43
YSU begins practice today at Stambaugh
By charles grove
Football season has finally arrived and with it brings the first day of Youngstown State’s preseason camp.
The Penguins’ first practice is today from 4-6 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium and practices will continue this weekend on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
YSU and second-year head coach Bo Pelini are looking to bounce back from last season’s 5-6 campaign. The Penguins opened up last season 3-1 before losing five of their last seven games, missing out on the FCS playoffs for the ninth straight year.
Pelini said his team was missing small pieces when the Penguins were able to win close games. YSU lost three games by a total of eight points a season ago. Two of those games were 27-24 defeats at home to North Dakota State and at Indiana State to close out the year.
“I think the mental toughness, the attention to detail and the little things that add up that allow you to survive and win those games were lacking,” Pelini said during an interview from the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s media day.
Pelini went on to say he believes the work his team has put in off the field will have a big impact on the little things this year.
“Every kid wants to win and have good things happen to them but you’ve got to earn that every day,” Pelini said. “It extends off the field. I think last year was a bit of a wake up call for them and sometimes you’ve got to learn your lessons the hard way.”
Hoping to put an end to the postseason drought includes three preseason All-Americans. Defensive lineman Derek Rivers was a first-team selection while defensive back LeRoy Alexander was tabbed to the second team. Kicker Zak Kennedy was named to the third team.
Who will be the starting quarterback is one of, if not the main question of training camp. Hunter Wells, Trent Hosick, Ricky Davis and Nathan Mays are all in contention for the job.
“It’s wide open as far as I’m concerned,” Pelini said. “The guys, in any position, who show they’re willing to play winning and consistent football are going to be the guys you see out there.”