Playing the numbers game

By Joe Scalzo | November 4, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Last season, Youngstown State coach Eric Wolford got a voodoo doll in the mail from a YSU fan, hoping to offer protection to the Penguins against Northern Iowa.

“For about two minutes and [27] seconds, I thought it was actually gonna work,” joked Wolford, whose team took the lead with 2:27 left in the fourth quarter last year against UNI, only to give it back 19 seconds later in a 34-30 loss at Stambaugh Stadium. “I should have known better.”

Youngstown State has been playing football for 71 years and no team has more wins against the Penguins than the Panthers, who are 19-6 in the series.

Number of seasons since Youngstown State last defeated Northern Iowa, a 28-24 victory in 2000 — Jim Tressel’s last season.

“It’s a stat,” Penguins quarterback Kurt Hess said. “We hear about it but we don’t think too much on it. They’ve had our number for awhile. I think history may repeat itself, it may go a different way for the next 10 years. You never know.”

Number of Panthers on NFL rosters.

YSU has two: WR Donald Jones (Bills) and CB Brandian Ross (Packers practice squad).

“They obviously know what they’re doing recruiting-wise,” Wolford said.

Number of games in the series decided by four points or fewer, including last year’s 34-30 UNI win at Stambaugh Stadium.

YSU has won just one of those eight.

Number of points scored by the Penguins in their last visit to Cedar Falls.

YSU has not scored more than 13 points in its last five visits to the UNI-Dome.

Number of league titles won by UNI since YSU joined the league in 1997.

The Penguins have won two league titles in that span.

League titles won by UNI coach Mark Farley. The Panthers have won 14 total.

“Coach Farley has done a great job there building a program that’s stocked with talent,” said Wolford.

Number of national titles won by YSU in six FCS championship game appearances.

The Panthers 0-1 in the FCS title game, losing to Appalachian State in their only appearance in 2005.

Number of YSU wins in Cedar Falls, out of 12 games.

The last YSU road win against the Panthers came in 1999.

Youngstown State’s ranking, out of 120 schools, in total offense with 482 yards per game.

UNI is 47th at 373 yard per game. Lehigh is first at 491.

Number of road wins under Wolford, who is 1-7 away from Stambaugh Stadium.

Number of these statistics that will matter on Saturday.

“It’s just one game at a time,” said Hess, “and we’re hoping we go get this one.”