YSU notebook

Spring game change: After playing on Saturday afternoons his first two years, YSU coach Eric Wolford moved this year’s Red-White game to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Wolford is trying to draw more fans while avoiding last year’s weather debacle, where a torrential downpour limited the number of plays — and the number of fans. Friday is supposed to be sunny with a high of 64, but if the weather turns nasty, the game may be moved to Saturday afternoon.

Spring game format: Like last year, YSU will play starters against starters, with the starting offense in red jerseys and the starting defense in white jerseys. The backup offense will be in white, with the backup defense in red.

Up next: Wolford said the Penguins will vote on “player representatives” today. With coaches not allowed to lead or attend workouts until August, the player representatives will serve as de-facto captains, leading group workouts. YSU will hold a spring-ending practice on Monday night, with the player representatives leading workouts under coaches’ supervision. “They will actually run the second half of practice,” Wolford said. “The assistant coach can make sure the player is coaching the drill the way it should be coached.”

Few reinforcements expected: Unlike his first two years, Wolford doesn’t expect many incoming freshmen to contribute next fall. Wolford signed 19 players in February, with four already participating this spring. Two others — junior college transfers Dana Harris (a junior OL) and Brandon Davis (a junior DL) — are also candidates to play right away. “Last year we played 21 freshmen,” Wolford said. “We’re hoping those days are over and we can redshirt guys so they can get here and learn the system.”

Tailgating contest: YSU will hold a “Best Tailgate Food” contest before Friday’s game, with the winner receiving prizes to area restaurants as well as sideline passes to YSU’s season opener at Pitt on Sept. 1. The M-24 tailgate lot opens at 5 p.m. For details, call 330-941-1978.

Joe Scalzo