Penguins remain rushing power

Seven backs ran for 315 yards against Missouri State.

By CHUCK HOUSTEAU

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

YOUNGSTOWN — Last season, the Youngstown State offense relied on the talents of running back Marcus Mason to lead them to a Gateway Conference championship and a postseason appearance.

The Penguins don’t have their 1,847-yard rusher back for this season, but that hasn’t slowed the YSU running attack after five games.

In the 49-21 victory over Missouri State in the Gateway Conference opener at Stambaugh Stadium Saturday night, seven Penguin backs combined to rush for 315 yards on 51 carries.

Junior College transfer Kevin Smith led the Penguins with 102 yards in 15 carries to become the first YSU ballcarrier to rush for more than 100 yards this season.

Scott out

Smith started in place of sophomore Jabari Scott, who leads the Penguins in rushing this season with 302 yards. Scott has a game-high 99 yards rushing against Stony Brook on his resume.

Scott was hampered with a hamstring injury and was unavailable Saturday night.

“I just went out there and tried my best,” Smith said about his first extended action of the season. “We have a lot of great backs behind us who can all get the job done.”

So far this year, the Penguins have been successful by using the “running back by committee” approach.

"I think there’s some competition,” YSU coach Jon Heacock said. “I think it keeps the defense off balance. I think there is a lot of different avenues we can go.

“It’s what we thought we could become.”

Other runners

So far this season, Scott and Smith seem to be the leading candidates for most of the carries but Brandon Nicholson and Jordan Edwards have also showed they can run with the football.

Oft-injured Tim Dewberry from Canfield played late in the game and rushed for 43 yards, including the game’s longest gain of 32 yards.

The Penguins have also begun to incorporate the running talents of Ferlando Williams into the offense from the quarterback position.

Williams contributed with 48 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The junior receiver-quarterback also caught two passes for 29 yards.

Fullback Ben Lane also has been a standout on the field with his blocking. Lane caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Zetts to add to the scoring parade against Missouri State.

Versatility

Heacock’s sees a situation where the Penguins can take advantage of all the different talents of the athletes on this team.

“We need to keep fresh guys in there,” Heacock said. “We need to keep them competitive. Keep them hungry and let them go full speed.

“That’s what we’re trying to do and so far the kids have accepted it.”

Running backs coach Sam Eddy is enjoying the luxury of having so much talent to work with this year but admitted that as the season progresses one of the tailbacks will likely settle in and get most of the playing time.

“I’m very pleased with the way everyone is contributing,” Eddy said. “I think that what you will find is that two guys will settle into getting most of the action.

“We also have to find a way to get the ball into the hands of number one [Williams],” Eddy added. “So we have a lot of options.”

Williams is averaging nearly 10 yards every time he touches the ball.