YSU line earns MVC honors

It opened holes all game on Saturday, clearing the way for two 100-yard rushers.

ST. LOUIS — Youngstown State’s entire offensive line was cited by the Missouri Valley Football Conference Monday.

Senior center Brad Samsa, senior tackle Tyler Booth, senior guard Nhemie Theodore, sophomore tackle Bobby Coates and sophomore guard Eric Rodemoyer were named the offensive linemen of the week for their performance in the Penguins’ 32-24 victory over No. 2-ranked North Dakota State Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium.

The Penguins had two 100-yard rushers and gained 340 yards on the ground.

YSU came into the game averaging 111.7 yards per contest on the ground. NDSU came into the game allowing just 145 yards per game on the ground.

Kamryn Keys rushed for 146 yards and Jabari Scott added 120, as the Penguins finished with a season-high 441 yards of total offense.

Keys became the first YSU freshman since 1996 to rush for more than 100 yards in a game. It was Scott’s second straight game of over 100 yards.

All five linemen and tight end Derrick Bush earned a winning performance grade from the YSU coaching staff.

The Penguins’ win didn’t resonate as clearly with the poll voters.

Youngstown State moved up just one spot, to 23rd, in the FCS coaches poll, and remained out of the top 25, in 27th place, in the Sports Network FCS poll.

The Penguins (2-2, 1-1 MVFC) go out of conference for the final time this season Saturday at 6 p.m. when they play host to Liberty at Stambaugh Stadium.

Richmond (3-1) moved up to No. 1 in the Sports Network poll following Appalachian State’s 35-32 loss to James Madison, which moved up from No. 5 to No. 2.

Appalachian State is No. 3, followed by Montana and Northern Iowa. North Dakota State fell to No. 10.

In the coaches poll, James Madison is No. 1, followed by Richmond, Montana, Appalachian State and Northern Iowa.

North Dakota State slipped to No. 7 following its loss to the Penguins.

Other MVFC teams in the polls are Southern Illinois (No. 15 in the Sports Network and No. 13 in the coaches poll); South Dakota State (No. 20, No. 18) and Western Illinois (No. 22, No. 21).

Liberty is ranked No. 25 in the Sports Network poll and No. 26 in the coaches poll.