Opponent Insight: Youngstown State

Youngstown State Penguins (Record: 2-3, 1-1 in MVFC)
The Series (From YSU): It will be the 20th meeting all-time between the two programs, with the first game dating back to 1942. Youngstown State has won just three meetings since 2007 - going 3-8 during that span (first time playing more regularly in 28 years - 1979). The series has only been played eight times in Brookings, vs. 11 times in Youngstown. SDSU has a winning record at both locations, with a 5-3 record at home - last time losing in Brooking in 2014 and 1974 prior to that.

Youngstown State's All-Time Record vs. South Dakota State:

Date	Location	Result
Sept. 30, 2017	Youngstown	W, 19-7
Oct. 22, 2016	Brookings	L, 10-24
Oct. 17, 2015	Youngstown	L, 8-38
Oct. 25, 2014	Brookings	W, 30-27
Nov. 23, 2013	Youngstown	L, 13-42
Oct. 27, 2012	Brookings	L, 28-41
Oct. 9, 2011	Youngstown	L, 28-35
Oct. 23, 2010	Brookings	L, 20-30
Oct. 30, 2009	Youngstown	L, 3-17
Sept. 6, 2008	Brookings	L, 7-40
Sept. 8, 2007	Youngstown	W, 23-17
Nov. 24, 1979	Youngstown	W, 50-7
Nov. 15, 1975	Youngstown	L, 21-38
Sept. 21, 1974	Brookings	W, 35-21
Sept. 22, 1973	Youngstown	L, 6-27
Sept. 30, 1972	Brookings	L, 22-34
Oct. 25, 1969	Brookings	W, 17-16
Oct. 26, 1968	Youngstown	L, 20-23
Sept. 19, 1942	Youngstown	W, 14-0

SDSU has outscored YSU in the all-time series 477-355 (average: 26.5-19.7) and outscore them 318-189 since 2007 (average: 28.9-17.2). The Jackrabbit defense has held that Penguin offense at 10 points or fewer in four occasions while the YSU defense has surrendered more than 20 points eight times. YSU is 6-1 when allowing 21-or-fewer points (lone loss in 2009) and lost six times when the Penguin offense scored more than 20 points. SDSU has scored 30-plus points in six of the last nine games and five games have been decided by seven points or less (not since 2014).

Jackrabbit QB Taryn Christion is 2-1 vs. the Penguins, losing in 2017 in Youngstown on Sept. 27, 19-7. 2017 at YSU (L, 19-7: 10-21 for 157 yards and one TD with one INT, five carries for 28 yards rushing), 2016 vs. YSU (W, 24-10: 15-21 for 189 yards and two TDs with one INT, 11 carries for 60 yards rushing), 2015 at YSU (W, 38-8: 8-14 for 122 yards and one TD passing, 13 carries for 75 yards and a 70-yard TD).

The SDSU defense recorded six sacks in the 2016 game vs. YSU (W, 24-10), which has only been done three times since 2013 playoff matchup at Northern Arizona (Other two games: Indiana State: Win 24-7, 2015 ... Southern Illinois: Win - 45-39, Oct. 8, 2016).

2017 Review (From YSU): The Youngstown State football team won its final three games to end the 2017 campaign with a 6-5 overall record and went 4-4 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. YSU had a pair of first-team All-MVFC selections in OT Justin Spencer and TB Tevin McCaster.

2017 Team Highlights (From YSU)

YSU had 2,447 yards rushing (222.5 per game) and 2,075 yards passing (188.6). YSU averaged 29.7 points. YSU quarterbacks combined to throw just four interceptions.
The defense allowed just 19.1 points per contest. YSU led the FCS in the regular season allowing just 143.7 passing yards per game. It was the second time in three years the Penguins ranked No. 1 in the country in fewest passing yards allowed.
The Penguins played five games that were decided by eight points or less. Four of the five losses were by a combined 18 points.
RB Tevin McCaster rushed for a career-high 1,066 yards on 221 carries and had 13 touchdowns. After 2017, McCaster had 1,735 yards on 357 carries and 24 TDs in his career.

