College football is basically designed to break your heart or make you feel like a god for exactly twenty-four hours. If you were at Johnny Unitas Stadium on September 20, 2025, you probably felt both. Usually, a cross-conference matchup between the Missouri Valley (MVFC) and the CAA is a gritty, defensive slog.
But not this time.
Youngstown St vs Towson turned into an absolute fever dream of trick plays, fake punts, and a kicker who somehow has ice water in his veins. Most people looking at the final score—31-28 in favor of the Penguins—see a close game. They don't see the 11-point fourth-quarter deficit or the two field goals in the final 97 seconds.
The Trickery That Nearly Broke the Penguins
Honestly, Pete Shinnick and the Towson staff must have been watching old circus tapes during the week. They weren't just playing football; they were playing mind games. Twice, the Tigers pulled out fake punts that left the Youngstown State sideline looking completely bewildered.
Bryce LaFollette, the punter, wasn't just kicking; he was a dual-threat weapon. On a fourth-and-8 in the second quarter, he tucked the ball and bolted 19 yards for a first down. Later, he threw a 14-yard pass to Jarvis Jones on another fake. You don't see that every day.
Then there was the "razzle-dazzle" touchdown.
Quarterback Andrew Indorf threw a backwards pass to wide receiver John Dunmore. Dunmore, who hadn't thrown a completion since his days at Oregon State in 2022, launched a 33-yard bomb to Kemarrion Battles. It was beautiful. It was chaotic. And for a while, it looked like it was going to be enough to bury the Penguins.
Beau Brungard and the Art of the Comeback
While Towson was busy with the highlights, Youngstown State quarterback Beau Brungard was putting the team on his back. He’s the kind of player who makes you hold your breath. He finished with 277 passing yards and exactly 100 rushing yards.
That’s a heavy workload.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Penguins were trailing 28-17. Most teams on the road, after a long trip from Ohio, would've folded. Instead, Brungard capped an 11-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run and then hit Max Tomczak for a clutch two-point conversion. Suddenly, it’s a three-point game.
The momentum shift was palpable. You could feel the air leave the stadium.
Key Stats at a Glance
- Total Offense: YSU 426, Towson 378
- Time of Possession: YSU held the ball for 32:51
- Fourth Down Efficiency: Towson went a perfect 3-for-3
- Individual Standout: Max Tomczak (7 catches, 116 yards)
The Andrew Lastovka Show
Let’s talk about Andrew Lastovka. Kicking a 48-yard field goal to tie a game with 1:37 left is pressure. Kicking a 42-yarder as time expires to win it is legendary.
Lastovka basically did both in the span of a few minutes.
The Penguins' defense finally woke up when it mattered most, forcing two punts in the final six minutes. That gave Brungard enough time to orchestrate a 40-yard drive in just 37 seconds to set up the walk-off winner. When that ball cleared the uprights, it wasn't just a win; it was the Penguins' first road victory since late 2023.
Why This Game Actually Matters
There is a common misconception that these non-conference FCS games are just "filler" on the schedule. They aren't. For Youngstown State, this was about proving they could handle the emotional swings of a hostile environment. For Towson, it showed they have the creative firepower to compete with anyone in the country, even if the finish wasn't what they wanted.
The history between these two is sparse—this was their first meeting since 1991—but after a game like this, it feels like a rivalry in the making.
If you are following either team this season, keep an eye on the turnover margin. In this specific matchup, Towson’s one interception was the only turnover of the game, and in a three-point loss, that’s the kind of detail that haunts a coaching staff.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the "Fake" Tendencies: Towson has shown they are fearless on fourth down. If you're betting or scouting, never assume a punt is just a punt when the Tigers are on the field.
- Monitor Brungard’s Usage: YSU leans heavily on their QB's legs. In high-stakes games, his rushing yardage over/under is usually a safe bet for the "over" if the game stays close.
- Secondary Depth: Towson’s Jaceon Doss had 120 receiving yards on just three catches. Teams with explosive vertical threats will continue to test the Penguins' deep coverage.
- Road Resilience: YSU has officially broken their road losing streak. Expect them to play with significantly more confidence in away MVFC matchups moving forward.
