Youngstown State Penguins
Missouri Valley
Youngstown State had to deal with an extremely tough schedule, but they managed to fight through it and come out with a good enough record to make the playoffs. Coach Bo Pelini has quickly turned the Penguins into a consistent contender and it will be interesting to see how they can perform now that they are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
2016 Record: 8-3, 6-2
Coach: Bo Pelini
Big Wins: 9/1 Duquesne (45-10), 10/8 at Illinois State (20-6)
Bad Losses: 10/22 at South Dakota State (10-24), 11/5 at North Dakota State (3-24)
Strengths:
YSU is built around a tough defensive line. Derek Rivers is an absolute beast at the defensive end position. While the opposition concentrates on stopping Rivers, fellow senior end Avery Moss has had a huge year too. Those two are the main reason why nobody in the FCS tallies more sacks than the Penguins. The pass defense has taken a small step back this season, allowing 184.1 yards per game through the air compared to just 116.7 last season. However, the unit is very experienced and will not give up too many big plays.
Weaknesses:
As long as Youngstown State can stay in the lead, it is very tough for the opposition to get it back. The Penguins grind out wins with their stellar defense and the Missouri Valley’s best rushing attack. Running back Martin Ruiz is the main rusher, but Jody Webb and touchdown vulture Tevin McCaster have been very productive as well. The problem is when YSU falls behind and they have to go to the air. They lack a big time playmaker at wide receiver and three quarterbacks have seen significant playing time this year. Hunter Wells is the player who will have to lead this team into the playoffs, but do not expect the Penguins to be able to come back from a large deficit when there is no consistency in the passing game.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Martin Ruiz, RB, 1,008 yards
Passing: Ricky Davis, QB, 864 yards
Receiving: Darien Townsend, WR, 331 yards
Tackles: Armand Dellovade, LB, 74
Sacks: Avery Moss, DE, 9.5
Interceptions: LeRoy Alexander, S, 3
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 229.4 (12th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 156.3 (107, 10)
Total Offense: 385.7 (52, 6)
Scoring Offense: 21.5 (94, 10)
Rushing Defense: 112.5 (16, 2)
Pass Defense: 184.1 (26, 2)
Total Defense: 296.6 (8, 1)
Scoring Defense: 16.2 (5, 1)
Turnover Margin: -0.40 (80, 8)
Sacks: 3.70 (1, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.90 (59, 5)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2006 First Round Defeated James Madison
2006 Quarterfinals Defeated Illinois State
2006 Semifinals Lost to Appalachian State
2000 First Round Lost to Richmond
1999 First Round Defeated Montana
1999 Quarterfinals Defeated North Carolina A&T
1999 Semifinals Defeated Florida A&M
1999 Championship Lost to Georgia Southern
1997 First Round Defeated Hampton
1997 Quarterfinals Defeated Villanova
1997 Semifinals Defeated Eastern Washington
1997 Championship Defeated McNeese State
1994 First Round Defeated Alcorn State
1994 Quarterfinals Defeated Eastern Kentucky
1994 Semifinals Defeated Montana
1994 Championship Defeated Boise State
1993 First Round Defeated UCF
1993 Quarterfinals Defeated Georgia Southern
1993 Semifinals Defeated Idaho
1993 Championship Defeated Marshall
1992 First Round Defeated Villanova
1992 Quarterfinals Defeated Citadel
1992 Semifinals Defeated Northern Iowa
1992 Championship Lost to Marshall
1991 First Round Defeated Villanova
1991 Quarterfinals Defeated Nevada
1991 Semifinals Defeated Samford
1991 Championship Defeated Marshall
1990 First Round Lost to UCF
1989 First Round Defeated Eastern Kentucky
1989 Quarterfinals Lost to Furman
1987 First Round Lost to Northern Iowa
*all team stats through 11/12
