Preview: Michigan State Spartans vs Youngstown State Penguins
When & Where: Saturday, September 13, 2025 • Spartan Stadium, East Lansing – Afternoon kickoff (3:30 PM EDT)
All-Time Series
Michigan State and Youngstown State have met three times previously, with the Spartans winning all three matchups comfortably. Their most recent meeting came in 2021, when MSU defeated YSU 42–14 in East Lansing. I was at that game, and the Spartans built a comfortable lead in the first half and never looked back. I expect it will be the same this go-around, and hope that there isn’t a hangover from the exhilarating overtime win against Boston College last week. Spartans’ size, depth, and speed overwhelmed the Penguins that day, and history suggests this year’s contest will likely follow the same script.
The Youngstown State Penguins are off to a strong start, having won their first two games of the season. Their QB, Beau Brungard, leads the FCS in several rushing categories and set school and conference records against Robert Morris. The team also has 14 first-time starters, which demonstrates that they have solid coaching to integrate all these players into the mix.
MSU, meanwhile, is expected to dominate but must avoid slip-ups. Games like this are invaluable for both programs: for MSU, it’s a tune-up before Big Ten play, and for Youngstown State, it’s an opportunity to showcase resilience and earn national exposure.
Last Week’s Games
Michigan State: Last Week’s Game
Michigan State survived a wild double-overtime battle with Boston College, pulling out a 42-40 victory in East Lansing. The Spartans’ defense struggled early, allowing BC quarterback Dylan Lonergan to throw for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns, but they tightened up in the second half and in overtime. Quarterback Aidan Chiles answered with four touchdown passes of his own, showing poise in high-pressure moments. Special teams also made an impact, with punter Ryan Eckley flipping field position and kicker Martin Connington drilling a 50-yard field goal. While the performance was uneven, the Spartans showed resilience and the ability to deliver in clutch situations.
Youngstown State: Last Week’s Game
Youngstown State rolled past Robert Morris in a 56-17 rout, powered by a record-setting performance from quarterback Beau Brungard. Brungard rushed for 264 yards and four touchdowns, the most ever by a quarterback in Missouri Valley Conference history, and added a passing touchdown for good measure. The Penguins were highly efficient, converting six of nine third downs and finishing six for six in the red zone. By the time Robert Morris found the end zone in the second half, Youngstown State had already built an insurmountable lead. It was a statement win that showcased the Penguins’ physicality and Brungard’s dual-threat ability.
Weather Forecast
- Conditions: Mostly sunny, high near 73°F, light winds
- Impact: Perfect early-fall football weather. No rain or high wind means both teams should be able to run their playbooks without interference. Expect crisp execution.
Key Matchups
- Beau Brungard vs. MSU Linebackers
Brungard’s dual-threat ability will test MSU. If he can extend plays with his legs, YSU could keep drives alive. - MSU’s Offensive Line vs. YSU’s Defensive Front
The Spartans must impose themselves in the trenches. If they establish the run early, it will set the tone and open up passing lanes. - Turnovers & Special Teams
YSU will need to steal a possession or two with interceptions, fumbles, or special-teams plays. Without those, the talent gap will be too much to overcome.
Why Youngstown State Are Called the Penguins 🐧
The “Penguins” nickname is one of the quirkiest and most beloved in college sports. According to school history, the name dates back to the winter of 1933. During a frigid basketball game at West Liberty State Teachers College, fans noticed the Youngstown players “waddling” up and down the court because of the cold. Someone joked that they looked like penguins, and the nickname stuck.
That same night, a group of students returned to campus and began chanting “Penguins!” The name caught on immediately, and by the next year, it became the official mascot. Today, Pete and Penny Penguin serve as YSU’s mascots, and the program embraces the uniqueness of being the only college in America with Penguins as its athletic identity.
Why This Matchup Matters
For Michigan State:
- It’s about sharpening execution ahead of Big Ten play.
- Building continued confidence for QB Aiden Chiles, as he took a step forward in making this his team last week.
- Getting younger players meaningful reps in a game where depth will matter.
For Youngstown State:
- It’s about exposure and pride. Even in defeat, if they compete hard, it can energize their fan base and recruiting.
- Playing at Spartan Stadium in front of 70,000+ fans is an experience that builds character for a program in the FCS ranks.
Prediction
- Final Score: Michigan State 45, Youngstown State 13
Final Word
This isn’t expected to be a nail-biter, but the storyline is compelling. Michigan State has everything to lose if they look sloppy, and Youngstown State has everything to gain if they compete. The Penguins’ quirky mascot and underdog grit make them a fun opponent, but history suggests the Spartans will be far too much to handle.
