OSU VS. YSU logo Proud despite loss Penguins made Buckeyes work, OSU’s Tressel says

Pride for YSU team

Obviously disappointed by the outcome, Youngstown State University fans were proud of the football team’s performance against The Ohio State University.

“I figured the outcome would be that way,” said Leon Cox of Boardman, referring to the 38-6 Buckeye victory. “I didn’t think that [OSU Coach Jim] Tressel would run it up on them.”

Cox said he was disappointed with the Penguins’ kicking and punting, but the offense and defense played well.

Tressel’s compliments

Jim Tressel, who spent 15 seasons as the head coach of the Penguins before going to Columbus in 2001, lauded his former team. The Penguins were much more than a scrimmage opponent — making the No. 10-ranked Buckeyes work for everything they got.

YSU held the Buckeyes to 147 yards rushing and their top running back, Chris Wells, to just 46 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown on a 1-yard run. The Penguins couldn’t do a whole lot on offense as they could muster only two field goals the entire afternoon. C1

Facts & figures

The 105,038 fans at Ohio Stadium was the largest crowd that the Penguins have ever played before. It was also the 18th-largest in Ohio Stadium history. The six points the Penguins scored was the most they have ever score against a BCS opponent. Last year the Penguins scored 3 points at Penn State and were shut out against Pitt in 2005.

Lasting impressions

For some YSU football fans, the visit to Ohio Stadium to play the Buckeyes left a lasting impression.

Richard LaBerto of Boardman, a YSU season ticketholder, was amazed at the size of the stadium that holds about 105,000 people.

“No matter how often you see it on TV, it’s different in person,” he said.

Greg Morgione, YSU’s associate general counsel, said there is “an unbelievable atmosphere” for Ohio State University football games.

“There’s not too many places like Ohio State to watch a football game,” he said.

Irizarry’s comeback

YSU tight end Louis Irizarry, an Ursuline High graduate, played his freshman year at Ohio State before getting kicked off the team due to legal problems. Irizarry caught four passes for 19 yards in his return to the Horseshoe. “After the game, I got a chance to talk to him,” said OSU Coach Jim Tressel. “I told him I was proud of the way he was playing. “