IMO, the lack of hype is a consequence of OOC opponents that reaffirm the (mis)belief of many that YSU FB is a second rate program in a second rate division. One playoff year in the moRon era compounds that stereotype. This needs to be a breakout year, and that needs to start Saturday.
A few things I'll be looking at tomorrow:
1) Conditioning. YSU tanked in Q2 versus WVU, as they have in several MVFC games last year. This raises concerns for me re: strength and conditioning. Can they play 4 quarters versus an MVFC opponent? IMO, if they are not leading...at home...versus USD....by 14 at the half....then there is reason for concern for the outcome of the game and the rest of the season. This should be the second most likely conference win of 2016.
2) The o-line. Trent was flushed out of the pocket all game versus RMU, and was sacked twice. Brock is back but c'mon....RMU? Trent should've been able to text and take selfies in the pocket. Can the o-line protect #12...who is coming back after a concussion. Also, this is the MVFC's top rushing O versus the worst rushing D. This should be a big day for Webb, Ruiz, and McAster.
3) #12. Concussions can take months to recover from. How ready is he? How will he respond, as our leading rusher versus WVU, when he takes hits in and out of the pocket? The least # of points scored versus USD is 47 so far this season. If that scoring steel mill shift whistle doesn't blow a few times a quarter, then there is reason for concern. Need also to watch the drops by the receivers.
4)#11. Poor performance versus RMU. Just a bad night, or is he exposed as not ready for field duty?
5) Can we contain Streveler? He averages over 100 yards/game rushing and is the second leading rusher in the MVFC as a QB. Contain him and this game may be a blowout.
6) Actual attendance. Will the red out bring out the students? How much of the red will actually be scarlet?
My prediction:
YSU 38 - 21
4/5 of YSU's TDs are rushing.