5 Key Storylines to Watch in the 2017 FCS National Championship Game

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Sep 10, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Youngstown State Penguins running back Ryan Moore (21) returns a punt during the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Touchdown Aside, Youngstown State Got Here by Running the Ball

Yes, the pass from Hunter Wells to Kevin Rader has been a highlight-loop staple since the play won Youngstown a spot in the FCS championship on Saturday night. Wells has been stellar since coming into the starting lineup for the last two games of the regular season and through the playoffs. But the Penguins got to the title game on the strength of its running game.

Youngstown State enters the title game ranked seventh in the FCS in rushing, as the Penguins average more than 250 yards per outing. Two senior running backs, Jody Webb and Martin Ruiz, have each topped 1100 rushing yards so far this season. Including the playoffs, the Penguins are fifth in total rushing yards and sixth in rushing touchdowns.

They did it by continually pounding the ball on the ground. Thought they rated highly in counting categories, Youngstown State was ranked 18th in yards per carry. While that is still impressive in its own right, the Penguins are dependent on volume to rack up their yardage totals. As a result YSU also ranks third nationally at the FCS level in time of possession. The combination of steady gains and plenty of opportunities has made Youngstown State’s backfield the backbone of its return to the national title game.

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