2011 Game 1: Youngstown State Penguins…
7: PM friday Night, under the lights...

Before we get started: Again, our most sincere condolences for Coach Dantonio and his family.

Who are this weeks Rivals:
The Penguins are located in Youngstown Ohio, ergo:  Youngstown State (YS). They are a member of the members of the Missouri Valley Football  conference.

 There are close MSU ties:   Mark Dantonio  was an assistant coach, Spartan Defensive coordinator’s father was head coach (Bill Narduzzi - 1975–1985) just before Jim Tressel took the rains (1986–2000). Another tie is our beloved and departed X- Spartan Don Treadwell is a former YS team member and coach.

YS is not unfamiliar with Big Ten play, they went to Beaver Stadium  last year to take on Joe Pa. The Fighting Penguins held a lead against Penn State with a minute or so in the first half. They hung around for a little while. Holding the ball for 31:30 minutes, with  189 yrds passing. But losing 44 – 14…

Finishing the season  the 2010 season 3 – 8.

 YS is currently in the middle of a transition with second year coach in Eric Wolford, and young field General QB Kurt Hess (6-3, 235).   From reviewing their 2010 stats, Hess is a talented  kid, no question. They are hoping for a better season than last year and possibly eek out 4 – 5 victories.

A Penguin football forum recently said:
“We are team in transition… our new staff has changed things quite a bit. We play a much more SEC style of ball, yet we have a pro-set quarterback. QB Hess is very good. Last year we could hardly believe he was a freshman… However. our receiving corp is brand new… Hess does like to wait for his receivers to open up though…    As for Defense: we are very inexperienced..  I think we will be solid in the middle, but need to get more pressure in the front. Our secondary is athletic, but they need to take it to the next level in terms of contact, tackling and keeping an eye on the ball. -Again most all are inexperienced. Unfortunately a game against a Big-10 school may not show us what we need to know, but should be very exciting. “

Seems like an honest assessment to me..

SpartyMSU’s initial thoughts are: Good luck slowing down Gholston, Hoover and Worthy,  keeping Hess vertical and off his back-side.  From what I’ve read, we should be able to give a rushing demonstration all day long…   Baker, Caper, Bell, and Hill could each get 80 plus yards…  In addition, this will be a good time to see Maxwell behind center by the end of the first half.


Photo Credit: Rashaun Rucker

What makes them think they can beat the Spartans ?
They don’t. Clear and simple.  The Penguin fans do not believe they can win. Sure, every player believes he can win every game, no disrespect to the team, but its inconceivable for me, that the Penguins beat the Spartans, and more importantly, inconceivable for the Penguin fans to think they can win.

So, I think it’s like this:  Its old home week for some of the MSU coaching staff. You know what, I’m good with that. You have to play somebody to tune up on, so its better to support a friend the paycheck rather than a stranger…

Why will  the Spartans will beat them ?
Spartans are more talented, more experience on the field and as a team, bigger, stronger, faster, and our Sparty Mascot is a hell of a lot more scary than their Penguin..  Happy Feet.. ??  Want to see Sparty on the sideline chase him down and kick his butt…

Please… This game will be like The Hulk vs. Mr. Rogers,  he doesn’t stand a chance in hell against the Big Green monster, and the pain train Spartan Hulkamnia can bring…

 Maybe  I’m getting a little too excited, maybe since it’s the first game what is expected to be a great season…   I am sorry YS, hope this game yields some good practice notes for you. Color this game a solid Spartan Win on an late summer Friday night in East Lansing.

Dantonio will be respectful in this contest, once the game is secure, and information gained he will take his foot off the throat of YS, and that will be it. No running up the score.

Prediction:
MSU Spartans:  40
YS Penguins:  14

Sparty On !!