Macomb, Ill. -- The Youngstown State defense held one of highest scoring teams in the Gateway to just under half their average, but still suffered a 19-0 loss at Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon.

The 23rd-ranked Penguins (4-4 overall and 2-3 in the Gateway Football Conference) were held to just 10 net yards rushing while passing for a season-high 219 yards. No. 9 Western Illinois (7-1 and 4-1) used four field goals by Justin Langan to win their third consecutive game and even the all-time series against Youngstown.

YSU was thin at tailback for game against the Leathernecks. Leading rusher P.J. Mays was hobbled by a sprained knee and backup Josiah Doby was out with a sprained ankle. Mike Burns started in place of Mays rushing for a team-high 42 yards on 15 carries. Mays ran the ball twice losing two yards both times.

Western jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter taking advantage of a YSU turnover. Marshall was sacked and fumbled at the YSU 30-yard line where WIU's Lee Russell recovered. Seven plays later, Lamar Parrish scored on a one-yard run with 4:06 remaining.

In the second quarter, WIU kicker Langan kicked three field goals to boost the Leathernecks lead to 16-0 at the half. Included in his makes were boots of 50 and 53 yards.

Langan added a 31-yarder in the third for the only scoring of the second half by either team.
YSU starting quarterback Aaron Marshall completed 9-of-15 passes for 121 yards. Junior Luis Gonzalez entered the game in the fourth quarter completing 7-of-14 passes for 64 yards.

Wide receiver Matt Rycraft also completed a 34-yard pass to tight end John Schumacher on YSU's first offensive play of the game.

Senior wide receiver Jerald Burley caught five passes for 79 yards and senior free safety Anthony Barone had a team-high 11 tackles to highlight YSU's individual efforts.

Western Illinois entered the game averaging 39.1 points and 423.1 yards per game. The Leathernecks finished Saturday's contest with just 336 yards. The 19 points marked their second-lowest total of the season.

The game marked the first time the Penguins were shut out since losing 14-0 at Western Illinois.

Youngstown State plays its annual Homecoming game against Southern Illinois on Nov. 2. Kickoff at Stambaugh Stadium is set for 4 p.m.