NOTEBOOK YSU vs. Southern Illinois

No scoring punch: The last time the Penguins scored less than 2 points in a game was in 2002 when they were shut out by Western Illinois 19-0 in Macomb, Ill.
Attendance: The crowd was pretty good, but nowhere near the 16,837 that was announced. And if it wasn't for the post-game fireworks show by Phantom Fireworks, a lot more fans would have probably left by halftime.
Injuries: With senior Nick Terracina nursing a pulled groin muscle, sophomore punter Joe Bishop handled the kickoff duties for the Penguins. Sophomore fullback Demetrius Ison and sophomore center Ryan Jewell, both not expected to play Saturday, started and played the entire way. The Penguins lost sophomore wide receiver Tyler Morton and junior long snapper Tanner Dunlap with injuries during the game. Freshman linebacker James Terry did not dress because of bruised ribs.
Lots of penalties: There were 25 penalties called in the contest, 17 of them against Southern Illinois for 140 yards, while the Penguins were hit with eight penalties for 84 yards. Four of the penalties were either unsportsmanlike or personal fouls, which is going against the Gateway's new sportsmanship policy put into effect this year. Before each conference game the two teams line up with a handshake involving all the players and coaches, although all the Southern Illinois coaches didn't take part on Saturday.
Defensively: Sophomore linebacker Marty Hutchinson led the Penguins in tackles with a game-high 12, while senior Herb Jones and sophomore Jeremiah Wright had eight each. Freshman linebacker Jeff Koval had four stops, including two for losses, while senior Mike Bracken had the Penguins' lone interception.
Up next: The Penguins will be at home again next Saturday when they entertain Northern Iowa in another Gateway battle at Stambaugh Stadium at 4 p.m. It will also be the annual homecoming game, and the YSU Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be introduced at halftime.
Pete Mollica