Offense: The offense averages 27.0 points per game (ninth in MVFC), gaining 398.6 total offensive yards per game (5.6 yards per play) - 229.6 yards per game through the air (12.8 completion, 6.9 per attempt) and 169.0 yards on the ground (4.4 per carry). They have scored 10 passing TDs and seven rushing TDs on the season. Have picked up 123 first downs (24.6 per game) - 47 by rush, 57 by pass, 19 by penalty. Converting 39 percent of their third-down conversions (26-67) and 83 percent on fourth-down (5-6). Scored on 18 of their 24 attempts in the redzone (75 percent) - scoring TDs on 13 of the opportunities (54 percent). Kicking 50 percetn (5-10) on field goal attempts this season. Has fumbled eight times, losing two of them, and thrown five interceptions so far this season. Has thrown for 169.5 yards with three TDs and two INTs in wins, 269.7 yards and seven TDs and three INTs in losses. The offense scoring by quarter (First: 24, Second: 24, Third: 48, Fourth: 39).

Defense: Opponents have scored 28.2 points per game (sixth in MVFC), gaining 389.4 yards per game (5.9 yards per play) - 148.8 yards rushing per game (4.3 per carry) and 240.6 yards passing (12.4 per completion, 7.6 per attempt). They have allowed 11 TD passes and eight rushing TDs while allowing 102 first downs (20.4 per game) - 34 by rushing, 59 by passing, and nine by penalty. Forced two interceptions and four fumbles, recovering one. Opponents have converted 46 percent on third down (33-71) and two-of-four on fourth down. The YSU defense has gotten to the opposing QB 11 times. Opponents have been 14 of 15 scoring on redzone opportunities (93 percent) and scored 12 TDs (80 percent). The opposition's scoring by quarter (First: 27, Second: 31, Third: 35, Fourth: 48).

Penguins' Players to Watch
OFFENSE
QB Montgomery VanGorder (#12, SR, 6-1, 220): Only QB that has recorded a stat this season (QB Craycraft played in the blowout win over Valpo) ... is 90-165 (54.5 percent) for 1,148 total yards (average of 229.6 per game) with 10 TDs (T-4th in the MVFC) and five interceptions through five games ... third on the team in rushing yards this season (127 yards) on 38 attempts (average 3.3 per carry, 25.4 per game) with no rushing TDs - only three rushers have over five attempts and 50 yards rushing on the year ... thrown three TDs in three games (Butler, Valpo, W. Illinois) and recorded no passing TDs in his last outing (S. Illinois) ... has thrown interceptions in three games, throwing two in each of the last two games (three TDs, four INTs in MVFC play) ... has been sacked five times in the last two games after only being sacked once in the previous three ... threw below 50 percent in two games, including his last outing, and for less than 240 yards in three four of the five games (418 yards vs. W. Illinois, has lows of 157 and 137 yards in two games) ... averages seven yards per attempt (including a low of 3.8 yards in the last outing) and 126.9 efficiency rating ... has not played SDSU ... a member of the Notre Dame program from 2014-17 as a reserve QB.

RB Tevin McCaster (#37, SR, 5-10, 195): Only YSU player with over 40 carries, 200 yards, and more than one rushing TD this season - only two other players more than one TD (each have two) on the season (has 58.5 percent of the team rushing yards, 58.9 percent of the carries) ... has 113 carries for 535 yards and six rushing TDs through five games (averages 107.0 per game, 4.7 per carry), including three TDs and 156 yards in MVFC play (averages 78.0 per game, 3.5 per carry) ... has recorded a rushing TD in four of the five games with two two-TD games ... rushed over 100 yards in three games, including a 166 yards vs. Butler and 141 vs. Valpo ... of the three team losses, has had less than 20 carries and 75 yards in two of the three losses (17 for 40 at W. Illinois, 14 for 72 at WVU) ... only averaged 56 yards per game, 3.6 per carry, on the road this season ... has fumbled it once in the first game of the season ... had 35 carries for 183 yards and one TD with a long of 17 vs. SDSU in 2017 (YSU 19, SDSU 7) ... had five carries for 19 yards and one TD at SDSU in 2016 (SDSU 24, YSU 10).

