It’s Deja vu time again.
A battle between Eastern Washington and Youngstown State University on a cold December Saturday and on a likely slippery artificial turf field with a trip to the national title game in Frisco, Texas on the line.
Not a lot different in many ways than 19 years ago when the two teams met in Spokane’s Joe Albi Stadium and the Jim Tressel-coached Penguins topped Mike Kramer’s Eagles, 25-14.
Different is this game is in Cheney, on red artificial turf, but with Eastern (12-1), not YSU the team with the flashy recent postseason resume, including the 2010 Football Championship Subdivision national crown. After topping Eastern, Youngstown (11-3), which had a string of success starting 25 years ago in what was then called I-AA football, went on to defeat McNeese State 10-9 for its fourth national championship in seven seasons.
“It’s an amazing group to coach and they’ve done some amazing things,” Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin said. “ I know one thing, both teams are 0-0 going into this week. We’re excited for that challenge.”
Coached by former Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini, the Penguins are 5-2 against ranked opponents this season, including last week’s 30-23 quarterfinal victory in double-overtime against Wofford. Youngstown State finished its season 6-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference, losing only to nationally-ranked North Dakota State (24-3) and South Dakota State (24-10).
On offense, YSU features a pair of 1,000-yard running backs in Jody Webb (1,200, six touchdowns) and Martin Ruiz (1,153, 12 TDs).
A cloud of uncertainty floats over the YSU program as multiple reports indicate at least four players, possibly including Ruiz — who was arrested Dec. 12 on firearm charges — may be suspended for the game.
Pelini refused to comment on the matter at his weekly press conference this past Tuesday,
Eagles vs. Penguins
FCS No. 3-ranked Eastern Washington will play its semifinal playoff game on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Roos Field versus Youngstown State. TV: ESPNU (www.watchespn.com). Radio:700-AM ESPN in Spokane. Larry Weir calling the play-by-play, with analysis handled by Paul Sorensen. Broadcasts begin one hour prior to kickoff. Cheney watch parties: Wild Bill’s Long Bar.
Paul Delaney can be reached at [email protected].
Reader Comments(0)