Youngstown State watched a 21-point lead evaporate as Illinois State (6-1, 3-1) scored the last 28 points of the game to complete a comeback that sends the Penguins (4-2, 1-2) losing streak to two games.

“Offensively, we had some foolish penalties that kept us behind the chains”, said Eric Wolford.  “We probably have to make some personnel changes.  We can’t keep thinking that things are going to change with the personnel we are using.”

The Penguins opened the game with a ten-play, 76 yard march.  Jamaine Cook, who had a huge day, punched it in from seven yards away to make it 7-0 in favor of the Penguins.  That lead would increase to 14-0 when Kintrell Disher caught a nice fade route in the corner that Kurt Hess delivered to the only catchable spot.

The Redbirds found the scoreboard by the end of the first quarter.  Darrelynn Dunn tallied from eleven yards away to make it 14-7 in favor of the Penguins.

Before the first half would end, the Penguins would go up, 28-7 on a pair of Cook touchdowns from one and 14 yards away.  The resilient Redbirds closed it to 28-14 before the half ended.

The Redbirds took their first lead of the game when Brown was ruled across the plane of the goal line.  Watching the replay on television a few times, I’m not so sure.  Either way, it made the score 35-28 in favor of Illinois State with 2:44 left in the game.

YSU would get the ball with plenty of time left in the game but ran out of downs as the comeback attempt was thwarted with less than a minute left in the game deep in Redbirds territory.

Brown started slow for ISU but would finish the game 20-31 for 225 yards, passing for three touchdowns and rushing in the game-winning score.  Dunn had 19 carries for 75 yards.

For the Penguins, Cook had 30 carries for 177 yards and three scores.  Hess finished 16-29 for 201 yards and a touchdown.

The Penguins return home next week to face Southern Illinois at 4 pm.