Before each Ohio State game, Eleven Warriors catches up with a media member who covers the opposing team to get his or her perspective on the Buckeyes' upcoming opponent.
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YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS |
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1-0 ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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NOON – SATURDAY, SEPT. 9 OHIO STADIUM COLUMBUS, OHIO |
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BIG TEN NETWORK FOX SPORTS APP |
As the Buckeyes prepare for their home opener against Youngstown State on Saturday, we’re joined by Joel Whetzel of the Tribune Chronicle to learn more about the Penguins, their resurgence back into the FCS Top 25, their mindset heading into the matchup against OSU and a few players to watch from the opposing sideline Saturday.
So are we calling this the Jim Tressel Bowl or what?
Whetzel: Tressel Bowl works, but I've also seen shirts that say “The Yo vs. The O” and I'm partial to that instead.
Youngstown State opened its season with a blowout 52-10 win over Valparaiso, what were some of the main takeaways you had from that victory?
Whetzel: Offensively, the run game will be just fine. That was a question a lot of us had coming in with the graduation of Jaleel McLaughlin. The passing game didn't have to do a whole lot, but did have a few plays where it showed what it can be. I'll be curious to see where things go there. Defensively, the front seven will be a strength all season long, but the secondary is still a bit of a question mark.
YSU cracked the top 25 in the FCS after the win, a big step for a program that hasn't made the FCS playoffs since 2016. How much confidence is there around the Penguins right now?
Whetzel: This is Year 4 under Doug Phillips, and expectations have risen each season. After a 7-4 season in 2022 that saw YSU just miss the playoffs, the expectation this year is to make the FCS postseason and at least win a game or two depending on seeding. Confidence continues to rise, because the program continues to build.
Who are a few players to watch on both sides of the ball that you think could make an impact Saturday?
Whetzel: Offensively, keep an eye on standout receiver Bryce Oliver. He transferred to YSU from Kentucky and put together a tremendous season in 2022, which culminated in an All-Missouri Valley First Team selection. He caught 59 passes for 821 yards and 10 touchdowns, the most receiving scores by a Penguin since 1983. He's dynamic and really, really athletic. Also watch out for the tailback tandem of Dra Rushton (if he plays, he was held out last week) and Tyshon King, who made a spot start and ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries against Valpo.
Defensively, it starts up front with Dylan Wudke at defensive end and Chris Fitzgerald at tackle. Wudke is a game wrecker and can apply constant pressure, and as a whole, the front seven of YSU’s defense is the strength. Teams have had trouble running on YSU since the Penguins hired Jahmal Brown as defensive coordinator before the 2022 campaign.
Obviously in these types of games, the “on paper” goal for the FCS team is usually to make it as respectable as possible. What would a successful result be for Youngstown State in your estimation?
Whetzel: First and foremost, a successful result is coming back fully healthy. Not that this game doesn't matter – they all matter – but this is one YSU is a prohibitive underdog in, so keeping your starters and depth pieces available for play in the Missouri Valley is critical. For those unfamiliar, the Valley is considered the top conference at the FCS level, and this week, six of the MVFC's 12 teams are in the top 25.
Beyond that, it's just what you mentioned – keeping things respectable. A season ago at Kentucky, YSU's defense managed a handful of first-half turnovers that allowed the Penguins to stay in the game, but the offense couldn't generate momentum to capitalize. If YSU can do the same this year and force early turnovers but parlay those into points this time, you'd have to feel great if you're YSU.
How do you see this game playing out and give us a score prediction if you have one.
Whetzel: I think Youngstown State will go in looking to punch someone in the mouth, but these programs are, frankly, two very different calibers: A respectable FCS program vs. a perennial powerhouse at the Power 5 level. I think Ohio State makes big plays early and cruises to a win, something along the lines of 49-7.
