Penguins pummel Stony Brook

With flying colors, the Youngstown State University football team passed a big test Saturday.The team helped make Stambaugh Stadium's "Throwback Day" a success with a dominating 42-6 win over the Stony Brook Seawolves.


Head coach Jon Heacock credits his team with "solid run defense" in the season's first three games. However, he said he still feels the team has improving to do, despite shutting down one of the better offenses in the Football Championship Subdivision.


"I'm going to have to look at this tape to really feel like we dominated," Heacock said.


The Penguin offense built a first-half, 28-0 lead over the Seawolves with help from the defense, as Stony Brook quarterback Josh Dudash was picked off four times in the contest.

Three of the four turnovers committed by Dudash were turned into touchdowns by the Penguin offense.


Saturday's game was the only time this season Dudash threw an interception and no touchdowns.


While Heacock said the performance by his hardworking players was a strong effort, the Penguins' coach believes the team still has to work out the small things in order to be the great football team they want to be.


"I just don't think we're playing clean, crisp football. One kick-off coverage we do great, and the next one gets returned for 30 yards. I don't think we're being real consistent," Heacock said.


Coming into the game, the Seawolves toted the more powerful offense. In the end, the Penguins out-gained the Stony Brook offense to the tune of 421 total yards to 296.


While the Penguin offense put up points and moved the chains, the defense became a brick wall that allowed just 96 yards rushing and forced the Seawolves to go 3 for 14 on third downs.


"We did some good things, but I think you'll find we have a lot more work to do down the stretch. If we're going to be what we really want to be, we have to get better," Heacock said.


Heacock said the method to being a better team lies within its players. The mistakes and miscues are something the team can control. The Penguin coach said the focus and control can improve.


Senior linebacker Jeremiah Wright shared the same thoughts as his head coach, believing the defense hasn't reached the ceiling quite yet.


"I think we can be amazing," Wright said.


Wright led the way defensively against Stony Brook; he amassed 11 tackles in the Penguins' second straight home win of the season.

He said the penalties and mental mistakes will have to be cut down in order for the unit to reach its peak.


For now, the Penguins' ability to smother their opponents is giving the defense opportunities to get the offense back on the field.


Against Stony Brook, Wright said the communication between the players and expectations of routes led to the four interceptions.


"Us being able to stop the run put us in those situations. We put ourselves in the right spot at the right time," Wright said.


The noticeable low note for the Penguins in their big win over Stony Brook was the loss of offensive lineman Matt Kishman, due to injury.


With Kishman's injury being a possible season-ender, the Penguins will have the break in a new left tackle to protect the blind side of quarterback Tom Zetts for the second time this season.


"That offensive line is young and banged up right now. We're just going to have to do the best we can," Heacock said.