Crowd count: The announced crowd of 14,143 was just that, since about half that many fans actually

Crowd count: The announced crowd of 14,143 was just that, since about half that many fans actually showed up for the contest. Weather was a major factor, although the rain did stop just before the opening kickoff. The Penguins announced earlier in the week a pre-game sale of more than 13,000 tickets. The fact that the Penguins and Marauders, a Division II opponent, were both winless probably didn’t help the attendance.

It’s been awhile: When junior quarterback Brandon Summers hit senior wide receiver with a 65-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter it was the longest touchdown pass from scrimmage for the Penguins since November of 2005 when Tom Zetts tossed a 72-yard scoring pass against Southern Illinois. The punt return for a touchdown by De’Angelo Wilson was the first by a Penguin since the 2006 season when Jason Perry returned one 64 yards against Indiana State.

Penalty prone: Central State came into Saturday’s contest averaging 13 penalties a game and 124 yards. They did much better against the Penguins, but still were flagged nine times for 71 yards, including back-to-back personal fouls for grabbing the facemask on YSU’s first touchdown drive.

Defensively: The Penguins’ newest defensive starter, junior Jamie Frasure at end, led the team with six total tackles, including two for losses. YSU finished the game with seven tackles for losses totalling 24 yards and one sack. Redshirt freshman John Sasson and junior Roger Gillum were both credited with forced fumbles.

Big difference: In the first half YSU held a 21-0 lead, but were out-gained 153 to 138 in total yards and Central State had the football for almost 20 minutes to just over 10 minutes for the Penguins. The final totals had the Penguins with 346 yards to 198 for the Marauders and time of possession in favor of the Penguins 30:15 to 29:45.

Up next: Next Saturday the Penguins will be at home again when they take on No. 2-ranked North Dakota State (2-1) in a 6 p.m. kickoff at Stambaugh Stadium. It will also be a Missouri Valley Football Conference matchup. The Bisons lost a heartbreaking 16-13 contest to FBS Wyoming on Saturday on a last-second field goal.

Pete Mollica