Failure to communicate hurt Penguins

October 17, 2014 at 12:07a.m.

Breakdowns in communication proved costly

in YSU’s loss to Western Illinois last week

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State suffered from “Cool Hand Luke” syndrome in last week’s loss to Western Illinois, with failure to communicate leading to breakdowns at crucial times.

“To be really basic, it was just communication,” senior tight end Nate Adams said. “From an execution standpoint, we played a fairly good game on Saturday. We had some communication breakdowns, whether it be on offense, defense, special teams, but it’s all correctable things that we are working on this week.”

Junior linebacker Dubem Nwadiogbu said the stadium got loud on several plays, forcing the defensive players to use hand signals in the back seven.

“We practice it [playing in noise] all the time,” he said. “We practice different hand signs, we make sure know what doing, we all need to be on same page. We just didn’t get it done on Saturday.”

Two breakdowns from Saturday stick out, both leading to touchdowns. The first came right after WIU’s successful fake punt early in the third quarter. Leathernecks quarterback Trenton Norvell completed a 35-yard touchdown pass down the right sideline to Joey Borsellino, who was side open by 10 yards. Cornerback Nate Dortch was the nearest player, but it’s unclear whether he missed an assignment or was expecting safety help.

Minutes later, on a third-and-goal at the YSU 3, Norvell connected with wide receiver Hi-C Scott, who was completely uncovered on the left side of the end zone.

YSU coach Eric Wolford said the staff has always emphasized communication and said Saturday’s game can serve as a learning experience.

“That’s something that just can’t happen,” he said of the breakdowns. “If you execute what we have called, it’s a pretty good call and you’ve probably got a pretty good chance for success.”

When asked why communication breakdowns are happening halfway through the season, Wolford said Saturday’s game was the first time it “glaringly” showed up.

“You just can’t assume that [a teammate] knows exactly what you’re thinking and sees the same thing you see,” Wolford said. “It cost us a game. When it costs you a game, there’s nothing more important than a football game right now at this point and when you lose a game like that, it’s a wake-up call, really, for your team.”

MVFC honors ex-Penguins

Five former Penguins earned honorable mention on the Missouri Valley’s Top 30 list, which ranked the top three players in Valley history at 10 different positions, as voted on by a league panel.

Quarterback Kurt Hess (2010-13), running back Jamaine Cook (2009-12), offensive lineman Chris Elkins (2010-13), linebacker Tim Johnson (1999-00) and defensive back Jason Perry (2004-06) earned honorable mention. No Penguins made the top three at any position.

The Penguins’ 2012 victory over Pitt was voted the second-best win over an FBS school. North Dakota State’s win over Kansas State last season was No. 1.

This is the 30th season for the league. YSU joined the then-Gateway Conference in 1997.

To see the winners by position, visit valley-football.org.

Versatile Adams

After DE/LB/FB Desmond Williams was ejected on the first play of last Saturday’s game, the Penguins inserted Adams at fullback for short-yardage situations and he delivered, carrying twice for 19 yards. Both plays went for first downs.

Tight end Carson Sharbaugh played a similar role last season as YSU doesn’t carry a true fullback on the roster.

“I like getting the ball in my hands whether it’s through a pass or on the ground,” said Adams, who has also caught five passes for 60 yards and two TDs. “That’s first time since about seventh grade I got to run the ball, so that was pretty fun for me.

“I wasn’t too nervous. When you know you’re getting your number called, that’s definitely a good thing.”

Will he be asking for toss sweeps this week?

“I don’t exactly have that breakaway speed on the outside, so I’ll stick to the middle, hopefully,” he said, laughing.