The Hobart Statesmen (2-1, 0-0) open their league play against one of their oldest rivals, the Saint Lawrence University Saints (1-3, 1-0). The Saints and Statesmen have squared off 82 times since 1901 with Hobart enjoying a 44-36-2 series lead. The Statesmen's series advantage has been bolstered in recent years, as Hobart hasn't lost to SLU since 1991 – the longest active winning streak (18) against any opponent.
Last season the Statesmen defeated the Saints 33-10 at Boswell Field to earn Coach Cragg's 100th career victory. It was also the debut of the Hobart “Wounded Warrior Project” camouflage football uniforms to raise funds and awareness for injured veterans of the Gulf Wars. The Statesmen racked up 373 yards of total offense and four touchdowns on the day – two by air (Vincent and Muratori) and two by the ground (Marlier). The defense sacked SLU QB JP Kearney six times and held Saint runners to a total of 72 yards on the day.
If Hobart's going to get win #19 against the scarlet and brown they will need to focus on breaking the Saints strong rush defense. SLU ranks third in the league allowing only 115 yards per game on the ground and second overall (based mostly on non-conference play) in total defense, allowing just under 300 yards per game. The Saints are especially tough when backed into a corner, as the defense has only allowed five scores on fifteen opponent visits to their red zone (33%).
The Saints have had a tough slate of games to start the season including Ithaca (3-1), #25 Alfred (3-0) and Norwich (3-1). SLU picked up its first win of the season, and the first win for new head coach Mark Raymond (previously the defensive coordinator at Ithaca), last Saturday against the Merchant Marine Academy (1-3, 0-1) by the score of 13-6 in Kings Point. The Saints were lead by JR WR Ethan Sutton who scored both of SLU's touchdowns – the first on an 80 yard fake punt in the first quarter and the second on a 75 yard catch and run with 6:06 to play in the game. A clip of the game winning touchdown can be viewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GPxPsxaH0t8
The Saints were paced by JR RB Ramon Mignott who finished with a career-high 127 yards rushing for St. Lawrence on 23 carries. The SLU defense also answered the call, led by senior linebackers Ryan Fedo (leads the Saints with 37 tackles, including five TFL) and captain Ben Cryts (21 tackles, 2.5 TFL and two sacks), holding the Mariner offense without a touchdown and Fedo sacked the quarterback a career-high three times (the Saints had nine sacks total on the day).
Keys to the Game:
1. Quick start – The Saints have only allowed 26 points total in the first quarter of their games this season. Thus if Hobart can attack and post a couple of scores early in the game, it will put added pressure onto a SLU offense that's really struggled in scoring – currently averaging only 11.5 points per game.
2. Get back to basics – Hobart went 0 for 10 on third down against a tough St. John Fisher defense last Saturday. Obviously the key to a win this Saturday is sustained drives and moving the chains. Expect a healthy mix of passes from Doug Vella and runs by FY phenom Steven Webb (six rushing touchdowns this season). The Statesmen OL will also need to step up to protect Vella against a SLU pass rush that leads the league in sacks.
3. Get the defense's swagger back – Hobart gave up 24 points in the first half last Saturday after only allowing seven in their first two games combined. Given SLU's offensive struggles, this game could be a great opportunity for the Statesmen defense to flex their collective muscles and potentially shut out, if not shut down the Saints.
Prediction:
I like Hobart to run away with this one, both literally and figuratively, the Saints defensive prowess notwithstanding. That said, I'll pick Hobart to win this one 35-10.
Kick-off is Saturday at 2 PM ET. Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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