The Kentucky football team is set to host the Youngstown State Penguins on Saturday at 1:00 P.M. ET in Kroger Field. The Penguins come in at 1-0 after defeating Mercyhurst 43-10. This will be a great test for Kentucky's defense as Youngstown State has a dynamic quarterback. Let's take a deep dive into the Penguins offense and what to expect.
Youngstown State has a phenomenal quarterback in Beau Brungard, who won the Walter Payton Award in 2025, which is essentially the Heisman trophy of the FCS level. Brungard had over 3,000 passing yards and 1,400 rushing yards last season. He kept that momentum going in week zero, completing 20-of-29 passes, 232 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and just one interception. He also showed is explosiveness
with his legs with 21 carries, 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
In their win over Mercyhurst, Brungard completed passes to nine different pass catchers. Another player to watch is running back Jaden Gilbert, who is the best player outside of the quarterback. He is explosive out of the backfield and they find ways to throw him the football as well. Between Brungard and Gilbert, this is a perfect season-opening test for Jay Bateman's defense and specifically the young linebacker room.
Youngstown State has a creative offense, particularly in the quarterback run game. You will see multiple read option looks and they blend inside run schemes with outside run schemes to try to get to the edge. Kentucky will have to play fundamental football when it comes to run fits and read option plays. This will be a good initial test with a lot of dual threat quarterbacks on the schedule this season.
Linebackers will need to be ready. Grant Godfrey has got a ton of buzz this offseason and earned the "green dot" to get the play calls in from Coach Bateman and get the defense lined up correctly. Godfrey is the player to watch, as he will have to key in on this explosive run game and Brungard playing off script. Brungard is essentially the entire offense for the Penguins.
You consistently see Youngstown State moving the launch point for Brungard in the passing game. The offensive line for the Penguins is the weakness of the offense, so I expect them to get Brungard on the move frequently against Kentucky. The edge room of Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace, CJ Works, Sam Greene and Lorenzo Cowan have a big opportunity to start the season off strong. We should see some of those simulated pressure looks to try and get to the quarterback quickly.
Youngstown State did lose some dynamic receivers from last season. They don't have one guy that scares you, but they have depth and it allows Brungard to spread the football around. Kentucky should be able to control the passing game with ease, given the pass rush and defensive line talent. The quarterback run game is the one massive test that the Wildcats defense will face in week one.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky week one opponent Youngstown St: Offensive preview
