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YSU looking ahead to home opener vs. RMU
Robert Morris is next
for Penguins after OT loss to Pittsburgh
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
After registering five catches for 124 yards and adding another 32 rushing yards on three carries in his college debut last Saturday, Youngstown State freshman Christian Turner is already drawing comparisons to former Penguins standout Jody Webb.
A 28-21 overtime loss last Saturday to Pittsburgh might have cast a pall on YSU’s comeback from a 21-0 deficit, but Turner’s performance might have givens fans a glimpse of what is to come.
Turner, a Cincinnati native, wearing Webb’s familiar No. 20 is most humbling.
“I wore No. 21 in high school and when I heard I was going to be No. 20, I was like, ooh. I just knew they would compare us because we’re the same type of back,” Turner said. “I might be a little heavier, but I’d like to model my game after his. He was a tremendous athlete and I love being compared to him because he was such a good player. I consider him a role model.”
Having an immediate impact was one of Turner’s goals.
“That’s what I dreamed about. This is just me, living out my dreams and all the goals that I set back in the summer while working out every day,” he said. “I had hoped to come in and make an immediate impact, like on Saturday, so this is just everything that I hoped to do.”
While the outcome wasn’t what the Penguins had hoped for against the Panthers, taking a 21-0 halftime deficit and forcing overtime is something on which the team can build.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but showed a lot of heart so we’re going to build off that for the rest of the season,” Turner said.
Nickelback Avery Larkin registered a solo and assist in the season opener.
“We made a lot of mental mistakes, had some missed assignments, missed hits and just common mistakes for a first game,” Larkin said. “We’ll go into this week’s game looking to fix those mistakes while looking to play faster and harder.”
Despite the loss, Larkin called the season opener a confidence builder.
“It wasn’t great the first two quarters, but we pulled it together at the half and started to find our way,” he said. “We built momentum, now we’re looking this week to stay strong and focused. We’ll prepare this week the same way we did last week. It’s all business and each week we approach it the same way.”
Larkin said the Colonials’ offense will be a challenge
“They do some weird stuff in that they line their receivers out wide and are a difficult offense,” Larkin said. “They’re a typical spread offense. I’m just excited to be playing in front of our fans and hoping for a big turnout.”
Tight end Shane Kuhn said limiting mistakes will be key, but is most happy to return to the friendly confines of Stambaugh Stadium, where they went a perfect 8-0 a season ago.
“We had a pretty good season at home last year and want to keep that streak alive,” Kuhn said. “We gained confidence despite the loss and it shows a lot about our team. No one wants to lose no matter who it is or what it is. There’s definitely a lot to look forward to this season.”
Head coach Bo Pelini said his team showed character against the Panthers.
“You appreciate that aspect of it.” Pelini said. “There were some good things and some positives, but a lot of things that we need to get fixed and tighten down on. Across the board you learn things about how guys are going to react when the lights come on.
“It gives you a starting point to build on and we’ll do that. That’s our challenge as we go through the season — to keep getting better, find the things that we need to get fixed, get them fixed and keep progressing to become a better football team.
“That’s the challenge we have in front of us this week.”