YSU tries to extend Ind. St.’s streak

The Sycamores have lost 30 consecutive games dating back to the 2006 season.

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — It’s Family Day here at Memorial Stadium as the Indiana State Sycamores try to snap the nation’s longest losing streak when they play host to Youngstown State in a 12:05 p.m. kickoff.

The Sycamores are 0-4 this season and have lost 30 straight games dating back to the 2006 season and they certainly haven’t had an easy time with the Penguins.

YSU has won 17 of the 18 meetings between the teams, including the last 12 in a row. The Penguins have never lost at Memorial Stadium in nine contests.

Still, the Sycamores gave the Penguins a battle in last season’s contest, building a 21-7 second quarter lead, before the Penguins battled back and won 35-21 at Stambaugh Stadium.

Indiana State’s only victory in the series came at Stambaugh Stadium back in 1995, 13-6.

The Penguins are 9-3 all-time in Missouri Valley Football Conference openers and seven of those 12 openers have been on the road where the Penguins are 4-3.

Indiana State dropped its conference opener last week at South Dakota State, 41-0.

The Penguins bring a 2-1 record into the contest, but in the past two games they have allowed a touchdown before the defense has ever set foot on the field. Two weeks ago they had a blocked punt which was recovered for a touchdown off the opening drive and last week they had their first punt returned 76 yards for a touchdown by Northeastern.

Statistically the Sycamores have struggled and the last two weeks have been held under 100 yards in total offense. They have scored just three touchdowns in their first four games.

Three other MVC conference battles will take place today. Western Illinois has the bye this week.

Missouri State (2-1) will play host to Northern Iowa (2-1) in a 2 p.m. kickoff in Springfield, Mo. The Panthers, who own a 24-5 lead in the series, have won the last three contests, including a 42-0 rout a year ago.

Southern Illinois (1-1) will be at home against North Dakota State (1-2) in a 7 p.m. kickoff in Carbondale, Ill. The Salukis hold a 2-1 edge in the series including a 35-27 win last year. Southern Illinois is ranked No. 3 nationally in scoring offense, while the Bisons are ranked No. 6.

Illinois State (1-2) will play host to the red-hot South Dakota State Jackrabbits in an 8 p.m. kickoff in Normal, Ill. The Jackrabbits, who won a year ago 52-21 in the first meeting, leads the nation in scoring defense (3.0 ppg.) and rushing defense (18.0 ypg.).

mollica@vindy.com