Whew! That was close.

I watched the big game last night, and boy, was it close. The Youngstown State Penguins beat the James Madison Dukes 35-31. When it seemed like all was lost, the good guys battled back from an 11 point deficit to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

It was a weird game for the Penguins. They're really a pretty formidable running team, but last night they really eschewed their bread and butter running in favor of a passing attack. Marcus Mason, who averaged 170 yards per game in the regular season, rushed for 72 yards against the Dukes. I was skeptical, but it worked. Known for their defense and grinding style of offense, the Penguins racked up 35 points against a stingy Dukes' defense.

Coach Jon Heacock, a former Tressel assistant (no vest), got his first playoff win. Watch next Saturday when the Penguins take on Illinois State at Stambaugh Stadium in beautiful Youngstown, Ohio.