The Youngstown State Penguins may have suffered a major blow heading into their game against the Eastern Washington Eagles. News broke on Tuesday that as many as four starters, and one key reserve, may not be able to play in the team’s semifinal matchup against the Eagles on Saturday. Per the report, some Youngstown State players were drug tested by the NCAA after the Penguins defeated Jacksonville State a couple weeks back and as many as five failed. It’s unclear what they tested positive for but being without four starters would put the Penguins in a rough spot heading into this one.
This FCS semifinal playoffs contest will go down Saturday, December 17, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. ET at Roos Field. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Youngstown State +8.5
Eastern Washington -8.5
Over/Under 62
Odds Analysis
The weather may have a large impact on this game. The temperature at kickoff is supposed to be sub-zero and there will likely be snow falling all throughout the game. That may cause the total to come down some closer to game time so keep an eye out.
If the report turns out to be true, expect Eastern Washington to be a double-digit favorite. The Eagles have one of the best home field advantages in football and the Penguins have had issues on the road, going 3-3 away from home this season. Additionally, Youngstown State is the only team to have made it to the semifinals from outside of the top four and have the weakest resume by far.
Player to Watch
Gage Gubrud has been a joy to watch this season. Gubrud may be just a sophomore, but he is already one of the best quarterbacks in the country, regardless of level. He has torched secondaries throughout the season, finishing with 4807 yards and 45 touchdowns, and was also the team’s leading rusher.
Nowhere was his value more evidenced than his performance in the Eagles’ season opening win over Washington State. He completed 85 percent of his passes in the game and tallied 551 yards and six scores en route to Eastern Washington’s biggest FBS win in some time. His ability to spread the field led to three different Eagles receivers finishing the season with 1000 yards and he will be the biggest test the Penguins secondary faces this year.
Coaching Angle
Former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is in his second year as Youngstown State’s head coach and has already led an impressive turnaround. In his first season, the Penguins finished just 5-6 as Pelini started to mold the team into running the style he preferred. This season, despite a few hiccups, Youngstown State put it all together and are now just one game away from returning to the promised land.
Pelini’s teams are known for their defense and ground attack and Youngstown State is no different. The Penguins are allowing opponents to score just 18.1 PPG and are keeping the ball out of their hands by averaging 257 YPG on the ground. They have won all four of their games decided by just one this season and know how to gut out close wins.
Free ATS Pick
Prior to the news of possible suspensions, Youngstown State would have been a popular upset pick. The Penguins are coached by a familiar face and have shown real life on offense over their last four games. However, Youngstown State has only beaten one team of note this season, Jacksonville State, and was manhandled by both South Dakota State and North Dakota State.
Eastern Washington has a passing attack unlike anything Youngstown State has seen and that will be the key to an Eagles win. As good as Gubrud is, Cooper Kupp has been impossible for opponents to stop as a wideout and the Penguins don’t have anyone to stop him.
College Football Odds: Eagles 38, Penguins 21
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