RB Christian Turner (#20, SO, 5-10, 195): Second on the in rushing yards, third on the team in attempts behind RB McCaster and QB VanGorder - next-best on the team in carries and yards is four for 44 yards ... has 29 carries for 143 yards and no TDs (averages 28.6 yards per game, 4.9 per carry) ... has posted a bulk of his attempts and yardage in the first three games of the season - only recording four attempts for five yards in the last two contests ... had at least seven attempts for 44 yards or more in the first three games ... was involved in the passing game at W. Illinois, adding eight catches for 55 yards and a long of 11 ... only has three other catches for another 14 yards in the other games, including no catches in the last game vs. S. Illinois ... rushed 16 times for 62 yards with a long of nine and added three catches for 19 yards and a long of 11 yards with no TDs vs. SDSU in 2017 (YSU 19, SDSU 7).

WR Zach Farrar (#1, SO, 6-4, 205): Leads the team in receptions and yards in five starts this season ... has 19 catches for 292 yards and one TD with a long of 43 yards so far (58.4 yards per game, 15.4 yards per catch) ... recorded his TD at W. Illinois, tallying five catches and 83 yards ... has a game-high six catches and 135 yards - both recorded at WVU ... in both games where the team trailed early (WVU, WIU), has tallied more than three catches and at least 80 yards ... in the two team wins, has notched only five catches for 51 yards with no TDs ... averages 5.5 catches and 109 yards with an average of 19.8 per catch in away games ... did not play vs. SDSU in 2017 ... redshirted one year at Oklahoma (2016).

WR Kendric Mallory (#6, JR, 6-2, 205): One of two players who has caught multiple TDs, only the third player overall with multiple TDs ... tied for fourth in receptions and fourth in yardage - one of four players with over 100 yards receiving ... has nine catches for 137 yards and two TDs with a long of 44 yards (averaging 27.4 yards per game, 15.2 per catch) ... added his game-high in receptions (4) and yards (78) in the first game while adding his first TD ... since then, has had five receptions in three games with 59 yards and one TD (no TDs in the last two games) ... only has two catches for 12 yards and one TD in the team wins ... averages 1.5 catches for 23.5 yards in away games ... first year at YSU.

WR Darius Shackleford (#2, JR, 6-4, 195): Tied for fourth in receptions on the team with WR Mallory and has the third most yards on the team ... has nine receptions for 140 yards and one TD with a long of 42 yards in five games, three starts (averages 28 yards per game, 15.6 per catch) ... did not play the first two games ... hasn't scored since his first game vs. Valpo - where he had three catches for 69 yards and his long of 42 yards ... since then, has had six catches for 71 yards ... his last outing, he had two catches for 29 yards and a long of 18 ... averages two catches for 21 yards in away games ... did not play vs. SDSU in 2017.

WR Samuel St. Surin (#8, SO, 5-11, 185): Second on the team in receptions and yards (only other player with more than 140 yards) while also scoring one TD on the season in five games played, three starts ... has 12 receptions for 196 yards with a long of 37 yards (averages 39.2 per game, 16.3 per catch) ... recorded his TD in the first game of the season - adding season highs in receptions (5) and yards (85) ... in the last two games has recorded four catches, with three during last time out, and only 29 and 30 yards in each game ... has one catch for 29 yards in two away games he's played ... did not record a stat vs. SDSU in 2017.

TE Miles Joiner (#80, R-FR, 6-4, 250): Only has four receptions for 19 yards, but has tallied two TDs through five games played, three started ... posted his TDs in the first two games of the season ... has not recorded a long of more than seven yards ... has had a catch in four of the five games ... redshirted vs. SDSU in 2017.

DEFENSE
DE Shereif Bynum (#50, JR, 6-4, 255): Played and started in all five games while being tied for third on the team in tackles and leading the team in tackles for loss (only the third player with more than one) and in sacks (only second player with more than one) ... has 22 tackles, 14 solo, on the season with eight TFLs, including 3.5 sacks, and seven QB hurries ... has recorded at least three tackles in each game including three games with five tackles ... had 1.5 sacks (1.5 TFL) in the last game vs. S. Illinois and none (1 TFL) at W. Illinois ... in wins and close losses, he has all his sacks - losses where they played from behind ... no sacks and only three TFLs in the two away games ... did not play vs. SDSU in 2017.

