Youngstown State edges Indiana State in thrilling 21-14 opener
- Youngstown State took a commanding 21-0 lead at halftime with strong performances from Beau Brungard and Ethan Wright.
- Indiana State fought back in the second half, scoring two touchdowns to close the gap to 21-14.
- A critical defensive play in the final minutes allowed Youngstown State to hold on for the victory.
In Youngstown, Ohio, Youngstown State secured a 21-14 victory over Indiana State in their Missouri Valley Football Conference opener on Saturday. The Penguins established a strong lead in the first half, with Beau Brungard throwing a touchdown pass and Ethan Wright scoring twice on short runs. Youngstown State went into halftime with a commanding 21-0 advantage. However, Indiana State responded in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with two touchdowns from Elijah Owens. The Sycamores' momentum built as they approached the end of the game, but a crucial defensive play by Joe Brown halted their progress. With Indiana State threatening to score from the 12-yard line, Brown's sack and a subsequent incomplete pass allowed Youngstown State to maintain their lead and run out the clock. This match marked a significant moment for both teams, as Youngstown State improved their record to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the conference, while Indiana State fell to 1-4 and 0-1 in the league.