YSU’s plan today: Stay focused

By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

After playing its best opponent of the season in week 1, Youngstown State plays its worst in week 2.

So, how do the Penguins avoid a letdown?

“We go in every week ... thinking the competition gets better,” said freshman receiver Christian Bryan, whose team plays host to Valparaiso in today’s home opener. “That’s all mental up in here. You can’t [think], ‘All right we played Michigan State last week and now we’re playing Valpo.’ Because if you start thinking like that, you might come out a little bit flat, you might take the game a little light.”

YSU is coming off a 28-6 loss to Michigan State in which the game was still in doubt until eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders are coming off a 49-35 loss to Division III Franklin.

Barring an upset of historic proportions, the Penguins will snap an eight-game losing streak and Valparaiso will lose its 22nd straight.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we play the same way,” said Penguins coach Eric Wolford. “That’s at a high level with tremendous passion. Expect to win, play hard, outhit people, play smart, good football. Play Youngstown State football.

“That’s what I want to see us do. Doesn’t matter who we play. Come play the way we’re capable of and get after people.”

The Crusaders gained 463 yards of total offense last week, their highest output in almost four years. Redshirt freshman quarterback Eric Hoffman completed 27 of 42 passes for 394 yards in his first start and the Penguins’ young secondary and emerging pass rush will be in the spotlight today.

“I like that type of challenge,” said senior defensive end Daniel Stewart, who had a sack against Michigan State. “When a team says we can pass the ball over the defense, as a defensive lineman, that’s an added bonus that I just get up field and do my pass rush.”

The Penguins open league play next week at home against Illinois State, so today’s game gives them an opportunity to play a lot of young players and work on any mistakes they made against the Spartans.

Wolford said he expects a good atmosphere for the home opener and vowed not to take the Crusaders for granted.

“They’re trying to get their shot too,” he said. “We’ve got to be ready to play.

“They want to get a win too. They haven’t had one in awhile, either.”