kopp - Director of Football Operations
Kyle Rivera - Video Assistant
Shawn Coin, Video Coordinator, passed away August 18th - RIP Shawn, our thoughts are with your family, including your pregnant wife
Starters Returning: 15 (Offense 8, Defense 4, Special Teams 3)
Lettermen Returning: 35 (Offense 15, Defense 17, Special Teams 3)
Lettermen Returning: 35 (Offense 15, Defense 17, Special Teams 3)
Notable Returners: TB Kevin Smith, WR Ferlando Williams, TE Derrick Bush, C Brad Samsa, OT Tyler Booth,
DT Mychal Savage, LB Roshon Simons, CB Jarvis Richards, CB De'Angelo Wilson
Starters Lost: 10 (Offense 3, Defense 7, Special Teams 0)
Lettermen Lost: 18 (Offense 8, Defense 10, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses: QB Tom Zetts, TE Louis Irizarry, WR Rory Berry, FS Dorian Chenault, LB Rashod Cotton, LB James Terry, TB Tim Dewberry, OG Leon Edwards, WR Dustin Helle, OT Matt Kishman, OG Josh Tanner, DE Myles Banford, SS Vince Gliatta, DE Blake Halverson, FS Tony Lawrence, SS Bob Perez, DE Maurice Smith, LB Jeremiah Wright
Incoming Recruits:
Behind the NumbersDT Mychal Savage, LB Roshon Simons, CB Jarvis Richards, CB De'Angelo Wilson
Starters Lost: 10 (Offense 3, Defense 7, Special Teams 0)
Lettermen Lost: 18 (Offense 8, Defense 10, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses: QB Tom Zetts, TE Louis Irizarry, WR Rory Berry, FS Dorian Chenault, LB Rashod Cotton, LB James Terry, TB Tim Dewberry, OG Leon Edwards, WR Dustin Helle, OT Matt Kishman, OG Josh Tanner, DE Myles Banford, SS Vince Gliatta, DE Blake Halverson, FS Tony Lawrence, SS Bob Perez, DE Maurice Smith, LB Jeremiah Wright
Incoming Recruits:
Dailyn Campbell, QB, 6-1, 195, Kenton, Ohio/Kenton
Dill Dugan, OL, 6-5, 300, Poland, Ohio/Poland
Warren Felton, DT, 6-2, 280, Baltimore, MD/Cardinal Gibbons
David Fleming, S, 5-11, 205, Centreville, Ohio/Centreville
Bryan Galters, CB, 5-9, 175, Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville
Marc Kanetsky, QB, 6-0, 175, Hubbard, Ohio/Hubbard
Andy Kowicki, OL, 6-5, 270, Parma, Ohio/Normandy
D.J. Main, OL, 6-5, 290 Strongsville, Ohio/Stronsgsville
Joe Marshall, DL, 6-2, 310, Clearwater, Fl/Crearwater
Stephen Meadows, LB, 6-3, 230, Fredericksburg, Va/James Monroe
Deonta Tate, LB, 6-1, 215, Palmetto. FL/Palmetto
Noah Taylor, DE, 6-3, 235, Pittsburgh, Pa/Woodland Hills
Marquel Thomas, WR, 6-2, 180, Virginia Beach. Va/Bayside
Gary Thornton, LB, 5-9, 190, Youngstown, Ohio/East
Mike Williams, DE, 6-3, 245, Richmond, Va/Meadowbrook
Corbin Williamson, OG, 6-4, 280 Suwanee, Ga/Hargrave Military/Atlanta Christian
Junior College and other transfers:
Crispin Fernandez, DT, 5-10, 275, Porterville, Ca/Monache High/Bakersfield CC
Donald Jones, WR, 6-0, 200, Plainfield NJ/Plainfield High/Lackawanna JC
Eric Rodemoyer, OG, 6-2, 305, Sharon, Pa/Kennedy Catholic/West Virginia
Dill Dugan, OL, 6-5, 300, Poland, Ohio/Poland
Warren Felton, DT, 6-2, 280, Baltimore, MD/Cardinal Gibbons
David Fleming, S, 5-11, 205, Centreville, Ohio/Centreville
Bryan Galters, CB, 5-9, 175, Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville
Marc Kanetsky, QB, 6-0, 175, Hubbard, Ohio/Hubbard
Andy Kowicki, OL, 6-5, 270, Parma, Ohio/Normandy
D.J. Main, OL, 6-5, 290 Strongsville, Ohio/Stronsgsville
Joe Marshall, DL, 6-2, 310, Clearwater, Fl/Crearwater
Stephen Meadows, LB, 6-3, 230, Fredericksburg, Va/James Monroe
Deonta Tate, LB, 6-1, 215, Palmetto. FL/Palmetto
Noah Taylor, DE, 6-3, 235, Pittsburgh, Pa/Woodland Hills
Marquel Thomas, WR, 6-2, 180, Virginia Beach. Va/Bayside
Gary Thornton, LB, 5-9, 190, Youngstown, Ohio/East
Mike Williams, DE, 6-3, 245, Richmond, Va/Meadowbrook
Corbin Williamson, OG, 6-4, 280 Suwanee, Ga/Hargrave Military/Atlanta Christian
Junior College and other transfers:
Crispin Fernandez, DT, 5-10, 275, Porterville, Ca/Monache High/Bakersfield CC
Donald Jones, WR, 6-0, 200, Plainfield NJ/Plainfield High/Lackawanna JC
Eric Rodemoyer, OG, 6-2, 305, Sharon, Pa/Kennedy Catholic/West Virginia
Fun facts:
4 members of YSU's class garnered All-Ohio honors in 2007: OL Bill Dugan 2nd team all-state DIII OL, DB Bryan Gaiters 1st team all-state DII RB (also named SEOAL Player of the Year), LB Gary Thornton 1st team all-state DII, OL Andy Kowicki was 2nd team all-state DII DL ...
