Statesmen's Regular Season Win Streak Snapped By Six Turnovers in 24-6 Loss to #24 Ithaca

Hobart College's heralded 32 game regular season win streak came to an end today against #24 Ithaca College in what was a much anticipated match up between two Top 25 programs.

Although the Statesmen defense played a great game holding the Bombers (2-0) offense to 204 yards (97 of which came on two pass plays), the Statesmen couldn't stop shooting themselves in the foot in what was just an unfortunate offensive performance. I'll give the Ithaca defense some credit - they did a great job in coverage against the Hobart receivers and the defensive line won the line of scrimmage. The pressure and blitzes the Statesmen OL simply failed to pick up were a big reason for the three INTs thrown by SO QB Tom Sydeski and SR QB Parker Thelander. SO QB Shane Sweeney missed today's game because of a shoulder injury suffered against Endicott.

Another sign that the OL is struggling is that for the second week in a row Hobart was held to under 100 yards rushing. That's a troubling trend given (thanks to SID Ken DeBolt) the Statesmen have only rushed for less than 100 yards on eight occasions previously dating back the last eight seasons:

2008
47 at RPI
55 vs ROC
2009
94 vs CMU
2011
80 at WES
2014
91 at WPI
91 at WES
2015
57 vs END
93 at IC

Adding to the concern is that Saint Lawrence (2-1) absolutely dominated Endicott (0-3) today by a score of 34-9 which SLU led 20-0 at the half and 34-3 at the start of the 4th quarter.

In spite of the loss (and the likely drop out of the Top 16, if not 25), there were a few bright spots for the Statesmen. SO TE Chris Cyr had two catches for 28 yards and SR WR Cooper Merrill had two big catches for first downs to go with one other reception to lead the team with 29 yards. FY RB Tynard Barfield took a SR RB Conner Hartigan wildcat hand off in for Hobart's lone TD.

The Statesmen will look to regroup next week against the Merchant Marine (1-2) in Kings Point. Tune in tomorrow night's ITH for more discussion about this and the other 7 league teams that played this weekend, among other games.