Coach likes where YSU is headed

By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

There were times last year when YSU coach Eric Wolford felt like he was driving a tractor in a NASCAR race.

He doesn’t anymore.

“Athletically, I think we’re in the game,” he said. “You’ve got to be in the game. Bill Belichick coached the Cleveland Browns at one time, you know what I’m saying?

“Don’t ever kid yourself. You’ve got to have players to be in the game. From there you can get into strategy. I feel like we’re in the game now.”

After going 1-7 in the league last year with several heart-breaking losses — none worse than against today’s opponent, Illinois State — Wolford believes he’s opening his second Missouri Valley slate with better size, athleticism and depth.

Redbirds coach Brock Spack agreed.

“We’re in for quite a test,” said Spack, whose team beat YSU 41-39 last year on a last-second touchdown pass. “They’re a vastly improved team.

“They were good last year and they’re where you think the second year of your program should be, which is a lot better.”

Whether that translates into more wins remains to be seen. The Penguins started 3-1 last year after an impressive win over Southern Illinois. But seven straight losses — most of them coming after coughing up fourth quarter leads — highlighted the team’s weaknesses, particularly on defense.

When asked if his team is where he wants it to be, Wolford said, “I think we’re getting closer.”

After drawing just over 14,000 in last week’s home opening win over Valparaiso, the Penguins sold more than 17,000 tickets through Thursday and are hoping for at least 18,000 fans today, particularly with general admission tickets priced at $5.

“It should be a great environment,” Wolford said. “On third down, we need to hear the Ice Castle roar and give us a home field advantage.

“I feel like we have the best home environment of anybody. Obviously, I haven’t been to a couple places on the road yet but I expect the community to be out in full force. We need to go out and give them something to cheer about.”

Spack expects as much.

“It’s obviously a tough venue to play at,” he said. “There’s great tradition there. They’re a national power in FCS football.

“I think it’ll be a lot of fun for their players and for ours to play in that kind of environment.”