QB Dailyn Campbell was coached in high school by Mike Mauk, the father of Ben ...
S David Fleming was named Great Western Ohio Conference Central Division Athlete of the Year (for football and track and field) ...
QB Marc Kanetsky was class valedictorian at Hubbard High School, finifhing with a 4.0 GPA ...
OG Eric Rodemoyer was coached by Rich Rodriguez and Bill Stewart at West Virginia last season. He was a first-team All-Pennsylvania OL in 2005, and redshirted at WVU in 2006 ...
LB Deonta Tate's mother is named Nerertiti, but his father's name isnt Rameses, it's Brian ...
DE Noah Taylor is the brother of former Dolphins/now Redskins DE Jason Taylor, who placed second in Dancing With The Stars
DE Mike Williams set a school record for sacks in a season ...
4 members of YSU's class garnered All-Ohio honors in 2007: OL Bill Dugan 2nd team all-state DIII OL, DB Bryan Gaiters 1st team all-state DII RB (also named SEOAL Player of the Year), LB Gary Thornton 1st team all-state DII, OL Andy Kowicki was 2nd team all-state DII DL ...
QB Dailyn Campbell was coached in high school by Mike Mauk, the father of Ben ...
S David Fleming was named Great Western Ohio Conference Central Division Athlete of the Year (for football and track and field) ...
QB Marc Kanetsky was class valedictorian at Hubbard High School, finifhing with a 4.0 GPA ...
OG Eric Rodemoyer was coached by Rich Rodriguez and Bill Stewart at West Virginia last season. He was a first-team All-Pennsylvania OL in 2005, and redshirted at WVU in 2006 ...
LB Deonta Tate's mother is named Nerertiti, but his father's name isnt Rameses, it's Brian ...
DE Noah Taylor is the brother of former Dolphins/now Redskins DE Jason Taylor, who placed second in Dancing With The Stars
DE Mike Williams set a school record for sacks in a season ...
In order to make this interesting, let's examine the numbers for the opening game from the perspective of an SEC fan.
The Buckeyes are doomed.
They're a Big Ten team, right? So is Michigan, and Michigan lost to a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team. Well Youngstown State has more victories (19) against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams than any other FCS school. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Nevermind that none of those 19 victories against FBS teams came under the current head coach. Nevermind that 17 of the 19 occurred under the watch of his predecessor. Nevermind that the predecessor's name is James Patrick Tressel, or that he was 17-12-1 against FBS teams while at YSU. Nevermind that the current regime is 0-5 against FBS teams, or that the Penguins' last win over an FBS foe was Tressel's last FBS game while at YSU.
No, what you need to know about the current YSU regime is that they are the 2nd winningest in school history at 61.7%. Nevermind that the only coach they ever had a better winning percentage (70.0%) is now at Ohio State.
No, no... Focus on what Youngstown State did in the spring. They installed the spread. Ohio State cannot defend against the spread, right? ...especially the spread option, right? Well that's exactly what the Penguins are running now.
And that spread option that the Buckeyes can't stop is being run by an offense returning 9 starters, including 4 (and a 1/2, sort of) on the offensive line. And that offensive line gave up the 5th fewest sacks (9) in all of the FCS last year. Nevermind that Ohio State got 2 of those sacks, neither of them by the only guy they lost from the defensive line's 8-man rotation.
And nevermind that the Penguins will eventually have to play defense. So what if YSU loses both defensive ends and both safeties and two linebackers. So what if Ohio State's offense returns 9 starters from the team that slept-walked their way to putting up 38 points against the Penguins last year. YSU now runs the spread option, in case you hadn't heard. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Speaking of the spread option; the Buckeyes can't stop it, and it probably doesn't matter that the Penguin's 4-year-starter at quarterback has departed. YSU won the last time they had a new starting QB facing a FBS team. Don't focus on the fact that it was 15-years ago and an independent event, or that Tressel was the coach then.
As if any more evidence were needed; the Buckeyes ranked 117th in kick-off returns in the FBS last year at 17.65 yards per return. Even if the Penguins had wanted to, they couldn't have been ranked that low. There are only 116 teams in the FCS. Ha! (YSU came in at #63 with 20.0 yards per return.) Let's not focus on how many kick-off return opportunities the teams might have, respectively. The Buckeyes are doomed. That's all we need to say, there can't be any other numbers to look at.
Especially not these:
The Buckeyes are doomed.
They're a Big Ten team, right? So is Michigan, and Michigan lost to a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team. Well Youngstown State has more victories (19) against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams than any other FCS school. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Nevermind that none of those 19 victories against FBS teams came under the current head coach. Nevermind that 17 of the 19 occurred under the watch of his predecessor. Nevermind that the predecessor's name is James Patrick Tressel, or that he was 17-12-1 against FBS teams while at YSU. Nevermind that the current regime is 0-5 against FBS teams, or that the Penguins' last win over an FBS foe was Tressel's last FBS game while at YSU.
