YSU notebook

Webb’s big day: With his outstanding performance on Saturday — two kick return touchdowns and a 26-yard rushing TD — YSU’s Jody Webb worked his way into the record books.

Most notably, the junior running back became the second player in MVFC history to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in the same game, as Rory Lee of Western Illinois also did so in 1993. Meanwhile, the last time a YSU player returned a kickoff for a TD was Dominque Barnes in 2007 vs. Missouri State, while the 93-yards he returned both kickoffs from mark the longest TD returns in Penguins history.

“Both times I was just trying to make a play,” said Webb, who also scored two touchdowns last week. “Due to the bad weather, a few guys hit the ground and I took advantage of it. It’s just about believing in your teammates. I seen a few guys in good position to make a block and I went for it.”

Sudden snowfall: After a clear Friday, Terre Haute, Ind., received a thick and heavy snowfall Saturday morning. It completely covered the Memorial Stadium field, as snowplows were required pregame to uncover the yard lines. Early on, the conditions seemed to slow down players from both teams — minus YSU’s Webb and ISU’s Matt Adam — before the snow stopped midway through the first quarter. The field then cleared up, somewhat, as the game progressed.

Seniors wrap careers: Eight Penguins seniors played their last game for YSU: Tre’ Moore (safety), Andre Stubbs (receiver) Demond Hymes (running back), Kenneth Durden (cornerback), Terrell Williams (defensive end), Andrew Williams (receiver), Emmanuel Kromah (defensive tackle) and Steve Zaborsky (defensive tackle). Junior defensive end Derek Rivers was emotional for his upperclassmen.

“We didn’t want to go out like that for our seniors,” said Rivers, who finished with five tackles and a sack. “I love every single one of them seniors in there. When I came in, they showed me the ropes. So I wanted to do everything I could in my power to send them out right.”

A different unsportsmanlike Pelini: A week after Bo Pelini was reprimanded by the MVFC for earning two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties at the end of a loss to North Dakota State (foul language toward refs), he was pretty calm on Saturday. However, another Pelini — Bo’s brother Carl, YSU’s co-defensive coordinator — let his anger get the best of him and picked up an unsportsmanlike flag.

With 2:48 left in the 2nd quarter, ISU quarterback Adam appeared to fumble on a pass attempt, as Penguins cornerback Kenneth Durden then scooped the ball and returned it for a touchdown. But the play was called back and ruled an incomplete pass, setting off Carl Pelini. The flag gave the Sycamores 15 yards and a first down, although they eventually punted to end the drive.

Steve Wilaj