Youngstown State has had a motto they have focused on this season, in good times and bad – focus on winning one game at a time.  Entering this week, the Penguins are still ranked at #22, still confident in the potential, and still in the thick of a playoff berth.  However, if the second half of football this week is anything like the past three have been, all of those aspirations can vanish quickly.

Eric Wolford has not beaten South Dakota State in his first two tries.  He knows that South Dakota State (5-2, 2-2) is in a similar situation with a sense of urgency churning through both teams preparing for this game which will have major playoff implications. As an added bonus, the Penguins will face the Jackrabbits on Hobo Day, the South Dakota State Homecoming.

“They are number one in the conference in red zone defense”, said Wolford at the weekly press conference.  “They are terrific on third down too.  But the glaring thing is that program’s ability to recruit players that fit into their defensive scheme.”

One of the reasons South Dakota State has been so good this season is Zach Zenner (above).  In last week’s loss to Northern Iowa, Zenner had 112 yards rushing.  Zenner currently leads all FCS backs with a 194 yards per game average.  The Jackrabbits sophomore tailback talked about the importance of winning on Hobo Day.

“Hobo Day, in one word, is Homecoming here”, said Zenner via telephone.  “We are doing our best to grow some beards and it is a very festive time on campus.  Our mascot is a Jackrabbit, and there are knockoff mascots and a whole bunch of fun things going on.  Naturally, we want to try to win every game, but we really want to win on Hobo Day.”

YSU must shut Zenner down to have a chance.  They must also not give away penalty yards at crucial junctures of the game.

“We are looking to stay within ourselves”, said Zenner.  “If they commit penalties against us, we won’t turn away the free yards.”

Wolford has done a good job blocking out the sudden rush of negativity geared toward the way things have gone lately.

“When you are winning, everyone wants to pat you on the back and say how good things are”, exclaimed Wolford.  “When you are not winning they will throw bricks, and sticks, and stones at you.  We don’t pay attention because we know what we have to do.”

“We know we are only guaranteed four more games”, said safety Donald D’Alesio.  “They [South Dakota State] run a very basic offense, but they do what they do well.  We have to get this bad taste out of our mouths this week, we are ready to win.”

Junior LB, Ali Cheaib, who doubles as a special teams player, was asked which of the three phases of the game need the most attention, since he is involved with two of them.

“Special teams are getting better, and last week was our best effort since the Pitt game on defense.  We are confident as a team because we know what we are capable of.  There is also a sense of urgency, more than ever, and we know our backs are against the corner.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 pm EST, and the game will be televised on WFMJ.