YSU NOTES FROM THE ICE CASTLE

It’s been a while: Vince Gliatta’s 2-yard touchdown run with a blocked punt was the first by a Penguin since the 2001 season when Chris DiMauro turned the trick. It was also the first punt blocked by the Penguins since the 2003 season.

Unlucky Jackrabbits: It marked the second straight week that South Dakota State almost pulled out a win against a Gateway opponent. Last week, they dropped a 29-26, four overtime loss at Western Illinois. And they aren’t through yet as they will meet Northern Iowa this Saturday in Brookings, S.D.

Rory returns: Senior wide receiver Rory Berry, who has been injured since the start of camp, made his 2007 debut against the Jackrabbits and picked right up where he left off. He was the team’s top returning receiver this year and Saturday led the way with six receptions for 49 yards and a couple catches in traffic.

Streak continues: Senior tight end Louis Irizarry continued his streak of having caught a pass in every game he has played for the Penguins. He now has caught a pass in 16 straight games getting three catches for 34 yards against the Jackrabbits.

Defensive standouts: Junior cornerback Jarvis Richards and senior linebacker Jeremiah Wright led the way with eight tackles each, while senior Dorian Chenault added six. Senior linebacker James Terry had five stops including two for losses and one sack. The Penguins finished with five tackles for losses and two sacks on the night. Terry also had three quarterback hurries.

Caught own pass: South Dakota State quarterback Ryan Berry had a big night in only his second game as a starter completing 28 passes including one that he caught himself. Berry’s pass was blocked at the line of scrimmage and the ball went straight up in the air and he dove and caught it at the YSU 4-yard line that led to the Jackrabbits’ first touchdown.

Pete Mollica