No, what you need to know about the current YSU regime is that they are the 2nd winningest in school history at 61.7%. Nevermind that the only coach they ever had a better winning percentage (70.0%) is now at Ohio State.
No, no... Focus on what Youngstown State did in the spring. They installed the spread. Ohio State cannot defend against the spread, right? ...especially the spread option, right? Well that's exactly what the Penguins are running now.
And that spread option that the Buckeyes can't stop is being run by an offense returning 9 starters, including 4 (and a 1/2, sort of) on the offensive line. And that offensive line gave up the 5th fewest sacks (9) in all of the FCS last year. Nevermind that Ohio State got 2 of those sacks, neither of them by the only guy they lost from the defensive line's 8-man rotation.
And nevermind that the Penguins will eventually have to play defense. So what if YSU loses both defensive ends and both safeties and two linebackers. So what if Ohio State's offense returns 9 starters from the team that slept-walked their way to putting up 38 points against the Penguins last year. YSU now runs the spread option, in case you hadn't heard. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Speaking of the spread option; the Buckeyes can't stop it, and it probably doesn't matter that the Penguin's 4-year-starter at quarterback has departed. YSU won the last time they had a new starting QB facing a FBS team. Don't focus on the fact that it was 15-years ago and an independent event, or that Tressel was the coach then.
As if any more evidence were needed; the Buckeyes ranked 117th in kick-off returns in the FBS last year at 17.65 yards per return. Even if the Penguins had wanted to, they couldn't have been ranked that low. There are only 116 teams in the FCS. Ha! (YSU came in at #63 with 20.0 yards per return.) Let's not focus on how many kick-off return opportunities the teams might have, respectively. The Buckeyes are doomed. That's all we need to say, there can't be any other numbers to look at.
Especially not these:
Categories______________YSU______YSU's_Rank_____OSU_____OSU's_Rank
Rush_Offense___________196.45_______31_________196.92_______28
Pass_Offense___________170.36_______85_________196.77_______86
OSU had 26 more yards per game, which ranked a spot lower in FBS than YSU's rank in FCS.
Tot_Offense____________366.82_______60_________393.69_______62
Again, OSU had 26 more yards per game, but came in two spots lower in FBS than YSU's rank in FCS.
Scoring_Off.____________27.36_______45__________31.38_______41
Rush_Defense___________130.00_______27__________82.85________3
This doesn't matter. YSU now runs the spread option. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Pass_Eff._Def._________122.96_______49__________98.73________4
Tot_Defense____________318.18_______18_________233.00________1
Scoring_Def.____________18.45_______14__________12.77________1
Yeah, yeah... But the Buckeyes didn't play anyone. Nevermind that YSU's numbers were against FCS competition. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Net_Punting_____________32.86_______55__________36.70_______33
Punt_Returns_____________9.91_______45___________8.91_______58
Turnover_Margin__________0.45_______33__________-0.23_______76
Pass_Defense___________188.18_______35_________150.15________1
Pass._Eff._____________121.34_______61_________146.68_______12
YSU's numbers were much worse than the Buckeyes' numbers last year, but that was with last year's 4-year starter at QB. This year they will run the spread option. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Sacks____________________2.45______T23___________3.31________6
Tackles_For_Loss_________6.27_______55___________7.92________8
Sacks_Allowed____________0.82________5___________1.46_______29
Doomed. Doomed I say.
The Buckeyes will win this one 49-10. Then the rest of the college football world will talk about schedule strength as if no one else ever scheduled a game against an FCS opponent. Let them talk. September 13th is coming.Rush_Offense___________196.45_______31_________196.92_______28
Pass_Offense___________170.36_______85_________196.77_______86
OSU had 26 more yards per game, which ranked a spot lower in FBS than YSU's rank in FCS.
Tot_Offense____________366.82_______60_________393.69_______62
Again, OSU had 26 more yards per game, but came in two spots lower in FBS than YSU's rank in FCS.
Scoring_Off.____________27.36_______45__________31.38_______41
Rush_Defense___________130.00_______27__________82.85________3
This doesn't matter. YSU now runs the spread option. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Pass_Eff._Def._________122.96_______49__________98.73________4
Tot_Defense____________318.18_______18_________233.00________1
Scoring_Def.____________18.45_______14__________12.77________1
Yeah, yeah... But the Buckeyes didn't play anyone. Nevermind that YSU's numbers were against FCS competition. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Net_Punting_____________32.86_______55__________36.70_______33
Punt_Returns_____________9.91_______45___________8.91_______58
Turnover_Margin__________0.45_______33__________-0.23_______76
Pass_Defense___________188.18_______35_________150.15________1
Pass._Eff._____________121.34_______61_________146.68_______12
YSU's numbers were much worse than the Buckeyes' numbers last year, but that was with last year's 4-year starter at QB. This year they will run the spread option. The Buckeyes are doomed.
Sacks____________________2.45______T23___________3.31________6
Tackles_For_Loss_________6.27_______55___________7.92________8
Sacks_Allowed____________0.82________5___________1.46_______29
Doomed. Doomed I say.
Well, here we are again, the Ohio State Buckeyes suiting up against the 12th ranked FCS powerhouse Youngstown State Penguins to start the season. Last year this very same game was anticipated to be such a slug-fest that all the major networks were literally throwing money at Ohio State and YSU trying to obtain the rights to the battle. As some will recall, upstart network "The Big Ten Network" outbid traditional powers, ESPN, ABC, NBC and CBS for the rights and the rest is, as they say, history. Likewise, a game of this caliber was drawing top dollar at the gates, face value being $65.00 and scalpers getting untold riches. Everyone was spending money left and right, just to have the privilege of getting to watch it live. Barn-burners like this come once or twice in a lifetime, after all.
