This year, things could be different.  For starters, the 40th version of the Youngstown State football Red vs White game will be played Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium. Admission is $5 and free for YSU students. The contest will be carried live on 570 WKBN.  It has a big game feel, which is exactly what Eric Wolford and his staff want.

Wolford will be in the tailgate lot visiting with fans starting at 6:15 p.m. Tailgate contest will also start at 6:15 p.m. and the judging will be held until 6:45. The winner will be presented a trophy by Coach Wolford at midfield prior to the start of the game.

“Whoever has hot garlic will probably win”, joked Wolford on the Rookery Radio interview he did with Zach Humphries and Gary Brode.  “This area is famous for all of the good food and this is when people will compete to see whose is best.  I heard we had sold 100 tailgate passes already, that’s awesome!”

Tailgate passes for the M-24 Parking Lot across the street from the Stadium are available for $15 to all Penguin fans. Fans who purchase a pass, must also buy two game tickets. The tailgating lot will open at 5 p.m. For more information, or to purchase a tailgate parking pass contact the Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 941-1978. There is no postgame tailgating. Additional parking will be available near the stadium for $5 in various university lots.

Courtesy of YSUSports.com, here is a complete schedule:

5 p.m. — Tailgate (M-24 Lot Only) and Parking Lots Open
6:15 p.m. — Judging for Best Tailgate Food Contest Begins
6:30 p.m. — Stambaugh Staium Gates Open
6:50 p.m. — Entire Team Takes Field
7:30 p.m. — Kickoff

“It’s going to be a lot of fun, these guys have worked really hard”, said Wolford.

When asked if his defense can truly be measured against an offense with so many returning weapons, Wolford said, “You know, I was an offensive guy for a long time and love when we score.  However, as a head coach, I have to pull for the defense to do well also.  There is a lot of competition and about six or seven positions are up for grabs, so I think you will see guys trying very hard, defensively, to make a good impression.”