YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio. (NEWS3) — The Western Illinois defense could not stop Youngstown State on Saturday afternoon, allowing 524 yards of total offense and 45 first-half points in a 59-14 loss to the Penguins at Stambaugh Stadium.
The Leathernecks (0-8, 0-4 Missouri Valley Football Conference) turned the ball over three times, finished 5-for-16 on third-down conversions, totaled 260 yards, and possessed the ball for just under 24 minutes.
Youngstown State (5-3, 1-3) fired on all cylinders, going 7-for-16 on third-down conversions and scoring touchdowns on four of its first five possessions.
YSU senior running back Joe Alessi, rushing for 153 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.
Penguins senior quarterback Nathan Mays threw for a career-high four touchdowns on 10 of 17 passing. He finished with 182 yards.
WIU senior quarterback Connor Sampson was 15 of 27 for 139 yards and two touchdowns to Clint Ratkovich.
The Leathernecks will return to Hanson Field next Saturday, as they take on the South Dakota Coyotes. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