And the game lived up to its billing; people got their money's worth for sure. With 9:36 to go in the 1st Quarter Freshman WR Dane Sanzenbacher finally put the game out of reach with his TD grab from Todd Boeckman. The gutty reception capped a tense 9 play, 70 yard drive filled with runs and catches and all sorts of tackling and, and jumping, and running around and the like. It was a thing of beauty and it won't soon be forgotten. While OSU would add 4 more TDs and a FG in garbage time, the game was a lot closer than the 32 point margin would indicate. It seemed more like a 22 point win, really, most experts agreed. In any case, the battle was hard fought... well.. it was fought... anyway.... and it resulted in season long consequences. The bad being that Lawrence Wilson sustaining a season ending injury before the end of the first 15 minutes. The good being that the win catapulted the Buckeyes towards the BCS Championship game against upstart SEC School called LSU. But enough about that worthless game. It's time for the Penguins and the Buckeyes to tee off again!
Yes sir, 2008 is hardly any different than the 2007 match-up in terms of hype. Once again the Big Ten Network looks to make media history by carrying this clash of football titans exclusively. The Buckeyes come in to the contest arguably the best team in the nation at the collegiate level, while Youngstown State remains a highly ranked FCS powerhouse. Many are calling this the "World Series of Football" with the potential champions from two separate leagues meeting to decide who gets the bragging rights for this year. Sure, it's really more like the "Inter-league play of football" since the powers that be won't give us the game we all really want (Obviously, FCS #1 v. BCS #1), so it'll have to do. One thing is certain, it takes major league stones to go toe to toe with a power like YSU in week one and then have to deal with the bickering that the Ohio match will no doubt bring from the under appreciated MAC contingent, all while USC sits waiting for the Buckeyes' arrival in LA for another epic tilt. Sixty-five bucks? Are you kidding? That's a steal for the thrill-fest we're about to see. So highly anticipated is the battle that media giant Time Warner finally caved to the BTN's reasonable demands in the wake of a mass exodus of Time Warner subscribers who were refusing to miss this titanic clash for a second year. Like the epic Texas series from just a couple years ago, this home and home (both for the Buckeyes) is bound to go down as a classic. Safe money says this one remains in doubt all the way to...
what...
say...the 13 minute mark? I guess it depends on who gets the ball first... or... actually, come to think of it... that probably won't matter either.
OK, I can't do this any more. This game friggin stinks.... especially for the game-going fan. I realize Jim Tressel feels obligated to reward the school that treated him so well for so many years before he came to Ohio State in 2001. I get it. I do. But, really, can't he just buy them a new Stadium or something? It can't be but a couple hundred bucks to double their capacity and that's a pretty bold gift, if you ask me. Now, I love Ohio State football, and I will watch every instant of this game, but let's face it, 65 bucks to see this slaughter is about $64.50 too much to pay. Last season all that was gained from the YSU contest was a W in the win column and some live reps against someone who the Buckeyes didn't care how hard they hit. What was lost was Lawrence Wilson. I can't say it was worth it. True, the injury lead to the emergence of Cam Heyward and the Buckeyes did make it to the BCS Championship game, but lets call it what it is... a needless risk. Like game 6 of pre-season football (And hey, even the money hungry NFL was able to figure out that that was going too far eventually). I think we can all agree that it's awesome to see the Buckeyes on the field again and I think we can all agree it'll be nice to see the Buckeyes depth playing in a game that counts (I hear there's some guy at QB who's supposed to be pretty good), but really, couldn't we at least witness a game against a school that doesn't have any 200 pound D-Linemen on the roster? Is that too much to ask for sixty five dollars a pop? A legitimate team? Hell, I'd even settle for an illegitimate team, like Iowa or Indiana, as long as it was a conference game. I understand that playing an FCS opponent is a prescription for a jump start on a championship run, just ask Michigan, but can't we kick the hell out of Duke or some other "big boy" school?
Actually, I've got a great idea. What we need is a school that has a name but no skills. A team like Washington last year. Some game that looks a lot tougher than it is. A game where people can say "Wow, that's a "balls out" schedule" but really is as safe as going against any 22 people tossed together haphazardly out of the unemployment line. You know, a team with big time, "traditional power" kind of teeth, but with the bite of a pink stuffed kitten. And a fat coach. I mean a real tub of goo. And a terrible personality to go along with it. A team who managed to lose 8 games or more to teams like... I don't know... a service academy or something. Can you imagine how guys like Lou Holtz would be drooling over such a contest in week one? I'd wager that even Mark May would take a moment away from his typical smug, self-righteousness to appreciate it. Dare I say, a Game Day appearance? If only there was such a team....
Eh... Enough of that, as there will be plenty of reasons to take shots at Notre Dame as the season progresses without "forcing" the issue here just to accommodate the lack of material regarding the snoozer scheduled for the 'Shoe. After all, it's football season again! Truth is, I don't care if the Buckeyes were playing Harding Elementary. I'm happy as a felon on the Youngstown City Council simply because its finally time to see the good guys on the field again. Here's to no injuries, a FCS beat down, and hopefully a downhill run towards a National Title! You know, they say the third time's a charm. Go Bucks!
