YSU Strong finish is sought

The Penguins haven't won at Hanson Field in Macomb, Ill., since 1982.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
MACOMB, Ill. -- There's not much the Youngstown State football team can do about the current season, but the Penguins can do wonders for the future with a strong finish.
The Penguins take a 3-6 record (1-4 Gateway) into today's conference matchup against Western Illinois at Hanson Field. Kickoff is set for 2:05 p.m.
A second straight losing season has been assured because of the Penguins' midseason struggles, but a strong finish could go a long way in building for next season when the Penguins should return 14 of their 22 starters.
Family Weekend
The Leathernecks (4-5, 2-3) have also struggled this season, but they are hoping the Family Weekend atmosphere will help snap a two-game losing streak.
"Western Illinois is a good football team," YSU coach Jon Heacock said, "and they protect their home field very well."
All four of the Leathernecks' victories this season have come at Hanson Field, where they've won 13 of their past 15 games.
YSU has not won at Hanson Field since 1982 when they defeated the Leathernecks 28-20. The Penguins are 3-7 there all-time.
Today will be the second time this season the Penguins will be playing on natural grass. The other was a 24-20 loss at McNeese State.
"Playing on grass is to their advantage," Heacock said. "We've practiced a couple times on our grass practice field to prepare."
Elsewhere
In other Gateway action today, Southern Illinois, the top-ranked team in Division I-AA, will try to clinch at least a share of its second straight conference championship.
The Salukis (8-1, 5-0) travel to Illinois State (4-4, 2-3) for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill.
SIU won last year's matchup 45-17 and leads the series 33-30-3. Illinois State has won the last three contests played in Normal.
Western Kentucky (6-2, 4-1) is trying to hang with the Salukis as the Hilltoppers are at Southwest Missouri State (5-4, 2-3).
WKU has a five-game winning streak over the Bears going into today's 2 p.m. kickoff at Plaster Field in Springfield, Mo.
A year ago
The Hilltoppers lead the series 5-2 and eked out a 9-6 victory a year ago in Bowling Green, Ky.
Northern Iowa (4-4, 3-2) has bounced back from a disastrous start to win two straight and will travel to meet Indiana State today at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Terra Haute, Ind.
The Panthers, who lead the overall series 22-14, have won 12 of the last 13 games between the teams, with the win for the Sycamores coming in 2002 at Memorial Stadium, 21-19.
mollica@vindy.com