DE Ma'lik Richmond (#12, JR, 6-4, 265): Has 13 tackles in five games played so far, including 2.5 sacks and three TFLs with a QB hurry ... only other player with multiple sacks and third player with multiple TFLs ... has had three tackles in three games, including the last time out where he also grabbed a sack ... has one tackle in two away games this year - both of them were when they were losing and playing from behind ... did not play vs. SDSU in 2017.

LB Armand Dellovade (#42, SR, 6-0, 215): Leads the team in tackles and solo tackles while one of two players with an INT and one of three players with multiple TFLs (second-most) ... has 43 total tackles, 26 solo, with 3.5 TFLs and one sack on the year ... also has one INT, two pass break-ups and two QB hurries on the year ... had his season-low five tackles his last time out ... recorded a season-high 15 total tackles, seven solo, vs. WIU - that included one sack and another TFL with a pass break-up ... his INT was against Valpo ... has averaged 11.5 tackles and recorded his sack and two TFLs during away games ... four tackles, three solo (third-most on team), one TFL, one INT (stopped a late fourth-quarter drive), and one pass break-up vs. SDSU in 2017 (YSU 19, SDSU 7) ... had 10 tackles, six solo (second-most on team), with two TFLs at SDSU in 2016 (SDSU 24, YSU 10) ... had three tackles, two solo vs. SDSU in 2015 (SDSU 38, YSU 8).

LB Christiaan Randall-Posey (#35, JR, 6-2, 200): Tied for the third-most tackles on the team ... has 22 tackles, 16 solo, and credited with half a sack ... has played in all five games, getting the start twice ... added his first double-digit tackle game the last time out vs. SIU, adding nine solo and two more assisted ... recorded his sack and five tackles vs. Valpo ... had not recorded more than three tackles in the other three games, including only three total tackles in two away games this season ... had one assisted tackle vs. SDSU in 2017 (YSU 19, SDSU 7) ... did not record a stat at SDSU in 2016.

DB Will Latham (#5, SR, 5-10, 170): One of two players with an INT and is second on the team in break-ups with three ... has 15 tackles, 11 solo, and one TFL and one QB hurry on the season ... has played in four of the games, starting in three of them ... had 10 total tackles, his TFL, INT, and two pass break-ups in the first two games ... has two tackles in MVFC play and did not play the last time out ... did not play vs. SDSU in 2017.

DB Chrispin Lee (#19, SR, 6-1, 185): Second on the team in tackles (one of two players over 25 tackles), 16 solo, and one sack with one pass break-up on five games played, four starts ... has had two games over 10 tackles - including the last time out (11), otherwise has tallied five once and three or less in the other two ... notched nine solo tackles with his lone sack and one pass break-up last time out vs. S. Illinois ... did not record a stat vs. SDSU in 2017 ... did not record a stat at SDSU in 2016 ... not recorded an INT and only three pass break-ups in his career.

Game-by-Game Recap (From YSU, 2-3, MVFC: 1-1):
Oct. 6 vs. Southern Illinois (W, 17-14): K Zak Kennedy converted a 34-yard field goal with 26 seconds left in the game to give Youngstown State a 17-14 victory over Southern Illinois on homecoming weekend. The Penguins scored the final 11 points of the game after trailing 14-6 late in the fourth quarter. RB Tevin McCaster plunged in from one-yard out to cut the deficit 14-12 and QB Montgomery VanGorder connected with WR Zach Farrar on the two-point conversion to tie the game with 4:36 left in the contest.

DE Ma'lik Richmond's sack on third down forced the Salukis to punt on their next possession and YSU took over at the SIU 39 setting up the drive for Kennedy's game winner.

To begin the game, the Penguins wasted no time getting points on the board as Kennedy capped off their opening drive with a 32-yard field goal, with 11:03 left in the first quarter. Southern Illinois took the 7-3 lead early in the second quarter. After a Southern Illinois muffed punt, the Penguins were able to cut the Salukis' lead to one with 5:02 left in the half.

After receiving the second-half kickoff, the Penguins moved the ball down the field before stalling out at the at the SIU 25. With a chance to regain the lead, Kennedy missed a 42-yard field goal wide left with 7:48 left in the third quarter. To open the fourth quarter, Southern Illinois extended its lead to 14-6 with 10:57 remaining in the game before the YSU offense scored the last 11 points.