Traditions & Opponent PerspectiveAnd the game lived up to its billing; people got their money's worth for sure. With 9:36 to go in the 1st Quarter Freshman WR Dane Sanzenbacher finally put the game out of reach with his TD grab from Todd Boeckman. The gutty reception capped a tense 9 play, 70 yard drive filled with runs and catches and all sorts of tackling and, and jumping, and running around and the like. It was a thing of beauty and it won't soon be forgotten. While OSU would add 4 more TDs and a FG in garbage time, the game was a lot closer than the 32 point margin would indicate. It seemed more like a 22 point win, really, most experts agreed. In any case, the battle was hard fought... well.. it was fought... anyway.... and it resulted in season long consequences. The bad being that Lawrence Wilson sustaining a season ending injury before the end of the first 15 minutes. The good being that the win catapulted the Buckeyes towards the BCS Championship game against upstart SEC School called LSU. But enough about that worthless game. It's time for the Penguins and the Buckeyes to tee off again!
Yes sir, 2008 is hardly any different than the 2007 match-up in terms of hype. Once again the Big Ten Network looks to make media history by carrying this clash of football titans exclusively. The Buckeyes come in to the contest arguably the best team in the nation at the collegiate level, while Youngstown State remains a highly ranked FCS powerhouse. Many are calling this the "World Series of Football" with the potential champions from two separate leagues meeting to decide who gets the bragging rights for this year. Sure, it's really more like the "Inter-league play of football" since the powers that be won't give us the game we all really want (Obviously, FCS #1 v. BCS #1), so it'll have to do. One thing is certain, it takes major league stones to go toe to toe with a power like YSU in week one and then have to deal with the bickering that the Ohio match will no doubt bring from the under appreciated MAC contingent, all while USC sits waiting for the Buckeyes' arrival in LA for another epic tilt. Sixty-five bucks? Are you kidding? That's a steal for the thrill-fest we're about to see. So highly anticipated is the battle that media giant Time Warner finally caved to the BTN's reasonable demands in the wake of a mass exodus of Time Warner subscribers who were refusing to miss this titanic clash for a second year. Like the epic Texas series from just a couple years ago, this home and home (both for the Buckeyes) is bound to go down as a classic. Safe money says this one remains in doubt all the way to...
what...
say...the 13 minute mark? I guess it depends on who gets the ball first... or... actually, come to think of it... that probably won't matter either.
OK, I can't do this any more. This game friggin stinks.... especially for the game-going fan. I realize Jim Tressel feels obligated to reward the school that treated him so well for so many years before he came to Ohio State in 2001. I get it. I do. But, really, can't he just buy them a new Stadium or something? It can't be but a couple hundred bucks to double their capacity and that's a pretty bold gift, if you ask me. Now, I love Ohio State football, and I will watch every instant of this game, but let's face it, 65 bucks to see this slaughter is about $64.50 too much to pay. Last season all that was gained from the YSU contest was a W in the win column and some live reps against someone who the Buckeyes didn't care how hard they hit. What was lost was Lawrence Wilson. I can't say it was worth it. True, the injury lead to the emergence of Cam Heyward and the Buckeyes did make it to the BCS Championship game, but lets call it what it is... a needless risk. Like game 6 of pre-season football (And hey, even the money hungry NFL was able to figure out that that was going too far eventually). I think we can all agree that it's awesome to see the Buckeyes on the field again and I think we can all agree it'll be nice to see the Buckeyes depth playing in a game that counts (I hear there's some guy at QB who's supposed to be pretty good), but really, couldn't we at least witness a game against a school that doesn't have any 200 pound D-Linemen on the roster? Is that too much to ask for sixty five dollars a pop? A legitimate team? Hell, I'd even settle for an illegitimate team, like Iowa or Indiana, as long as it was a conference game. I understand that playing an FCS opponent is a prescription for a jump start on a championship run, just ask Michigan, but can't we kick the hell out of Duke or some other "big boy" school?
Actually, I've got a great idea. What we need is a school that has a name but no skills. A team like Washington last year. Some game that looks a lot tougher than it is. A game where people can say "Wow, that's a "balls out" schedule" but really is as safe as going against any 22 people tossed together haphazardly out of the unemployment line. You know, a team with big time, "traditional power" kind of teeth, but with the bite of a pink stuffed kitten. And a fat coach. I mean a real tub of goo. And a terrible personality to go along with it. A team who managed to lose 8 games or more to teams like... I don't know... a service academy or something. Can you imagine how guys like Lou Holtz would be drooling over such a contest in week one? I'd wager that even Mark May would take a moment away from his typical smug, self-righteousness to appreciate it. Dare I say, a Game Day appearance? If only there was such a team....
Eh... Enough of that, as there will be plenty of reasons to take shots at Notre Dame as the season progresses without "forcing" the issue here just to accommodate the lack of material regarding the snoozer scheduled for the 'Shoe. After all, it's football season again! Truth is, I don't care if the Buckeyes were playing Harding Elementary. I'm happy as a felon on the Youngstown City Council simply because its finally time to see the good guys on the field again. Here's to no injuries, a FCS beat down, and hopefully a downhill run towards a National Title! You know, they say the third time's a charm. Go Bucks!
As this season takes flight our first opponent doesn't seem too rich in their game day football traditions. However, there is one aspect of the game that Youngstown State is credited with having created, the throwing of the penalty flag.
- Youngstown State University is the only Division I University in the country with a Penguin for a mascot and the nickname Penguins for their athletic teams. There are two accounts of how the nickname occurred, and interestingly enough they come from the same evening on Jan. 30, 1933.
