Author Topic: UNI Week  (Read 10748 times)

Offline The YO Show

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UNI Week
« on: September 30, 2019, 05:33:44 PM »
Game week against UNI! I am more optimistic about this week now, despite the fact that we have a terrible record playing in the Dome and UNI is always a tough team.

Hope we get a solid win to start the conference play off right. Will go a long way considering next week is South Dakota State at home already!

Offline ytownchief22

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2019, 07:19:01 PM »
House of horrors. Let's hope we can break the streak!

Offline Wick250

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2019, 10:31:23 PM »
I would never predict a win inside that stupid gym! 

That said, there are a few factors that might work in our favor.

After their strong performance against Iowa State, UNI has played three straight Big Sky teams: a bad one, a decent one, and a good one.  They have struggled offensively against a conference that has no reputation for strong, physical defense.

They are using a redshirt freshman quarterback who is a dual threat and does most of his passing damage once he escapes the pocket. Our experience with a similar quarterback from Howard should help.

Supposedly, their offensive line is struggling.  Much will depend upon our defensive front controlling the line of scrimmage.

On the other hand, this will be the first good, physical defense that we face.  Can we force them to overload the box?  Can we complete passes if they do?

I really like the fact that we are rated rather low and that our victory over Samford is not valued.  Play well and twenty years of frustration might end.

Offline ysubigred

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #3 on: October 01, 2019, 08:25:09 AM »
I would never predict a win inside that stupid gym! 

That said, there are a few factors that might work in our favor.

After their strong performance against Iowa State, UNI has played three straight Big Sky teams: a bad one, a decent one, and a good one.  They have struggled offensively against a conference that has no reputation for strong, physical defense.

They are using a redshirt freshman quarterback who is a dual threat and does most of his passing damage once he escapes the pocket. Our experience with a similar quarterback from Howard should help.

Supposedly, their offensive line is struggling.  Much will depend upon our defensive front controlling the line of scrimmage.

On the other hand, this will be the first good, physical defense that we face.  Can we force them to overload the box?  Can we complete passes if they do?

I really like the fact that we are rated rather low and that our victory over Samford is not valued.  Play well and twenty years of frustration might end.

Funny Samford is #2 in their conference in the power rankings now. Just beat the Citadel who beat ACC Ga. Tech. Any Given Saturday I say  ::)

Offline ytownchief22

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2019, 05:59:08 PM »
DEFENSE

Offline ytownchief22

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2019, 08:00:19 PM »
Side note, Dana asks by far the dumbest questions ever in the presser. Bo never knows how to answer.

Offline Kandrase

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2019, 08:46:16 PM »
I would never predict a win inside that stupid gym! 

That said, there are a few factors that might work in our favor.

After their strong performance against Iowa State, UNI has played three straight Big Sky teams: a bad one, a decent one, and a good one.  They have struggled offensively against a conference that has no reputation for strong, physical defense.

They are using a redshirt freshman quarterback who is a dual threat and does most of his passing damage once he escapes the pocket. Our experience with a similar quarterback from Howard should help.

Supposedly, their offensive line is struggling.  Much will depend upon our defensive front controlling the line of scrimmage.

On the other hand, this will be the first good, physical defense that we face.  Can we force them to overload the box?  Can we complete passes if they do?

I really like the fact that we are rated rather low and that our victory over Samford is not valued.  Play well and twenty years of frustration might end.

“Rated low” ? we’re  22 in stats FCS and 17 in the coaches poll. And we’re one of only 5 unbeaten teams left in the country. Unfortunately I don’t think we’re sneaking up on anyone right now.

Offline YSU1

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #7 on: October 01, 2019, 10:12:33 PM »
I do not think our strength of schedule is that high

Offline Double ET

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #8 on: October 02, 2019, 06:54:12 AM »
Article from the Tribune today:

YSU hopes prep equals success at N. Iowa

LOCAL SPORTS
OCT 2, 2019

JOE SIMON
Sports Reporter
jsimon@tribtoday.com
 
 

Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Nate Mays, center, flips the ball after scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter at Stambaugh Stadium last week. YSU begins conference play Saturday.

YOUNGSTOWN — It would seem obvious that the Youngstown State football team is confident heading into its Missouri Valley Football Conference opener.


The Penguins are 4-0 and have won every game by at least 20 points. They are now ranked as high as No. 17 in the country, and the balance between a powerful offense and a opportunistic defense has worked beautifully through four games.

Yet, that’s not what has YSU brimming with confidence as it heads to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take on 13th-ranked Northern Iowa (2-2).

“We’re pretty confident,” YSU offensive lineman Jacob Zinni said. “That confidence builds through the week though, too, in our preparation. You don’t go out and just play the game on Saturday confidently because you had a decent week of practice. You go out and play confident because you had an excellent week of practice, and you prepared very well in film study and things of nature that will help you play well.”

The Penguins are relying on preparation and team unity instead of simply banking on talent and schemes.

That’s exactly what coach Bo Pelini wants to hear. The fifth-year coach believes this team has bought in to what he and the coaching staff are preaching, and the results are evident. Players are in the right areas on the field, making the right reads, executing the calls and making plays.

Pelini said it’s all part of the process that’s in place, and right now the Penguins are following it with precision. What he likes even more is that no one is satisfied.

“I like the way we have prepared,” Pelini said. “I can count maybe one or two times where I felt like we didn’t come out with energy and didn’t practice well. We’ve got to continue to improve. We’re pretty realistic with our guys, and they don’t get too (excited). Believe me, everybody enjoys winning football games, but we’re pretty black and white when we watch the film, showing them the areas that we need to improve in. They just keep working to turn over every stone to try and get better, each and every guy.”

