Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Youngstown State tight end Jake Benio (82) turns upfield after catching a pass against North Dakota. YSU hosts Indiana State on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — One way or another, someone is about to get their season back on track, if only for a week.

Entering on a three-game losing streak, Youngstown State (2-3, 0-2 Missouri Valley) is set to host another skidding team this week as Indiana State pays Stambaugh Stadium a visit for the first time since 2018.

The Sycamores (1-4, 0-2 Missouri Valley) have lost four straight games, but a look at the schedule will tell you ISU is better than its record suggests.

Two of Indiana State’s losses have come to teams ranked in the FCS Stats Perform Top 25’s top five (North Dakota State and Montana) and another was an FBS loss to Purdue.

To that extent, YSU can relate. The Penguins have dropped two games to FCS Top 25 programs (NDSU, North Dakota) and another to FBS-level Kentucky.

Given the circumstances, Saturday represents a major opportunity for each program to regain its footing. Still, YSU offensive lineman Jaison Williams says the Penguins are keeping a level head as they gear up for ISU.

“It’s just the next step on our road — not going to make it too big or make it too small,” he said. “You have to take it one day at a time and knock down your next opponent, and that’s the goal.”

The similarities don’t stop at how each team’s season has played out, either.

Like YSU, Indiana State made a change at quarterback last week, though it was forced by an injury rather than a coaching decision.

Gavin Screws was ISU’s starter in the Sycamores’ first four games, but missed last week’s contest with North Dakota State due to a reported shoulder injury. In his place, Cade Chambers went 12-of-26 for 162 yards and two touchdowns against the Bison.

In Chambers’ performance, ISU worked the middle of the field frequently, most often on slants. The Sycamores still took a number of downfield shots, as expected with a receiver of Dante Hendrix’s caliber.

“They’ve played three quarterbacks, and they all have different abilities and what they can offer their offense,” YSU coach Doug Phillips said. “They’re going to base everything on that defense and playing solid defense, taking care of the football and running the football. … For us, you have to be prepared to stop the run regardless of who’s at quarterback. They’re finding a quarterback first and foremost who’s going to take care of the football and try to get them first downs and be able to get the ball to No. 8 (Hendrix).”

And more than anybody else, YSU will need to keep tabs on Hendrix, who is arguably the top receiver in the Missouri Valley. Through five games, Hendrix has 22 receptions for 325 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s a talent,” Phillips said. “You can throw 50-50 balls, and he’ll go up and catch it. I think he’s in the top two in this league at wide receiver. I really do believe that.”

When ISU takes to the ground, Justin Dinka does the bulk of the work. He’s run 65 times for 395 yards and two scores, and backup Tee Hodge has 37 runs for 131 yards.

On the other side, ISU features a defense that’s been in the middle of the pack. The Sycamores rank 64th in the FCS in rushing defense at 152.6 yards per game and 70th in pass defense at 232.6 yards per game.

Linebacker Geoffrey Brown leads the team in tackles with 45 total, as well as two sacks.

In the defensive backfield, sophomore DB Rylan Cole is a game-wrecker. He has 43 tackles to go with three interceptions and two pass breakups. His three picks are the most of any Sycamore this season.

For the Youngstown State offense, the focus is on finishing drives. The Penguins moved the ball well against North Dakota, but didn’t convert enough lengthy drives into touchdowns.

“We were able to sustain drives … the finishing part is what we have to get better at,” Phillips said. “We didn’t finish those drives where we were moving the ball, and we didn’t have turnovers which was great. We limited the penalties, but touchdowns are what you need in this league. Our stress this week is to execute and finish. If we do those things, we’ll be able to find success.”

He added, “It’s a game of inches, and the timing of it is where you have to work in practice so when you go into a game, you’re going to execute those plays.”

And after playing well in his first start under center against UND, Mitch Davidson will get the opportunity to do so again Saturday.

Davidson went 21-of-32 for 280 yards and two touchdowns, and completed passes to six different receivers against the Fighting Hawks.

That ability to stretch the field will be vital, as ISU showed a willingness to stack the box against North Dakota State.

“Being able to spread the ball out the way we were able to, that makes it harder to defend and makes it maybe a little bit easier for Jaleel McLaughlin to run the football,” Phillips said. “Probably for the first time, we (could) see what our vision was for what our offense should look like. We have to continue to grow, continue to get better, and we have to have everyone in that room ready to play and ready for their opportunity to go in there and run it.”

PREDICTION

Indiana State is better than its record shows, and this one will be tight. A late score by YSU should seal things.

Youngstown State wins, 27-17.