The eighth ranked Hobart Football team had to wait until Week 3 for their home opener and they made the most of it, defeating Utica College, 34-21, in a tough, wet and often controversial game. The Statesmen overcame 121 yards of penalties, two interceptions by JR QB Patrick Conlan and a gritty Utica (2-1) club under the lights at Boswell Field.
The game got off to a rough start for Hobart (2-0) as their offense struggled to get their rhythm early in the game. The Pioneers converted two fourth down plays en route to a 7-0 lead when SR RB Jake Larson scored from five yards out with 4:16 to go in the first quarter. The special teams unit would block a Utica punt allowing Conlan to find JR TE Mike Berkowitz from eight yards out; capping a two play, 10 second drive. The Statesmen would take advantage of another short field, this time off JR OLB Nolan Toran's second caused turnover (he intercepted Butkiewicz in the first quarter but Hobart wasn't able to cash in), to take a 14-7 lead after a two yard SR RB Steven Webb TD.
Hobart would stun the visitors on the ensuing offensive possession when SO RB Connor Hartigan took the ball 89 yards, dodging his way to the end zone for the score. Although Hobart only gained six first downs in the first half, they took a 21-7 advantage into the locker room.
The Statesmen would try to pull away in the second half after a 56 yard Webb run pushed Hobart's lead to 28-7 with 9:37 to go in the third. Utica would come back however, driving 74 yards in 10 plays, capping the possession with another Larson TD. The SO PK Thomas Woodburn kick failed leaving the score 28-13. The Pioneers would threaten again but a big defensive stand by Hobart thwarted another Pioneers score at the end of the quarter.
Conlan found JR WR Elvin Souffrant for an 18 TD pass to push the Statesmen's lead to 34-13 with 8:10 to go in the game.
Although Utica would score another TD, a nine yard Connor Butkiewicz to Jamie Murphy reception, it came at 4:13 to go. Hobart would recover the ensuing onside kick and run out the clock, taking a knee at the Pioneers one yard line as time expired, winning the game, 34-21.
Leading the Statesmen once again was Webb with 150 of Hobart's 329 rushing yards and two TDs. Larson led Utica with 111 yards and two scores as well. SR LB Joe Giametta led the Pioneer defense with 11 tackles and Hobart's SR LB Cory Davis led the Statesmen "D" with a game high 14 stops.
With the win Hobart improves to 2-0 on the season and with two top 10 teams losing today may move up in tomorrow's D3football.com Top 25 poll*. The Statesmen open Liberty League play against a 3-0 USMMA squad who won 7-6 over SUNY-Maritime in a defensive struggle. The 3-0 start is the Mariners best since the 1997 season.
A few additional thoughts:
- The officiating in this game was questionable with a total of 194 yards in flags, Hobart getting called 14 times for -121 yards. Those penalties helped Utica to the tune of a 35 to 25 minute advantage in time of possession. Seven of Utica's first downs came via penalty which distorts the 29 to 15 advantage they had over Hobart. Both teams only punted five times each all evening
- The Statesmen running game, special teams and defense came up big when they had to make plays
- The Statesmen pass defense struggled to the tune of 235 yards, but only gave up one passing TD
- Conlan had a tough night throwing for only 69 yards
- The Statesmen defense was a bit too aggressive at times, which allowed Utica to take advantage of their over pursuit. To be fair, it was the home opener, on Homecoming and Parent's Weekend, under the lights, which may have added to the "hype". I don't think there won't be too many other games this season when Hobart only picks up one sack
- Hobart needs to get better in the pass game to avoid being a one dimensional offense. Although it was a rainy / wet night, 69 yards against what's likely a mid-level / non-playoff Empire 8 team isn't good enough. The good news is it's only Conlan's second ever college start. He and the Statesmen receivers will improve over time
- Credit to Head Coach Mike Cragg to eschew the final TD and taking a knee
* I am not worried if the Statesmen move up or stay in the same spot, but would be sort of surprised if they drop. I could see some pollsters wanting to see Hobart win by 20+, but the game kind of turned out how I thought it based on my prediction (which was 35-17 in case you missed it in the preview blog post).
While I do have some concerns coming out of this game, the Statesmen persevered which is the most important thing. Overall it was a tougher weekend for the LL in which the league ended up 4-4 after an 11-2 start. This game film will provide Hobart with a lot of learning opportunities and help them be ready against a tough Merchant Marine squad next Saturday. More on that game later next week.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
No comments:
Post a Comment