Penguins’ offensive balance, versatility carries team into showdown with South Dakota
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YOUNGSTOWN -- Over the past few seasons, Youngstown State has largely been a run-first team.
With a future pro running back like Jaleel McLaughlin and a dual-threat quarterback like Demeatric Crenshaw, the Penguins could lean on their rushing attack. During the 2021 season, YSU averaged 207.2 rushing yards per game compared to 133.9 passing yards per game.
Since Mitch Davidson took over the starting quarterback spot midway through last season, the Penguins have become much more balanced offensively, which has made them more versatile. Last season, YSU averaged 202.6 yards per game on the ground, compared to 196.4 yards per game through the air.
That trend has continued into this season. Through their first five games, the Penguins are averaging 181.8 rushing yards per game, compared to 219.2 passing yards per game.
"It starts with players," head coach Doug Phillips said. "I believe we have great players, so it starts there and then putting a system in that really accentuates what your players can do."
Now, the Penguins are still a run-first team with experienced, veteran tailbacks like Dra Rushton and Tyshon King. But, YSU's offensive versatility has allowed it to adapt how it operates offensively on a per-game basis, depending on what opposing defenses give it.
Against Northern Iowa, YSU leaned on the passing game to keep up with the Panthers, as Davidson threw for 332 yards. Then last week against Southern Illinois, with how the defense was limiting the Salukis' offense, the Penguins stuck to the run game to put SIU away.
"We always talk about how practice execution becomes game reality, and we started to see that last year, we started to see it in the spring and we're starting to see it now," Phillips said. "We understand that each game is going to be different. You have to take what the defense gives you."
Before, if the Penguins couldn't run the ball, the offense struggled to do much of anything.
"Couple years ago, they'd put eight or nine guys in the box to stop the run and we couldn't pass a drop. And guess what, we're coming off the field and punting the football," Phillips said. "Now, we want to bring guys in when we feel we can get the ball downfield. Offensively, it's nice having players you have trust in -- trust in your offensive line, trust in your running backs and tight ends, and trust in your quarterbacks and receivers."
The Penguins will need every aspect of their offensive balance and versatility on Saturday as they travel to the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D., to face No. 10/17 South Dakota at 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+/570 AM WKBN).
YSU leads the all-time series between the two teams 8-2, but the home team has won the last six matchups, and Penguins' last win in Vermillion dates back to 2015.
"Our kids understand it's hard going on the road in the Missouri Valley," Phillips said. "We learned that last year -- we were in dogfights in every away game last year. Nobody's going to help you -- you don't have the crowd, don't count on calls going your way. There's got to be that road focus we've talked about and sticking to that plan to win and being able to support one another because you're in a hostile environment."
After a 3-8 season a year ago, during which YSU defeated the Coyotes 45-24 at home Oct. 29, South Dakota has bounced back in a major way this season.
Since losing their season opener to FBS Missouri, the Coyotes have won four straight games, including a 24-19 upset victory two weeks ago over then-No. 2 ranked North Dakota State.
A big reason for South Dakota's turnaround is its defense, which is allowing just 13.40 points per game, the best in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and No. 3 in the FCS.
"I've always thought that they've done a fantastic job," Phillips said. "They're big, they're physical and they're fundamentally sound."
On offense, the Coyotes have leaned on their efficiency in recent weeks, with sophomore quarterback Aidan Bouman ranking ninth in the country in QB efficiency.
In its last three games, South Dakota has scored on 15 of its 20 total possessions, resulting in 13 touchdowns and two field goals. A lot of that has to do with the Coyotes' own success with the running game, which is averaging 193 yards and 5.6 yards per carry against four FCS opponents.
YSU's No. 2 ranked rush defense (75.8 yards per game) will have its hands full trying to contain the duo of junior Travis Theis and redshirt sophomore Nate Thomas in the backfield. Theis is coming off a 190-yard and two touchdown performance last week in the Coyotes' win over Murray State.
"I think the team we're playing this week has a very good running back room," Phillips said. "They got three guys, plus they put in a redshirt freshman (Charles Pierre Jr.) I was very impressed with, plus Travis Theis. So this week I think it'll be a great challenge because we're seeing one of the best running back rooms on Saturday."
nmadhavan@tribtoday.com