Offense
The YSU offense ran the ball effectively against the USD defense, recording 343 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and 7.1 yards per carry. In the first half, Lynn Wyche-El scored two rushing touchdowns on jet sweeps, stretching the Coyote defense side-to-side and forcing them to account for pre-snap motion.
Speed-option and full-house concepts also worked well for the Penguins, as Jaden Gilbert, Beau Brungard, and Antuan Gardner broke off explosive runs at pivotal moments.
Gilbert finished the afternoon with 11 carries for 65 yards while also catching three passes for 41 yards. Brungard tallied 170 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, with a large portion of that production coming on scrambles.
Outside of Fresh Walter’s 28-yard reception early in the fourth quarter, which helped YSU build a 12-point lead, the Penguins didn’t get much going in the passing game.
YSU scored 40+ points for the third time this season.
Defense
YSU’s defense played an excellent game, forcing three turnovers that led to 17 points. After allowing a touchdown drive that tied the game at 7-7, the Penguins responded with back-to-back three-and-outs, helping YSU build a 20-7 lead with 7:43 remaining in the second quarter.
USD responded with consecutive touchdown drives to cut the lead to two points at 23-21 in the third quarter, but the YSU defense stifled the Coyotes the rest of the way. On USD’s next four drives, YSU forced two interceptions, a strip sack, and a punt.
Defensive coordinator Ryan Riemedio made critical adjustments in the second half, limiting USD’s play-action passing game and helping the defense respond at crucial moments.
Graydon Rollins led the Penguins with a career-high 17 tackles. Cam Smith and Darvens Tunis each recorded an interception, while Jordan Pritchard-Sewell helped seal the game with a forced fumble.
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