For the game, VanGorder finished 15-of-36 for 111 yards and two interceptions. He also ran the ball 12 times for 48 yards. McCaster rushed the ball 28 times for 116 yards and a score - his third 100-yard rushing game of the season. Kennedy was 3-for-4 kicking on the evening, which included field goals from 24, 32, and 34 yards (game-winner).

DB Chrispin Lee and LB Christiaan Randall-Posey, who each recorded 11 tackles for the game, led the defense. DE Shereif Bynum registered a team-high 1.5 sacks.

Sept. 29 at Western Illinois (L, 45-38): Youngstown State dropped their Missouri Valley Football Conference opener to Western Illinois, 45-38. The Penguins played from behind most of the game, but never quit.

Down 30-10 in the third quarter, QB Montgomery VanGorder found WR Zach Farrar on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 4:33 left in the period to get YSU within 30-17. RB Tevin McCaster scored on a fourth-and-goal play from the two-yard line with 11:26 left in the game - McCaster's second rush TD of the game.

Following the YSU score, the Leathernecks answered back scoring a TD and two-point conversion to extend the WIU lead to 38-24 with 8:06 left. YSU's next offensive snap resulted in a turnover as WR Darius Shackleford fumbled at the Penguins' 32-yard line. WIU added another quick touchdown on a 32-yard score as the lead became 45-24.

VanGorder completed an 11-yard scoring toss to Jermiah Braswell with 4:05 left in the fourth. The Penguins recovered the ensuing onside kick and moved the ball to the Western Illinois 2-yard line. However, VanGorder was intercepted in the end zone to stop the drive.

With 36.7 seconds left, VanGorder connected with RB London Pearson on a two-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 45-38. YSU tried another onside kick, but this time the Leathernecks recovered to seal the win.

VanGorder completed 33-of-57 passes for 418 yards and three touchdowns. The completions, attempts and yards were all school records.

Sept. 15 vs. Valparaiso (W, 42-7): Youngstown State racked up 465 yards in total offense and defeated Valparaiso 42-7 for their first win of the season. QB Montgomery VanGorder and RB Tevin McCaster - who accounted for five touchdowns, led the Penguins. The defensive unit chipped in with a key interception and held the Crusaders on 12-of-16 third-down tries.

For the first score of the game, Valpo launched a 75-yard touchdown pass - giving them the 7-0 lead. YSU responded with a touchdown of their own on their next drive to bring the score to 7-7. A 27-yard touchdown pass from VanGorder to WR Natavious Payne capped off an eight play, 75-yard drive.

Later, VanGorder found WR Darius Shackleford for a 42-yard pass, setting up McCaster for a one-yard touchdown run. Dellovade intercepted a pass from Duncan and YSU went 30 yards to take a 21-7 lead, capped off by a one-yard TD by McCaster again.

YSU wasted no time putting points on the board in the second half, scoring on their opening possession and scoring again halfway through the third quarter to make it 35-7. YSU pushed their lead to 42-7 with 4:25 remaining in the game.

For the game, VanGorder completed 13-of-21 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. Three different Penguins were on the receiving end of those touchdowns, including WR Darius Shackleford who had three receptions for 69 yards. McCaster finished the game with 25 carries for 141 yards and three touchdowns.

LB Armand Dellovade, who registered eight tackles and had an interception in the second quarter, led the defense. LB Cash Mitchell also recorded six tackles. As a unit, the defense recorded three sacks and held Valpo to 230 yards of total offense.

Sept. 8 at West Virginia (L, 52-17): Youngstown State was defeated 52-17 by No. 14 West Virginia. The Penguins fall to 0-2 while the Mountaineers improve to 2-0. This was the second meeting between the two schools in the last three years. In 2016, the Penguins fell 38-21 at West Virginia.

WVU received the opening kickoff and marched right down the field before Latham intercepted a pass at the 23-yardline to give YSU the ball. On their very next drive, West Virginia went 99 yards on 10 plays to take a 7-0 lead. The Mountaineers extended their lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter.

