WPI Game Preview

The #25 ranked Hobart Statesmen (5-0, 3-0) will embark on their longest road trip of the season, traveling down I-90 320+ miles to Worcester, MA to take on the WPI Engineers (2-5, 1-3) Saturday at Alumni Stadium.

The Engineers are lead by SR RB Ernie Mello who is ranked 2nd the Liberty League in rushing with a 103.4 YPG average.  Mello is also tied for first in the LL in rushing TDs with 10.  SO QB Johnny Antonopoulos (who actually got his first career start last season against the Statesmen) is sixth in the LL averaging 113.4 passing YPG.  The SO QB has thrown for eight passing TDs compared to six INTs.  Antonopoulos' favorite target is SR WR Nick Bean who has 30 receptions for 400 yards and four TDs.  Overall the WPI offense averages over 300 YPG.

On defense the Engineers are lead by SR DL Peter Gill with 46 total tackles including seven tackles for loss and five sacks.  SR DB John Perron leads the team with four INTs to go along with seven passes defended and three break ups.  That said the WPI "D" has struggled against the run, allowing 181 YPG on average to their opponents.

Special teams is an area of strength for the Engineers as they lead the LL in kickoff returns behind SR RB Manny Chambra.  SR PK Cody Beckel is also a solid contributor, converting 20 of 22 PAT's and three of five FGs (one was blocked).  He also averages over 50 yards per kickoff.

Keys to the game:
1.  Avoid the "trap game" - RPI (3-3, 2-1) is the only other LL team in control of its destiny and the Statesmen could be looking for some payback after dropping a heart-breaking 24-21 decision to the Engineers of Troy, NY last season.  If RPI beats Union this weekend, November 5th  game at Boswell Field vs. the RPI Engineers would basically be for the conference championship.  While Hobart has never lost to the WPI Engineers in their seven game series, the Statesmen need to stay focused and not get too overconfident and overlook a scrappy WPI club.

2. Mellow Mello - The WPI SR RB is the key to the Engineer offense and slowing him down should be the focus in securing a Hobart victory.  The Statesmen rush defense should be up to the task, having completely shut down the Mariner's #1 rushing attack last weekend at Homecoming.  WPI is last in LL in sacks allowed so I expect another big game for FY DE Tyre Coleman and the Hobart defensive ends and outside linebackers.

3.  Play to win - Seems self explanatory but WPI really has nothing to lose after a tough season that hasn't gone their way.  They are on a three game skid having lost games by a TD or less in each instance so this game is effectively their season's "Super Bowl".  I expect Coach Robertson to bring a lot of defensive pressure.  That said this should open up the Hobart passing game with SR WR Garth Muratori and JR WR Junior Woodard likely in man coverage.  Then again, Hobart did score four rushing TDs against WPI last season, so perhaps we'll see more of SO RB Steven Webb, JR RB Bobby Dougherty and company?

Prediction:
I like Hobart to move to 6-0, 4-0 and one game away from clinching the LL championship beating WPI in convincing, say 42-17, fashion.