Monday, September 22, 2003
Injuries have forced the Penguins to reshuffle their offensive line.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- In the first two games of this season Youngstown State's veteran offensive line was intact and the Penguins easily rolled up yardage.
Granted, the Penguins were playing against Division II opponents Edinboro and Slippery Rock, but the offense was jelling behind that line.
Then against Edinboro, sophomore center Ryan Jewell went down with a separated shoulder, forcing the Penguins to make some changes in the line.
Last Saturday, sophomore guard Matt Brouse broke a bone in his lower leg and will miss the remainder of the season.
More changes are slated this week as the Penguins prepare to play Florida Atlantic University at 7 p.m. Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium.
Junior tackle Norris Kennedy will move over to Brouse's guard slot and senior Will Sanders will take Kennedy's place.
Junior Brett Steiner took Jewell's spot last week against Kent State. Jewell is expected to miss at least two more games.
The results of the changes last week showed that the Penguins had their worst offensive effort of the year, although the competition was much better.
YSU totaled just 294 total yards, including 180 rushing. The Penguins came into the game averaging well over 400 yards and 300 on the ground.
Optimistic
Coach Jon Heacock is not concerned.
"Our line is still strong and we've been able to get all of our backups plenty of playing time," Heacock said.
"We played our hearts out last week and if it wasn't for the fumbles the outcome might have been different," he added.
"As long as we continue to play hard, we have a chance to win," he said.
Heacock says the Owls (1-2) are a dangerous team.
"They turned it on and beat Middle Tennessee in the opener and lost to one of the best Division II teams in the country in Valdosta State," he said.
"They almost pulled out a win over Central Florida last week."
While the offensive line is weakened, the rest of the Penguins should be healthy for the contest.
Heacock said that he expects sophomore wide receiver T.J. Peterson to be ready this week, along with senior fullback Keland Logan, an Ursuline High graduate.
Peterson injured his knee in camp this fall and has yet to play, while Logan is returning from knee surgery he had in early August.
Nice balance
Sophomore Aaron Marshall and junior Matt Rycraft are both expected to see action at quarterback. Marshall, the starter, has been impressive this year, throwing for five touchdowns and running for another.
The running game has been led by senior Mike Burns, who had 117 yards on 18 carries against Kent State and scored once.
Sophomore Josh Cayson, who had a pair of 100-yard games against Edinboro and Slippery Rock, will be trying to shake off a 10-carry, 27-yard effort against the Golden Flashes.
Sophomore wide receiver Kyle Smith and junior tight end Mike Roberts have been the two top receivers, with eight and seven catches, respectively.
Nine different receivers have caught passes and five of them have TD catches, including sophomore Shawn Carlson, who has two scoring receptions.
The defense has allowed a lot of yardage this season, but the group has been tough in the red zone. Last week against Kent State the Penguins gave up 406 total yards, but only one touchdown.
Junior linebacker Yancey Marcum continues to lead the Penguins in tackles with 35, while freshman linebacker Jeremiah Wright leads the team in tackles for losses with 3.5.
mollica@vindy.com