Youngstown State 28,
Western Illinois 24

Sept. 25, 1999

    The greatest comeback in school history and the greatest goal-line stand in school history proved to be just enough for Youngstown State to beat Western Illinois 28-24 in the Gateway Conference opener for both schools.

    Western Illinois built a 21-0 second-quarter lead on three rushing touchdowns, including two by Charles Tharp.

    In the final minute of the first half, the Penguins found life by answering the Leathernecks’ third touchdown with their first of the contest. Quarterback Jeff Ryan connected with Jared Zwick from 22 yards to cut the deficit to 21-7 with 29 seconds left in the second quarter.

    The third quarter saw the Guins tie the contest on two Ryan to John Schumacher touchdown passes. Ryan threw a 43-yarder to Schumacher to cut the deficit to 21-14 and the two hooked up again from eight yards tying the game with 4:52 left in the quarter.

    In the fourth quarter, YSU held the Leathernecks on three plays from inside the five-yard line as Joe Lopez connected on a 19-yard field goal with 9:24 remaining.

    The Penguins answered right back as Ryan scored on a seven-yard run to take a 28-24 lead at the 7:24 mark.

    Eleven plays following the go-ahead score, WIU had a first-and-goal at the five-yard line. After moving to inside the one on second down, the Guins’ line held quarterback Mark Zanders out on a quarterback sneak on third.

    With the ball just outside of the end zone, the defense plugged the line again keeping Zanders out on a quarterback sneak to hold on for the win in the game’s final minute.