The 11th ranked Hobart College Statesmen return to Geneva to host the United States Merchant Marine Academy Saturday for Homecoming / Family Weekend. Hobart (3-0) is coming off a dominant 43-13 win over Curry (0-3). The Mariners (2-1) ran out to a 31-0 halftime lead en route to a 37-14 rout of industry rivals SUNY-Maritime (1-2).
Saturday's game marks the opening of the Liberty League schedule for both squads. Last season USMMA gave the Statesmen one of their tougher league games, keeping the highpowered Hobart offense in check to the tune of a modest 10-0 halftime lead. Although the Statesmen defense kept the USMMA at bay until the end of the game, Hobart had more respect for the Mariners after that 24-8 contest.
The series has been a lopsided one as the Statesmen are 10-0 against the Mariners since the USMMA joined the LL. Hobart leads the overall series 10-4 and the USMMA hasn't beat the Statesmen since the 1960's.
Scouting the Mariners
Coach Toop returns a good number of players from last season who saw the Mariners start off 4-1 until the government shutdown ruined their season. #11 JR QB Matt McDaniels leads a triple option offense that churns out an average of 299 YPG on the ground. McDaniels can throw and will likely need to better his 2013 Hobart game performance of seven of 11 for 121 yards to give the USMMA a fighting chance. McDaniels' QB Coach is no stranger to Hobart, USMMA's Jimmy Robertson played QB for RPI in the latter part of the last decade, beating the Statesmen in 2007.
#2 SR RB/WR Luke Stidham, #32 SR RB Colin Hinchey and #37 JR RB Mario Colangelo (leads team with four rush TDs) are key weapons that McDaniels will look to leverage against a very stingy Hobart defense. Stidham actually had a solid game against the Statesmen in 2012, rushing for 161 yards and one TD as well as passing for 68 yards in a 42-21 loss. In spite of the final score, Hobart was only up 14-6 at the half. The USMMA OL is anchored by #78 SR OL Jacob Magrey.
Defensively, the Mariners are led by #68 SR DL and Co-Captain Andrew Hendrix. USMMA has a solid defensive backfield of #20 SO DB Patrick Keyes, #6 JR DB Skyler Stone, #8 SR DB Colin Putnam. #34 SR OLB Matt Jernigan is Texas tough. Joining Hendrix on the DL is #88 SR Michael Hutchinson.
The Mariners struggled against the Coast Guard (1-2) passing attack and that game pushed up their 382.7 YPG in total offense allowed to go with 26 PPG allowed statistics.
On special teams #96 FY PK Sean McDonough and #98 FY Erik Swayne handle kicking duties. Swayne kicked 22 and 24 yard FGs against SUNY-Maritime and averaged 51.7 yards on kickoffs. McDonough converted a 30 yard FG against Apprentice in Week 1. Swayne also handles punting duties for the Mariners.
Keys to the Game:
1. Rush defense - Hobart is currently ranked third in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 41 YPG. If you take out the Dickinson game, the Statesmen have allowed -23 yards on 42 carries. The Mariners average about 66 running plays a game. If the run is stuffed, McDaniels will be forced to pass, which the Mariners have only done 23 times in three games.
2. Third down - The USMMA has only converted 45.83% (22-48) of their third downs and Hobart is ninth in the nation in third down conversion defense (56% or 28-50). It's somewhat self explantory if the Mariners can't run or convert.
3. Halftime adjustments - The past two seasons have seen Hobart offense get off to slow starts against the Mariners defense. This season Hobart has outscored their opponents 71-12 in the first half. If the Statesmen can get a few scores up early on the USMMA, it'll be tough for the Mariners to come back.
4. Field position - Stidham has done an excellent job in the kick return game, helping the Mariners average 33.7 YPR. Hobart's kick coverage hasn't been great so far this season, so this could be something to keep an eye on. On the flip side, USMMA's Swayne struggled punting last weekend averaging only 25.7 YPP.
Prediction:
On Sunday night's ITH I predicted a 30-14 Statesmen victory. After seeing FY WR Brandon Shed's highlight reel from the Curry game I may push that number up to 40+ given the Mariners struggles defending the pass. Shed was several steps behind the Colonels and I could see the same happening Saturday.
I hope everyone enjoys Homecoming / Family Weekend. I'll be tuning into WEOS and replaying the highlights on Sunday, 9/28 at www.inthehuddlle.com.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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