Friday, September 24, 2004
Eliminating turnovers is one key area in which the Penguins must improve.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Despite a 1-2 record, Youngstown State coach Jon Heacock thinks the Penguins are getting better.
"I think our guys realize they are getting close," said Heacock.
The Penguins, who have dropped two straight after winning their season opener, will return to action Saturday when they play host to Liberty University (1-2) at 6 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
The biggest thing facing Heacock and the Penguins this week is their ability to hang onto the football.
Last Saturday, in a 24-20 loss at McNeese State, the Penguins turned the football over seven times -- four times on fumbles and three pass interceptions.
And it wasn't just one individual; six players accounted for the seven miscues.
"We've just got to take better care of the football," said Heacock. "It's the only answer I have. We have to concentrate better."
The last time the Penguins had that many turnovers in one game was in 1984 against Western Illinois when they committed eight turnovers in a 48-15 loss at Macomb, Ill.
Offensive line better
Heacock said he was impressed with the improvement on the offensive line.
"Four of the five starters graded out with winning performances," he added. "I thought our defensive unit's attitude was outstanding Saturday night. Despite our turnovers they still gave us an opportunity to win the game."
"Our kicking game is also getting better," he said. "I thought Nick [Terracina] had an outstanding game. His onside kick helped us get back into the contest."
Heacock and his staff still have confidence in redshirt freshman quarterback Tom Zetts, who had an off night against the Cowboys, but will still start Saturday against the Flames.
Junior backup Aaron Marshall led the team to three second half scores, but also threw two interceptions late in the contest. One bright offensive standout was sophomore tailback Monquantae Gibson, who rushed for 168 yards on 23 carries, including a 67-yard touchdown run.
Edgerson to get start
Gibson will be the starter on Saturday, while sophomore transfer Regis Edgerson (6-1, 222) will make his first start at fullback. He'll replace sophomore Demetruis Ison, who has an injured shoulder and will not play.
Junior transfer Ricky Valenzuela, the backup right tackle on offense, was bitten by a bug at McNeese last week and didn't play Saturday. He's expected to be ready for Liberty.
Defensively, sophomore Marty Hutchinson led the Penguins last week with 11 tackles, including a fumble recovery and a forced fumble, and has moved into the starting lineup ahead of junior Mike Andrews.
Heacock said Liberty is a much improved team.
"They are very talented and they like to run the football," he said. "Their quarterback [Paul Troth] is a senior transfer from Division I-A East Carolina and he's a big, strong guy, who can throw it well."
The Penguins defeated the Flames 34-3 a year ago in Lynchburg, Va. They lead the all-time series 4-2.
mollica@vindy.com