Penguins, Part Two

Programming note: I am out of town this weekend and by out of town I mean out of the country and in a location without television, internet, telephones, or other early twentieth century amenities. Some may call it a destination free from the harassments of work, I call it a wooded cell named Quebec. That is all the information I can give you because a further written description will cause a physical reaction typically the exclusive province of 5 year olds. Suffice it to say, my better have planned this and she would kill me if I missed it. (Long sigh.) I promise I to make it up to you.

Last year, the usual fever surrounding the beginning of the season was missing for many. This offseason has more than made up for it, as Ohio State has been a topic of conversation for virtually every fan in the nation. While the Penguins don’t make the hair on our necks stand up, it is live football action and if you cannot get excited for that, have your pulse checked.

This game last season is best remembered for the Lawrence Wilson injury, so in that way we hope this one is far less notable. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect.

THE BASICS…

Who: Youngstown State Penguins
What: In 2007, finished 7-4 (3-3), third in the former Gateway Conference (now Missouri Valley)
When: 12:00 p.m.
Where: Ohio Stadium, Big Ten Network (Channel 610 on DIRECTV, Channel ? on Time Warner, your local watering hole)
How Many: No line on this one because YSU is F.C.S. team

WHY YOU WILL WATCH…

Because it is the first Ohio State football game of the season and you have nothing else more important to do, including feeding, bathing, or generally attending to the needs of your children. Seriously, throw the dog in the backyard and make some nachos.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE…

Youngstown State is not a top team in their world and they will field a top ten FCS defense. It will not be enough to hold Beanie in check, but they will not be running into each other like the Three Stooges. The Buckeyes will not be constantly tearing off 25 yards/play and will have to earn many of their yards.

On offense, they will run the spread with their new quarterback Todd Rowan, but their leading rusher and scorer from last season, Kevin Smith, will miss the game with a hamstring injury. Despite the Ohio State suspensions, the defense will be able to slow this attack with relative ease. The Penguins are going to need big plays to keep this interesting.

BEST CASE SCENARIO…

The Buckeyes score on their first three possessions for a 21-0 lead allowing Tressel to insert Pryor while the YSU first teamers are still in there. Oh yeah, no season ending injuries.

WORST CASE SCENARIO…

Something akin to this.

ENEMY TERRITORY…

If you are starved for more information on the Penguins, drive your browser over to the GuinZone or YSUPenguins.net. They are gracious hosts.