Offense
YSU struggled to find a rhythm offensively in the first half, scoring just seven points and totaling 157 yards. Outside of an 84-yard touchdown drive, the Penguins punted twice, turned the ball over on downs, and threw an interception.
After another interception on the opening drive of the third quarter, YSU responded with three consecutive touchdown drives to score 21 points in the second half.
Austin Bray had a standout performance, hauling in five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. For an offense with high standards, scoring just seven first-half points is unacceptable. However, credit to YSU for responding in the second half and feeding off the momentum generated by the defense.
Defense
YSU’s front seven took complete control of this game. The Penguins registered five sacks, eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and three quarterback hurries.
Jordan Pritchard-Sewell and Ebony Curry Jr. were fantastic, combining for 14 total tackles, three sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss. The defensive pressure made a major impact, as Southern Illinois was held to just 99 rushing yards and 16 points.
Batted passes at the line of scrimmage, pass breakups, sacks, and tackles for loss were all major factors throughout the game. It appears the YSU defense may have finally found its coming-out game.
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