YSU falls short in shootout with Northern Iowa, 44-41
Trending
Youngstown State's demons at the UNI-Dome will continue to haunt it for yet another season.
Despite a second-half rally to retake the lead after trailing at halftime, the Penguins couldn't contain Northern Iowa's passing attack. Coming off a career-best performance two weeks ago, Panthers quarterback Theo Day completed 72.4 percent of his passes for 337 yards and four touchdowns in leading UNI to a 44-41 victory over YSU.
The Penguins got off to an ideal start, but it was short-realized.
On the first offensive play from scrimmage, quarterback Mitch Davidson connected with Bryce Oliver for a 61-yard pickup. But the drive stalled out and the Penguins were forced to settle for a 38-yard Andrew Lastovka field goal.
After the defense forced a three-and-out, Davidson led the Penguins on a 9-play 59-yard drive that culminated with a six-yard touchdown on a keeper by Davidson.
But then, UNI's offense came alive.
Day marshaled three straight scoring drives for Northern Iowa, completing touchdown passes on each drive of 13, 2 and 32 yards, respectively.
YSU added a field goal just before the half to make it a one-possession game, but UNI opened the second half with a field goal of its own.
Special teams gave YSU a much-needed spark midway through the third quarter, as Oliver partially blocked a punt that the Penguins recovered inside the Panthers' 10-yard line.
Three plays later, Dra Rushton punched it in for a touchdown from a yard out.
Then the defense rose to the occasion, as Tyjon Jones picked off a tipped pass out of the air to again give the Penguins favorable field position.
But, YSU's inability to convert the turnover into points led to a major swing in the game. The Penguins tried a QB sneak on both third- and fourth-and-one and were stopped short both times.
After forcing the turnover on downs, Day drove UNI right down the field and completed his fourth touchdown pass of the game, as the Panthers retook the lead for good.
A late touchdown connection from Davidson to Oliver gave YSU a glimmer of hope, but the Panthers recovered the ensuing onside kick to ice the game. Davidson finished 30-for-40 for 332 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Despite averaging 219.0 rushing yards per game -- 13th most in the FCS -- the Penguins struggled to get the run game going against the Panthers' front-seven. YSU finished with just 85 rushing yards on 27 carries.
However, after being one of the most heavily penalized teams in the country through the first three games, YSU cut back on the self-inflicted mistakes against the UNI, finishing with just four penalties for 12 yards.
Next up, the Penguins will return home to face Southern Illinois on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.