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Margin of error low as YSU starts league play
Margin of error low after 1-2 start to the regular season
By Brian Dzenis
YOUNGSTOWN
The window for the playoffs remains open for Youngstown State, but it’s going to take some work to keep it that way.
After an open week, the Penguins begin Missouri Valley Football Conference play on Saturday at Western Illinois. At 1-2, the team can’t afford to take many more losses.
“It is do or die. We have to prove something to ourselves and have to continue to perform at a high level,” Penguins defensive end Shereif Bynum said. “Coaches are talking about how the margin for error is even [smaller] in conference play, so we have to be crisp and pristine week in and week out.”
In theory, the Penguins could finish no worse than 6-2 in league play and still have a shot at the postseason. Two of those wins will have to come on the road against two of Western Illinois, No. 1 North Dakota State, No. 3 South Dakota State and No. 9 Illinois State. The must-win lifestyle is something head coach Bo Pelini is well-accustomed to and the team will have to be better.
“I told our coaches and our players that we have to become more efficient football team in all three areas. We have to take care of us and make people beat us,” Pelini said. “There’s a process in place and I believe in the process we adhere to and it’s worked over a long period of time, so we’ll just stay the course.”
One area he pointed out that needed improvement was the team’s communication, especially on defense.
“Sometimes, that hasn’t been our best suit. I always say in this day and age that I wished these guys could take their phones on the field so they can text each other,” Pelini said. “Getting them to talk is not always the easiest thing to do, but that’s the world we live in now.”
The Penguins have every player that hasn’t suffered a season-ending injury back for Saturday’s contest with the Leathernecks.
NEW RULES, NO FUN
After three games with college football’s new kickoff rules, in which a returner can call for a fair catch inside the 25-yard line and start with the ball at the 25, Pelini is not a fan. He also isn’t crazy about some of the rule changes in the NFL, such as roughing the passer.
“Look at all the things happening on Sunday and the calls that are being made. You’re going to have varying opinions on what is good for the sport,” Pelini said. “I understand they are trying to make the game safe, but sometimes I think the people who make the rules overthink it to a certain extent and it hurts the game to a certain extent.
“I understand the intention, but it isn’t always the right thing.”
The Penguins have only returned five kickoffs this season, averaging 17.8 yards a return.
GO TRIBE
Pelini weighed in on his other team — the Cleveland Indians — on Tuesday. His assessment of the American League Central champions is comparable to his own team.
“They have to get more consistent. You play all year, work your butt off and you get into the playoffs, then anything can happen,” Pelini said. “It’s how we look at it. Put the work in and give yourself a chance. It’ll be fun to watch.”