Don’t be fooled by their record, at least that is what Youngstown State Football Coach Jon Heacock thinks about Northeastern University’s football program.  The 1-1 Pengiuins travel to Boston to face the 0-2 Huskies, who lost to Maine last week 17-7.  This marks the first time since 1992 that these teams have met in Boston.  In the 1992 contest, Northeastern won a tight one, 28-23.  Coach Heacock is 1-0 lifetime against the Huskies, a contest that YSU won 35-16 at home in 2005, the last time the teams squared off.

Last weeks Austin Peay vs YSU contest won by YSU, 38-21, showed an offensive balance.  YSU passed for 232 yards and rushed for 202.  The defense showed signs of greatness at times.  There are still many things to iron out on both sides of the ball before this team can be looked at as a National Championship contender.

Northeastern is coached by Rocky Hager.  Coach Hager is in his sixth season and has gone 17-40 over that span.  Coach Heacock was full of praise for the Notheastern program and knows that if the Penguins let their guard down they could have a long Saturday.  “It’s a difficult place to play.  They [Northeastern] are a hungry, competitive, and tough football team.  I don’t care about their record, I have been there enough times to know what we are getting into.  Maine was rated 20th in the country, and that game was to the wire.  You watch some of their games from last year, Villanova, that game was to the wire.”

Heacock talked about what to expect from Northeastern.  “On offense, they are different than anyone we have seen.  They run a spread and a no-huddle, very similar to our offense.  They line up fast.  Against Boston College and Maine, defenses were having trouble lining up right because they get set fast.  They run a pressure defense.  We will be doing some blitzing and stunting during practices this week to prepare for what they might do.  I expect the game to be tough and physical.”

Senior RG Brian Mellott commented on what he saw on film that impressed him about Northeastern.  “Their noseman, #57 [Mike Lukenda] is an excellent football player.  Playing against Williams and the guys we played against two weeks ago [Pitt] we know what to expect.  The two inside linebackers look excellent.  One of them,  #34 [Craig Kenney], is the captain of their team, he is the heart and soul of that defense.  We are in for a challenge.”

Mike LB Dionta Tate described the Huskies QB, Matt Carroll, as a ‘running back who plays quarterback’.  Anytime a team spreads the field and has a quarterback who can run, defenses better know their responsibilities or they will get picked apart.  The YSU coaching staff has made this clear to the players for this game.

The Brandon Summers – Donald Jones show got rolling last week.  Kevin Smith ran hard and made the most of his chances. Mychal Savage is a beast, period.  Aaron Pitts made a huge fourth down catch.  Players on this Penguins team are definitely playing their roles.  The twelve Seniors on this team are leading by example.  Watch this young offensive line improve as they gain valuable game experience.  Brian Mellott may be the best talker I have ever heard at a press conference.  I know he is communicating well with the younger guys as they gain time.

Kickoff at Northeastern is set for 1 o’clock and the game can be heard on AM-570, WKBN with Bob Hannon and Dick Hartzell.  The game can also be purchased to watch online for $8.95 at GoNU.tv.  The early weather is calling for a chance of showers on a 67 degree afternoon at Parsons Field.

Penguin Notes

• Against Austin Peay, YSU Strong Safety Sir Demarco Bledsoe finished with 15 tackles, most by a YSU player in a game since 2004.  The 15 tackles were also the most recorded by a member of the YSU defensive secondary since 2002.
• YSU’s Dominique Barnes has caught a pass in 14 consecutive games, longest streak on the team.
• Lenny Wicks should be ready to suit up for action this week vs Northeastern.
• Seasons that end in the number nine have been kind to the Peguins over the past few decades.  In 1999, YSU played in the NCAA Championship Game.  In 1989, YSU reached the FCS quarterfinals.  In 1979, YSU played for the Division II National Championship.  Can 2009 continue the pattern?