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Written by Michael Metzinger | January 29, 2010

<img class="alignleft" style="margin: 5px;" src="http://mvred.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/ysuinsider.png" alt="" width="250" height="400" />Last week, YSU suffered an embarrassing 17-7 loss to the Missouri State Bears in front of 16,727 fans at the Ice Castle. Although it would appear the Penguins struggled offensively, they had 46 more yards of offense than Missouri State, but unfortunately they also had 3 more turnovers. The Penguins had two drives go inside the 6 yard line, each to end with 0 points. YSU also had a field goal blocked, a fumble to open the 2nd half, and some terrible interceptions by Senior QB Brandon Summers. All and all, it was the worst YSU game I have ever witnessed in person, it was that bad. It was one of those games that just one yard could have changed the whole complexion of the game. It certainly was a sign of things to come when YSU failed to convert on a 4th and 1 from the MSU 5 late in the 1st quarter. But enough of my negativity, this season is not over, although I certainly felt like it was Saturday night.

Instead of going into detail about this game, I want to write about a little Penguin history that I feel needs to be mentioned before this game.

In 1991, a year after the Penguins went 11-0 before losing in the 1st round of the NCAA FCS playoffs at home on last second field goal to Central Florida 20-17, the Penguins opened up the season 4-3. Fans were beginning to worry that this would not be the Penguins year after suffering a heartbreaking 10-8 loss to Liberty at home. A week later the Penguins went down to Georgia Southern, the FCS power of the time, and upset them 19-17. The Penguins would reel off 7 more wins after that huge win and eventually defeated Marshall 25-17 to win the FCS National Title.

In 2006, 19,321 fans came out to witness the FCS Game of the Week between the #14 Northern Iowa Panthers and the #5 Penguins. In that game Tom Zetts threw 4 interceptions, similar to Summers 4 interceptions against MSU, and the overall performance of the Penguins was pretty discouraging. UNI came into our place on Homecoming and beat us 31-23. Fans were livid after the game because they knew a 3rd loss could doom the Penguins hopes of going to the playoffs. The next two weeks would not be easy for the Penguins, as they would have to take on #1 Illinois State and #12 Southern Illinois.

The next week the Penguins traveled to Normal, IL to take on the #1 Illinois State Redbirds. The YSU Coaching Staff put forth a fabulous game-plan and the Penguins ran all over the Redbirds. Washington Redskins RB Marcus Mason rushed for 176 yards, while QB Tom Zetts ran for 116, as the Penguins dominated the Redbirds in one of their best performances I have seen them play, as they won 28-13.

A week later the Penguins fell behind early to Southern Illinois, before storming back behind a record-breaking performance by RB Marcus Mason, as the Penguins won 32-24.

Now you folks are probably wondering what the heck that has to do with this years Penguins team, well let me tell you. In 1991 and 2006, fans felt the Penguins playoff chances were in great jeopardy after two tough losses at home. However, our players believed in themselves and bought into what the coaches asked, and they succeeded.

Although the Penguins path to the playoffs is much more difficult now than it was last week, they still have a legitimate shot to make it to the playoffs if they eliminate the turnovers and can play an entire 4 quarters of football. It will not be easy for the Penguins if they can get past the Western Illinois Leathernecks this week, since they will have to take on the top 3 teams in the conference after that.

I strongly urge you folks to come out and support the Penguins this Saturday as they take on the 1-3 Western Illinois Leathernecks. This is a must-win game for YSU. We need a big crowd to come out and get behind our guys. It is Fireworks Night as well!

<strong>Prediction</strong>:
YSU: 24
WIU: 14
Attendance: 16,000

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