YSU looks to put it all together in challenge vs. No. 1 South Dakota State
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YOUNGSTOWN -- As Youngstown State football coach Doug Phillips puts it, "to be the best, you have to beat the best."
That's exactly the challenge that the Penguins have on their hands this Saturday, as No. 1 ranked and defending national champion South Dakota State makes the trip to Stambaugh Stadium at noon. (ESPN+/ 570 WKBN)
"We're all chasing them," Phillips said of the MVFC and the rest of the FCS. "Eventually you gotta beat those teams, you've gotta make that jump up. This program, we've won games, but I don't know if we've ever made that huge jump. You have to beat the bluebloods, beat the North Dakota States, beat the South Dakota States and that's what we're working towards every day.
"I have faith that we're getting closer. It's a work in progress, but I have faith in that locker room. We say, 'leave no doubt.' Well, we've got an opportunity Saturday to leave no doubt."
South Dakota State's rise as an FCS power over the past 10-plus years is well chronicled.
The Jackrabbits made the move up from Division II in 2004. After making its first playoff appearance in 2009, SDSU became a postseason regular for the next decade. Then, the Jackrabbits played for a national title during the 2020 COVID season. After another deep run in 2021, South Dakota State finally won its first national title last season, and now looks like the overwhelming favorite to go back-to-back.
"They really built a program through recruiting, developing and getting a great fanbase," Phillips said.
YSU knows what's at stake. A win against the Jackrabbits, who have now won 23 straight games after beating rival North Dakota State last week, would likely lock up an FCS playoff spot in the eyes of the committee.
"It's a huge opportunity," defensive end Dylan Wudke said Tuesday. "A win here is crucial for what we want in the future, so we have to seize the opportunity and seize the moment."
All season long, Phillips has reiterated his desire to see his team play to its peak potential -- clicking and firing on all cylinders on all three sides of the ball for an entire game.
The Penguins have been close, but haven't quite found that recipe yet in any single game.
"We go over it nonstop, constantly (with) putting all three phases of the game together, and I don't believe we've seen it yet," Phillips said. "We're still in that process."
Saturday's showdown with the Jackrabbits presents the perfect opportunity for YSU to finally find that missing formula.
"If all three phases, special teams, offense and defense can all connect and play together, we'll be able to do great things this week," Wudke said.
The closest YSU has come to putting it all together was the upset win over then-No. 5 Southern Illinois on Oct. 7. Against the Salukis, the Penguins scored 31 points, while limiting SIU to just three points and 100 total yards of offense.
Wudke said finding that formula for success starts with preparation and the work the team does in the film room. Then, taking what they learn and see and putting into practice during games. He notes that the offense has to feed off the defense and vice-versa.
"We're constantly teaching those guys -- the time is now," Phillips said. "It's the second week of November. We've gotta play our best football in November. That means complementary football. If our defense gets a stop, offense has to get first downs. If the offense scores, the defense has to get a stop. Special teams has to win the field position battle. Those are things we constantly work on.
"Are we there yet? No. But I do believe our kids can do it, and when we see that, you're going to see a completely different team on that field."
The Jackrabbits present a challenge unlike any other the Penguins have seen this season.
Few teams have as much experience as SDSU does. South Dakota State has 34 seniors on its roster. For comparison's sake, YSU has 15.
"Their starters on defense, they're all seniors. All of them," quarterback Mitch Davidson said. "They've got one sophomore safety, but he's also a good player. What that shows is that they've played a lot of football together. ... We've gotta understand that they're going to try to force us to make mistakes. We just have to play our ballgame -- ball security, no turnovers and just take what they give us."
Plus, South Dakota State is one of the best in the country on both offense and defense.
SDSU is second in the FCS in total defense (264.6 ypg) and first in scoring defense (11.89 ppg). But offensively, they're also second in yards per play (7.52), fourth in scoring (38.3 ppg) and 11th in total offense (446.8 ypg).
"They've played a lot of football, and it shows up on film," Phillips said. "They have more tipped interceptions than any team I've ever seen. ... That's their M.O. is to create turnovers and they do a great job there. So for us, it's about taking care of the football. ... You've gotta be patient, meaning if you're getting four yards, five yards, guess what? Get the four or five yards and try to move the chains on them. Coach (Jim) Trestle always said the best offense is one that takes care of the defense. As much as you can take the defense off the field, I think is always a success."
nmadhavan@tribtoday.com