Big day for YSU vs. ISU

It’s homecoming and Hall of Fame Day at Stambaugh
Stadium.

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — Today is a big day at Stambaugh Stadium.

The Youngstown State football team will take on Illinois State in a Gateway Conference battle beginning at 4 p.m.

It is also the school’s homecoming and the YSU Athletics Hall of Fame induction.

Eight former YSU athletes, including three football All-Americans, will be inducted in Kilcawley Center at 11:30 a.m.

Former YSU standouts Harry Deligianis (1994-97), Matt Hogg (1994-97) and Todd Kollar (1994-97) will headline the new class.

Also being inducted are former YSU women’s basketball standout Liz Hauger (1993-97), volleyball star Julie Meese (1986-89), basketball standout Troy Williams (1981-85), track standout Keith Gorby (1990-94) and contributor Ray Briya.

The Penguins have been successful playing on homecoming, comprising a record of 47-17-1, but they have also lost three of their last four games, including a 31-21 decision to Northern Iowa last year.

YSU (5-2, 1-1 Gateway) holds the series edge over the Redbirds (3-4, 1-2) winning nine times and losing seven, but the Penguins have won the last three meetings, including two last season, 27-13 in the regular season and 28-21 in the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs at Stambaugh Stadium.

The Penguins have won 20 of their last 21 home games, including the last eight in a row.

“I’ve always said that there is something magical about this place and we are always excited to be playing at home in front of our fans,” said coach Jon Heacock.

Probably the biggest game in the Gateway Conference today will be at Macomb, Ill.,

Unbeaten Northern Iowa (6-0, 2-0) will travel to meet Western Illinois (5-2, 2-0) for the outright lead in the conference standings in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Panthers hold a commanding lead in the series 23-12, but the Leathernecks won last year in the UNIDome 24-13.

Northern Iowa has won three straight meetings in Macomb and hasn’t lost there since 1999.

Missouri State (4-3, 1-2) and Southern Illinois (6-1, 2-1) will both be trying to rebound from losses last week when they clash in Carbondale, Ill., in a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Bears have the lead in he series 16-13, but the Salukis have won four straight including a 27-17 victory a year ago.

Winless Indiana State (0-7, 0-3) will step out of the conference to meet former Gateway member Western Kentucky at Terre Haute, Ind., in a 2 p.m. kickoff.

The Sycamores lost 41-3 a year ago to the Hilltoppers, who are now members of the Sun Belt Conference. Western has won 11 straight in the series.

mollica@vindy.com