Penguins looking to bounce back after tough loss

A frustrating loss to conference opponent Missouri State University last week has forced the Youngstown State University Penguins to search for the answers to avenge that loss and look forward to this week's game against the Leathernecks of Western Illinois University.Nothing went right for the Penguins, who had won three straight games before the woeful showing last Saturday against the Bears. Four turnovers by the Penguins, which included three interceptions and a fumble deep in their own territory, doomed the Penguins, who moved the ball enough on offense to theoretically win the game. An offense that accumulated 398 yards and moved the ball efficiently and effectively throughout the game - that's the offensive output the Penguins put forth.

The Bears racked up 352 yards of offense but, only turned over the ball once, on senior Lenny Wicks' interception. Despite the Penguins outgaining the Bears by 46 yards, the turnovers were too prevalent for the Penguins to mount a positive push on offense.

"You always want to win games at home, so we felt like we let one slip away," senior wide receiver Aaron Pitts said, adding that he is looking forward to another home game this Saturday.


The offense must regroup for another intense battle within the Missouri Valley Conference when the Leathernecks roll into Stambaugh Stadium Saturday. "I think we got a great group of leadership. When things get a little bit tough, that's when you have to lead," head coach Jon Heacock said.


Missouri State came into the contest against the Penguins 0-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Leathernecks will come into the Ice Castle with the same conference record as the Bears and are 1-3 overall. Last week, WIU squared off against the eight-ranked team in the Football Championship Subdivision, the Southern Illinois Salukis.

The Salukis ruined the day for the Leathernecks during their family weekend, defeating them 30-10, and the Penguins hope they don't ruin Saturday's fireworks night.

The Leathernecks only win on the season came in the first week of the season on the road against Sam Houston State, 35-28. On the season, the Leathernecks are struggling to put points on the scoreboard. They average 20.5 points per game on the season. Their opponents average a shade under five touchdowns per game with a 34.8 per game average.

The problem with the Leathernecks, similarly to the Penguins are sluggish starts. The Penguins have outscored their opponents 42-14 in the fourth quarter, but their opponents have outscored them 31-10 in the first quarter.

The Penguins have won games by starting slow, so it's not an indicator on wins and losses. The Penguins were behind at one point in two of their wins, Austin Peay and Northeastern. But putting themselves in a hole early in the game does not help their cause. The Leathernecks opponents outscored them 98-48 in the first half of games this season, and they have a losing record.


On the offensive side for the Leathernecks, junior wide receiver Lito Senatus stands out above the rest. His numbers on the season are impressive. Senatus averages 108.8 yards receiving per game, has caught 30 passes for 435 yards and has two touchdowns on the season.

For the Penguins, senior Brandon Summers needs to lead the team and not turn the ball over. If the Penguins do this, they should win the game. The running game was solid in the loss to the Bears as seniors Kevin Smith and Dana Brown had good games. The defense was decent for the Penguins as well as they gave up just 17 points. A solid performance by the defense would do wonders for the Penguins to get back into the win column.