Football: Penguins close out season on senior day Saturday vs Northern Iowa

The Youngstown State football season ends Saturday when the Penguins wrap things up against Northern Iowa.

The Penguins will finish with their first losing season since 2021 finishing 3-7.

"The bottom line is we have to win football games," said fifth year coach Doug Phillips, who is 22-30 entering Saturday's finale.

"It starts with me as the head football coach but that deep reflection starts when the season ends," he said.

Twelve seniors will play their final game including snapper Sam Merryman who'll play in his 52nd game in a Penguin uniform.

"Excited and I think about it. My entire life I played this game and probably the last game I'll ever play, so I'm excited," said the senior.

"There's an excitement and good feeling to know that I played in almost 50 games and this is the last game of my career. It is emotional," said defensive end Hunter Allen.

Three time this season the Penguins held double digit leads in the first and eventually lost.  Phillips lamented there are no excuses.

"We're in a outcome based profession and the bottom line is you have to win games and we fell short in those, but I'm still proud our kids."

The seniors will be honored before the 12 noon kickoff.

PENGUIN NOTES:  When asked whether the finale would be used to evaluate younger talent, Phillips said, "Were trying to win a football game."

-Phillips says the mindset is on Northern Iowa and the reflection and evaluation begins at seasons end.

-The Penguins bye week is next week & despite having the opportunity to practice they will not be on the field

-They have 15 official visits coming this weekend for the finale

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