The first account states that on a cold, freezing night at a men's basketball game at West Liberty State, in West Liberty, W. Va., a spectator watching the members of the team stomp on the floor and swing their arms made them look like Penguins and without a nickname, the fans took a liking to the word.
The second account came as a result of the trip to West Liberty State Teachers College for a basketball game late in January 1933. In West Virginia, the road to West Liberty that evening had been hit by a snowfall between one and two feet deep. The passengers in two of the cars found it necessary on several occasions to get out and help push their vehicles out of snow drifts or road area with snow ruts, difficult to drive through. During the trip, Bennett Kunicki recalls, the discussion of a nickname for the school was the hot topic of conversation. In Kunicki's car, the name Penguins came up and was well received by everyone in the car. Upon arrival at the West Liberty gym, the name was mentioned to the members of the team who thought it was perfect.
- Pete and Penny Penguin are the be-loved mascots of Youngstown State University and represent YSU and the Athletic Department at home and road games, community functions and special events throughout the region.
- YSU football played its first season in 1938. The program was organized by Coach Dwight Beede. Beede was the head coach of the football program from 1938 through 1972. Overall, YSU has had five head coaches in the program's history: Beede, Rey Dempsey, Bill Narduzzi, Jim Tressel and Jon Heacock. The Penguins have won over 400 games in 67 seasons of football; the program was halted from 1943-45 for World War II.
- Former Youngstown State head football coach and Director of Athletics Jim Tressel left a major mark not only on the Athletic Department and YSU campus, but on the entire Mahoning Valley community. Tressel brought a winning attitude to the Mahoning Valley when he took charge of the Penguin football program in the mid-1980's. He gave the people something to rally around in a time of need and helped keep the spirits of everyone in the community high. Tressel left his mark on every one of his players and coaches who served at YSU during his tenure. He helped turn a program from a school that hoped to win every game and season to one that was expected to win every game and make the playoffs every year.
- In the game of football, a penalty flag is thrown when a rules infraction occurs during a game. The creation of that penalty flag was in Youngstown, Ohio more than 60 years ago. The flag was officially introduced at the 1948 American Football Coaches rules session.
It was created by former Youngstown State University coach, Dwight Dike Beede on Oct. 17, 1941. The flag was first used in a game against Oklahoma City University at the Youngstown's Rayen Stadium. Today the penalty flag is used in every competitive football game throughout the world.
Beede came up with idea of the flag and had his wife sew it together. His wife, Irma Beede, later became known as the "Betsy Ross of Football" because she sewed the first flags together. He asked her to make a flag that had a bright color (red) with white stripes. The flags were put together using pieces of the Beede's daughter's old Halloween costume for the red part of the flag and an old sheet for the white part. She used some lead sinkers from Beede's fishing tackle box to weigh it down. It was 16 inches square with the weight all at one end of the flag. The flag has been modified over the years and today it is yellow cloth that has sand in it to weigh it down.
- Since the 1991 football season, the Youngstown State University ROTC has been a mainstay at Penguin football games. The cannon and ROTC units are located in the Southeast corner of Stambaugh Stadium during home games.
The Army ROTC program has been preparing young men and women for military careers as officers for more than 50 years. One of YSU's most active student constituencies, the cadets established the tradition of "Firing the Cannon" at Penguin home football games. In 2004, the ROTC was able to purchase a new cannon because of a gift from the late William Fitzsimons.
The unit also provides the color guard for home games and does push ups equal to the amount of Penguin points after each score.
- Each year, the Marching Pride performs at each home game to help cheer on the Penguin Football team. In addition, the band has hosted and performed for the Bands of America Regional events held at Stambaugh Stadium, as well as recent away games at Pitt and Penn State. The marching band is scheduled to join the Penguins in Ohio Stadium on Sept. 1, 2007, when the team takes on Ohio State.
- Since the early 1980s, the Penguins have entered their field in a formation known as "The Hive". This arms-locked formation should look familiar to Buckeye fans, and was intreoduced to YSU by Rob Stoops.
Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH) Founded in 1908
Football 1st Season: 1938
Stadium: Arnold D. Stambaugh Stadium - the "Ice Castle" (Dike Beede Field)
Constructed: 1982
Seating Capacity: 20,630
Playing Surface: SprinTurf
Constructed: 1982
Seating Capacity: 20,630
Playing Surface: SprinTurf
Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference (Name changed from Gateway Conference in 2008) since 1997, (1938-1972 Independent, 1973-1977 Division II Independent, 1978-1980 Mid-Continent Conference, 1981-1987 Ohio Valley Conference, 1988-1996 Division I-AA Independent)
Colors: Red & White
Mascot: Penguins ("Pete & Penny")
College Classification: NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly D-IAA) or equivalent since 1938
Conference Championships: 5 Conference Titles - 2 Mid-Continent Conference Championships, 1 Ohio Valley Conference Co-Championship, 1 Gateway Football Conference Co-Championship, and 1 outright Gateway Football Conference Championship
First Team FCS All-Americans: 30
Retired Jersey Numbers: 47, 58, 79
College Hall-of-Famers: 0
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 0
Award Winners: 1 Eddie Robinson COY (FCS), 3 AFCA COY (FCS)
National Championships: 4 NCAA Division I-AA National Championships, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997
Number of final rankings: 10 Sports Network, 5 USA Today
RecordsMascot: Penguins ("Pete & Penny")
College Classification: NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly D-IAA) or equivalent since 1938
Conference Championships: 5 Conference Titles - 2 Mid-Continent Conference Championships, 1 Ohio Valley Conference Co-Championship, 1 Gateway Football Conference Co-Championship, and 1 outright Gateway Football Conference Championship
First Team FCS All-Americans: 30
Retired Jersey Numbers: 47, 58, 79
College Hall-of-Famers: 0
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 0
Award Winners: 1 Eddie Robinson COY (FCS), 3 AFCA COY (FCS)
National Championships: 4 NCAA Division I-AA National Championships, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997
Number of final rankings: 10 Sports Network, 5 USA Today
All Time: 413-265-17 (.606)
Bowl Games: 0-1-0 (0.000) A 21 to 38 loss to Delaware in the Zia Bowl - Division II Championship Game
All Time vs the BigTen: 0-2-0 (.000) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes:0-1, a 38-6 Loss in Columbus in 2007
Coach's Record: Jon Heacock, 2001-current, 50-31-0 (.617)
All Time vs the BigTen: 0-2-0 (.000) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes:0-1, a 38-6 Loss in Columbus in 2007
Coach's Record: Jon Heacock, 2001-current, 50-31-0 (.617)
2007 Season: 7-4-0 (.636)
Sept. 1 - L at Ohio State 6-38
Sept. 8 - W vs. South Dakota State 23-17
Sept. 15 - W vs. Stony Brook 42-6
Sept 22 - W vs. Lock Haven 35-3
Sept. 29 - W vs. Missouri State 49-17
Oct 6 - L At Southern Illinois 17-24
Oct 13 - W vs. Southern Utah 23-22
Oct 20 - L vs. Illinois State 22-27
Oct 27 - L at Northern Iowa 13-12
Nov. 3 W at Indiana State 40-7
Nov. 10 W vs. Western Illinois 31-24
2008 Schedule
Aug 30 - at Ohio State, 12:00 PM
Sep. 6 - at South Dakota St, 7:00 PM
Sep 13 - vs. Central State, 4:00 PM
Sep 20 - vs. North Dakota State, 6:00 PM
Sep 27 - vs. Liberty, 6:00 PM
Oct. 4 - at Southern Utah, 4:00 PM
Oct 11 - at Missouri State, 2:30 PM
Oct 18 - vs. Southern Illinois, 4:00 PM
Oct 25 - vs. UNI, 4:00 PM (Homecoming)
Nov. 1 - at Illinois State, 2:30 PM
Nov. 8 - vs. Indiana State, 1:00 PM
Nov. 22 - at Western Illinois, 2:05 PM
LinksSept. 1 - L at Ohio State 6-38
Sept. 8 - W vs. South Dakota State 23-17
Sept. 15 - W vs. Stony Brook 42-6
Sept 22 - W vs. Lock Haven 35-3
Sept. 29 - W vs. Missouri State 49-17
Oct 6 - L At Southern Illinois 17-24
Oct 13 - W vs. Southern Utah 23-22
Oct 20 - L vs. Illinois State 22-27
Oct 27 - L at Northern Iowa 13-12
Nov. 3 W at Indiana State 40-7
Nov. 10 W vs. Western Illinois 31-24
2008 Schedule
Aug 30 - at Ohio State, 12:00 PM
Sep. 6 - at South Dakota St, 7:00 PM
Sep 13 - vs. Central State, 4:00 PM
Sep 20 - vs. North Dakota State, 6:00 PM
Sep 27 - vs. Liberty, 6:00 PM
Oct. 4 - at Southern Utah, 4:00 PM
Oct 11 - at Missouri State, 2:30 PM
Oct 18 - vs. Southern Illinois, 4:00 PM
Oct 25 - vs. UNI, 4:00 PM (Homecoming)
Nov. 1 - at Illinois State, 2:30 PM
Nov. 8 - vs. Indiana State, 1:00 PM
Nov. 22 - at Western Illinois, 2:05 PM
Official Sites:
Official School Site - Youngstown State University
Student Newspaper - The Jambar
Official Athletic Site - YSUSports.com
Official Conference Site - Missouri Valley Football Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Pete Penguin's Pitch 'N' Post (Independent)
Message Board - Penguin Zone (Independent)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Rivals/Yahoo Sports
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - WIKI
Local News Sources:
The Vindicator - Local News
The Tribune Chronicle - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
Game Notes (PDF) - YSU Sports
YSU vs OSU Notes - YSU Sports
Team Preview - The Lantern
Team Preview - ESPN U
Team Preview - Vegas Insider
Team Preview - NAME
Team Preview - Bucknuts (Premium)
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2008 Position Breakdown/Outlook - YSU Sports
2008 Media Guide (Links to PDF Files) - YSU Sports
News Releases - YSU Sports
2008 Schedule - YSU Sports
2008 Roster - YSU Sports
2008 Statistics - YSU Sports
Travel:
Home Game
Preseason RankingsStudent Newspaper - The Jambar