The Penguins responded with a touchdown on their very next possession to bring the score to 14-7. YSU's 10 play, 75-yard drive was capped off with a 4-yard touchdown pass from VanGorder to TE Miles Joiner. West Virginia extended their lead to 21-7 with only a minute left in the half.

West Virginia opened the second half scoring started with a 33-yard touchdown pass to push their lead to 28-7. The Penguins answered with a touchdown of their own on a 6 play 75-yard drive that was finished by a 13-yard touchdown run from McCaster. The Mountaineers responded with a 14-play 82-yard touchdown drive to regain a 35-14 lead. After West Virginia took a 42-14 lead, Zach Kennedy knocked in a 45-yard field at the end of the third quarter to make the score 42-17. It was all West Virginia in the fourth quarter as they increased their lead to 52-17.

For the game, Tevin McCaster had 14 carries for 72 yards and touchdown while his counterpart Christian Turner carried the ball 10 times for 48 yards. QB Montgomery VanGorder completed 11-of-24 for 157 yards for one touchdown and threw one interception. Zach Farrah had a big day receiving hauling in six passes for 135 yards.

On defense, DB Chrispin Lee registered a career-high 15 tackles while DB Will Latham had eight tackles and one interception.

Sept. 1 vs. Butler (L, 23-21): Butler's Drew Bevelhimer's 44-yard field goal with four seconds left in the game lifted the Bulldogs past then-No. 25 Youngstown State, 23-21.

After a three and out from the Penguins, the Butler Bulldogs went 73 yards on four plays to take a 7-0 lead. On the very next drive, RB Tevin McCaster got YSU all the way the down to the Butler 17-yard line thanks to a 68-yard carry, but K Zak Kennedy missed it off the left upright. The Penguins were finally able to get on the board after a 12 play, 62-yard drive was capped off by a three-yard touchdown pass from QB Montgomery VanGorder to TE Miles Joiner. With time running out in the half, Kennedy was sent out to kick a 48-yard field goal but missed wide right to keep the score at 7-7 headed into the half.

The Penguins' offense began to click on their first drive of the second half as they went 80 yards in just eight plays. A 26-yard touchdown pass from VanGorder to WR Samuel St. Surin to put the Penguins ahead, 14-7, capped off the drive. The offense kept it rolling on their next possession as they went 78 yards in five plays to take a 21-7 lead. VanGorder hit WR Kendric Mallory for 44 yards to give him is third passing touchdown of the afternoon.

Butler got right back in the game in the fourth quarter after they scored a touchdown with 9:20 left to bring the score to 21-14 in favor of YSU. The Bulldogs drew even closer after they scored a touchdown with 1:20 left in the game. After failing to convert a two-point conversation, the Bulldogs recovered an onside kick with 1:18 left in the game. Butler was able to move the ball into field goal position to set up a 44-yard game-winning field goal.

McCaster carried the ball the 29 times for 176 yards while Christian Tuner had eight carries for 46 yards. VanGorder completed 18 passes on 27 attempts for 234 yards and three touchdowns. St. Surin had five receptions for 85 yards and a score while Mallory had four receptions for 78 yards and a score. DB Bryce Gibson had 8 tackles while LB Armand Dellovade registered seven tackles to lead the defensive effort.

-GoJacks.com-

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Taryn Christion

Upcoming Event: Football at Youngstown State on October 4, 2025 at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT

Upcoming Event: Football versus Northern Iowa on October 11, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football at Murray State on October 18, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football versus North Dakota State on October 25, 2025 at TBA

Upcoming Event: Football versus Indiana State on November 1, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football at South Dakota on November 8, 2025 at TBA

Completed Event: Football versus Mercyhurst on September 27, 2025 , Win , 51, to, 7

Completed Event: Football versus Drake on September 13, 2025 , Win , 37, to, 21

Completed Event: Football at Montana State on September 6, 2025 , Win , 30, to, 24 , 2 OT

Completed Event: Football versus Sacramento State on August 30, 2025 , Win , 20, to, 3

Completed Event: Football at North Dakota State on December 21, 2024 , Loss , 21, to, 28

Completed Event: Football versus Incarnate Word on December 14, 2024 , Win , 55, to, 14

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