The Youngstown State football team hours away from opening the 2024 season.

The Penguins return to Villanova, Thursday, and play the Wildcats who eliminated them in the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2023.

"Just knowing they ended our season there's an extra chip on the shoulder," said senior running back Tyshon King.

"We can't play emotional and worry about last year. We have to focus on what we have to do Thursday," he continued.

The Penguins return only two players on defense who played there in December.

I'm excited to see our guys ball out," said linebacker Logan Pasco. "I can't wait for us to stop the run, and do what we do best and be aggressive."

The Penguins are opening the season on the road for the first time, on a Thursday since 1993,

"We have one opportunity this week and we have to make it count and that's what we've preached throughout camp, said fifth year coach Doug Phillips.

PENGUIN POSTS:

-YSU leads the all time series 7-3. The Penguins last win in Villanova, 1999.

-Kicker Josh Wilkins is the nephew of Special Team assistant coach & former Penguin kicker Jeff Wilkins

-The opener will be YSU's 878th career game

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