Official Athletic Site - YSUSports.com
Official Conference Site - Missouri Valley Football Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Pete Penguin's Pitch 'N' Post (Independent)
Message Board - Penguin Zone (Independent)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Rivals/Yahoo Sports
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - WIKI
Local News Sources:
The Vindicator - Local News
The Tribune Chronicle - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
Game Notes (PDF) - YSU Sports
YSU vs OSU Notes - YSU Sports
Team Preview - The Lantern
Team Preview - ESPN U
Team Preview - Vegas Insider
Team Preview - NAME
Team Preview - Bucknuts (Premium)
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2008 Position Breakdown/Outlook - YSU Sports
2008 Media Guide (Links to PDF Files) - YSU Sports
News Releases - YSU Sports
2008 Schedule - YSU Sports
2008 Roster - YSU Sports
2008 Statistics - YSU Sports
Travel:
Home Game
2007 FCS Preseason Rankings
#12 Sports Network
#12 FCS Coaches Poll
Preseason Watch Lists#12 FCS Coaches Poll
No FCS Lists
Preseason Accolades
Sports Network Preseason All-America Team
Mychal Savage, DT - Youngstown State
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Finalist
Brian Mellott - Youngstown State
2008 Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Poll
by Coaches, Media & SIDs
1. North Dakota State (13) 289
2. Northern Iowa (15) 275
3. Youngstown State (1) 209
4. Western Illinois (4) 202
5. Southern Illinois (2) 201
6. South Dakota State 149
7. Missouri State 105
8. Illinois State 104
9. Indiana State 41
2008 Gateway Conference Preseason Team
by Coaches, Media & SIDs
OFFENSE
QB Cody Kirby, Missouri State
RB Herb Donaldson, Western Illinois
RB Tyler Roehl, North Dakota State
FB Javid Milton, Western Illinois
WR Johnny Gray, Northern Iowa
WR Ferlando Williams, Youngstown State
TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State
OL David Arkin, Missouri State
OL Keith Buckman, North Dakota State
OL Aaron Lockwood, Southern Illinois
OL Brad Samsa, Youngstown State
OL Kevin Robling, South Dakota State
PK Taylor Rowan, Western Illinois
DEFENSE
DL James Cloud, Southern Illinois
DL Mark Huygens, Northern Iowa
DL Josh Galloway, Western Illinois
DL Joe Lardinois, North Dakota State
DL James Ruffin, Northern Iowa
DL Mychal Savage, Youngstown State
LB De'Veon Harris, Northern Iowa
LB Ramon Humber, North Dakota State
LB Brandin Jordan, Southern Illinois
LB Jason Williams, Western Illinois
DB Darrell Lloyd, Northern Iowa
DB Tom Nelson, Illinois State
DB Nick Schommer, North Dakota State
DB Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois
P Scott Ravanesi, Southern Illinois
RS Johnny Gray, Northern Iowa
Honorable Mention:
QB Ryan Berry (South Dakota State); RB Corey Lewis (Northern Iowa); FB Tyler Jangula (North Dakota State); WR Kole Heckendorf (North Dakota State); TE Derrick Bush (Youngstown State); TE Jerimiah Wurbacher (North Dakota State); OL Jack Byrne (Indiana State); OL Shawn Smith (Southern Illinois); PK Brian Palmer (Youngstown State); DL Danny Batten (South Dakota State), DL Eric Schroeder (South Dakota State); DB Chauncey Mixon (Southern Illinois); LB Jimmy Rogers (South Dakota State), DB Robert Hodges (Western Illinois); RS Shamen Washington (North Dakota State).
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Finalist
Brian Mellott - Youngstown State
2008 Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Poll
by Coaches, Media & SIDs
1. North Dakota State (13) 289
2. Northern Iowa (15) 275
3. Youngstown State (1) 209
4. Western Illinois (4) 202
5. Southern Illinois (2) 201
6. South Dakota State 149
7. Missouri State 105
8. Illinois State 104
9. Indiana State 41
2008 Gateway Conference Preseason Team
by Coaches, Media & SIDs
OFFENSE
QB Cody Kirby, Missouri State
RB Herb Donaldson, Western Illinois
RB Tyler Roehl, North Dakota State
FB Javid Milton, Western Illinois
WR Johnny Gray, Northern Iowa
WR Ferlando Williams, Youngstown State
TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State
OL David Arkin, Missouri State
OL Keith Buckman, North Dakota State
OL Aaron Lockwood, Southern Illinois
OL Brad Samsa, Youngstown State
OL Kevin Robling, South Dakota State
PK Taylor Rowan, Western Illinois
DEFENSE
DL James Cloud, Southern Illinois
DL Mark Huygens, Northern Iowa
DL Josh Galloway, Western Illinois
DL Joe Lardinois, North Dakota State
DL James Ruffin, Northern Iowa
DL Mychal Savage, Youngstown State
LB De'Veon Harris, Northern Iowa
LB Ramon Humber, North Dakota State
LB Brandin Jordan, Southern Illinois
LB Jason Williams, Western Illinois
DB Darrell Lloyd, Northern Iowa
DB Tom Nelson, Illinois State
DB Nick Schommer, North Dakota State
DB Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois
P Scott Ravanesi, Southern Illinois
RS Johnny Gray, Northern Iowa
Honorable Mention:
QB Ryan Berry (South Dakota State); RB Corey Lewis (Northern Iowa); FB Tyler Jangula (North Dakota State); WR Kole Heckendorf (North Dakota State); TE Derrick Bush (Youngstown State); TE Jerimiah Wurbacher (North Dakota State); OL Jack Byrne (Indiana State); OL Shawn Smith (Southern Illinois); PK Brian Palmer (Youngstown State); DL Danny Batten (South Dakota State), DL Eric Schroeder (South Dakota State); DB Chauncey Mixon (Southern Illinois); LB Jimmy Rogers (South Dakota State), DB Robert Hodges (Western Illinois); RS Shamen Washington (North Dakota State).
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
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