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YSU ROUNDUP
YSU ROUNDUP
Big game ahead: Thanks to Indiana State’s loss to South Dakota State and Northern Iowa’s upset of North Dakota State, the Penguins (7-3, 4-2) dropped into a tie with UNI for third place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference standings behind NDSU and Illinois State. If YSU wins in Saturday’s home finale against Indiana State, it will be in good position for a playoff berth. If not, the Penguins will be forced to beat North Dakota State on the road in the finale. “Every game is very important from now on,” junior WR Andrew Williams said. “This [Saturday’s loss to Illinois State] was an important game but the upcoming games are very important.” Added senior safety Donald D’Alesio, “Next week is a big game for our program. We’ll see how we bounce back from a loss. We’ve got to keep fighting. We’ve got to find a way to win.” The Penguins haven’t made the postseason since 2006, when they advanced to the national semifinals. YSU has missed the playoffs by one game each of the last three seasons, falling in the season finale in both 2011 and 2013. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had a big game coming up that we felt like we had to win,” Wolford said.
Topping the century mark: Running back Martin Ruiz rushed 18 times for 106 yards, surpassing 100 yards for the 12th time in his 22-game career. Wide receiver Andrew Williams tied a YSU record with his third straight 100-yard game. Bob Ferranti also had three straight in 1970. “I try not to think about the yardage,” Williams said. “I’m always just trying to get the win.”
Rivers gets another: Sophomore DE Derek Rivers sacked ISU quarterback Tre Roberson on YSU’s first defensive play, giving him 13 sacks for the season. Only two Penguins have had more in a single season: Harry Deligianis (17 in 1997) and Jermaine Hopkins (15 in 1994). In last week’s win over South Dakota, Rivers tied a YSU single-game record with four sacks. Rivers had just 10 total tackles last season.
This and that: YSU has lost four straight games at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State has won 11 straight home games overall. ... Redbirds offensive coordinator Kurt Beathard was YSU’s wide receivers coach last season. ... CB Julius Childs and LB Jaylin Kelly each had 10 tackles to lead YSU.