The Penguins’ positive mindset could be tested by what they see as a “hungry” UNI team.

The Panthers have two losses, a 29-26 defeat to Iowa State in the season opener and a 29-17 setback to fifth-ranked Weber State last week. UNI has always been tough at home though.

YSU hasn’t won in the UNI-Dome since 1999, and the Panthers hold a 22-9 advantage in the all-time series between the two. Still, the 2019 version of YSU isn’t concerning itself with what happened in the past.

“I’ve heard it,” said Zinni of the past losses. “But at the end of the day, this is the 2019 team. I don’t really pay much attention to that or give that anything because I was 2, 3 years old in 1999.”

One thing he is paying attention to is the health of center Matt Jones.

The senior graduate student who transferred from West Virginia — where he was a two-year starter — exited last weekend’s win over Robert Morris in the second half with an ankle injury and did not return.

Jones, a Hubbard High School graduate, started the first four games at center and has been a big part of one of the nation’s top rushing attacks. The Penguins have also allowed just two sacks (best in the conference).

Pelini is hopeful Jones will be able to go Saturday.

“He’s doing a lot better,” Pelini said. “His ankle wasn’t blown up. We’ll see how the week goes, but I would say he’s probable.”

YSU could use him against a stout UNI defense.

Zinni said it’s probably the best defensive line he has seen on film this year. The secondary has allowed just four passing TDs, an impressive mark considering the level of competition they have faced.

The offense is led by quarterback Will McElvain, a dual-threat QB who has tossed seven TDs and just one interception. Just a freshman, McElvain has a solid group of receivers surrounding him and the friendly confines of the UNI-Dome, one of the hardest places to play in the FCS.

The Penguins understand they need to play their best to win the opener in what is widely regarded as the toughest conference in the FCS.

“We’re hitting the road for the first time in over a month, so that’ll be a challenge in itself,” Zinni said. “… They’re probably pretty hungry coming off a loss. It’s homecoming for them. It’s going to be a tough environment, but it’s going to be about the guys in the red helmets at the end of the day. I know I keep saying it, but it’s true. That’s what we’ve done to this point, and I hope if we continue to do that, it’ll take us to where we want to go.”

So far, so good.

COMMENTS


Offline go guins

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #9 on: October 02, 2019, 10:17:33 AM »
Any update on Matt Jones?  This is probably the best player on the team, and certainly the HUGE anchor for a vastly improved OL.  We need the Jones boys!
We don't even list a center on the roster besides Matt, any idea who would start? backup? if Jones can't go?
Watching Penquins Football & Basketball since 1967!

Offline ysubigred

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #10 on: October 02, 2019, 11:55:46 AM »
Any update on Matt Jones?  This is probably the best player on the team, and certainly the HUGE anchor for a vastly improved OL.  We need the Jones boys!
We don't even list a center on the roster besides Matt, any idea who would start? backup? if Jones can't go?

Jones back up.

Mike McAllister

Height:  6-3
Weight:  285
Year:  So.
Hometown:  Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School:  Woodland Hills
Position:  OL
Major:  Mechanical Engineering

Offline go guins

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #11 on: October 02, 2019, 01:26:09 PM »
Any update on Matt Jones?  This is probably the best player on the team, and certainly the HUGE anchor for a vastly improved OL.  We need the Jones boys!
We don't even list a center on the roster besides Matt, any idea who would start? backup? if Jones can't go?

Jones back up.

Mike McAllister

Height:  6-3
Weight:  285
Year:  So.
Hometown:  Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School:  Woodland Hills
Position:  OL
Major:  Mechanical Engineering
Thanks.  Without meaning to knock McAllister, this is a pretty big step back for the OL. 
Wish Mike well and really hope Matt gets back quickly!
Watching Penquins Football & Basketball since 1967!

Offline OleYSUfan

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #12 on: October 02, 2019, 01:36:36 PM »
  Well the real season starts, the MVFC. YSU and most all visiting team have a nightmare playing in the ultra loud UNI mini dome. YSU's record is horrible there.
  It may help us that UNI has both of their starting tight ends out for this game with only two freshmen as back ups , but UNI will be hungry for a win after losing to Weber St. in Utah.
  We have a questionable Matt Jones being able to play with a bad ankle, he is a leader and a major force on our offensive line. Without him, the running game and passing game will be marginalized. 

GO PENGUINS!!! Find a way to win at the UNI dome

Offline ysubigred

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #13 on: October 02, 2019, 03:13:04 PM »
Any update on Matt Jones?  This is probably the best player on the team, and certainly the HUGE anchor for a vastly improved OL.  We need the Jones boys!
We don't even list a center on the roster besides Matt, any idea who would start? backup? if Jones can't go?

Jones back up.

Mike McAllister

Height:  6-3
Weight:  285
Year:  So.
Hometown:  Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School:  Woodland Hills
Position:  OL
Major:  Mechanical Engineering
Thanks.  Without meaning to knock McAllister, this is a pretty big step back for the OL. 
Wish Mike well and really hope Matt gets back quickly!

Not sure your playing experience but the centers main focus is cleanly getting the ball to the QB. The mobility part of the line is the guards and tackles. Jones will be a bonus but we'll be fine with Mike he's a terror and smart kid.
« Last Edit: October 02, 2019, 03:13:55 PM by ysubigred »

Offline ytownchief22

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Re: UNI Week
« Reply #14 on: October 02, 2019, 05:40:50 PM »
Matt should be good to go but we'll see once Saturday comes.