Penguin fever hits the Valley - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio It's their best start since 2000. The Youngstown State University Penguins are currently ranked third in the recent Sports Network football poll.

Undefeated so far this season (4-0), everyone is talking about YSU football.

Students like YSU junior Curtis Parker are excited about having a winning football team. "We're really getting excited, especially about our running back and quarterback. We're 4-0. We're number one. We've never beaten Northern Iowa. We finally beat them after 11 games. It's wonderful school spirit."

Victoria Farris works at the campus book store. She says YSU merchandise does especially well on game day. "It's been crazy in here. We've been selling out of everything. Can't keep the shelves filled. We just keep re-stocking everything. Families coming to support the team for their kids, whether they're on the team or they just want to see YSU win."

YSU President Dr. Cynthia Anderson says it's given the whole area something to rally behind. "It means notoriety to the university. It has really lifted spirits; everywhere you go people are talking about YSU, about the football team and their successes. It makes us more noticed throughout the community," Anderson said.

So what about future games? How is YSU predicted to handle some more tough competition?

21 WFMJ Sports Director Dana Balash says they have a few tests ahead of them. "Next week they play North Dakota State who won the national championship last year. YSU was the only team that beat them at home last year, was the only team to beat them last year. They have to travel there again there this year so that will be a stern test for them this year. Then they have Illinois State who a lot of people are saying are a sleeper in the conference. So they defeated one of the better teams now they have to face two or three more," Balash said.

YSU is off this week. Their next home game is October 20th.