Where has the faithful Penguin fan gone? The lack of interest in YSU football is scary. I realize times have changed and forums may be a thing of the past but where is the energy? You have to question if the coach is the right fit? No need to worry though Strollo has him locked down for the foreseeable future!
Coach Phillips teams have improved which could be viewed and interpreted differently based on how bad his first couple of seasons have gone to where YSU finished last season.
My biggest concern has been the the number of players on defense that fled through the transfer portal. At the same time is that Phillips' fault or Players taking advantage of NIL and financial gain which most of us would do the same if we were in their shoes.
I have listened to a few interviews with coach saying that this guy or another has played a lot of football speaking of new defenders that were backups and now it's time to step up and be the 1st teamer that is expected and why you were recruited to YSU.
Are these guys better or as good as the ones who fled and played behind ? Are the transfers brought in an actual upgrade ?
No one can answer those questions until we see the product on the field and how it plays out over the course of the season. It's mostly about recruiting and developing and now retaining players year to year. Not to mention bringing the right fit from the portal.
This season should be a good indicator of coach Phillips and the YSU program. Your record tells exactly where you're at. I'd probably give coach a pass if the season doesn't go well since breaking in a new QB and how hard he got hit with defectors but coach is 100% accountable for what goes on within the program.
I have no way of knowing if this is another playoff potential team or not and the Villanova game might be an indicator but I'm still going to support and cheer on coach and the penguins.