It's been a hectic week of work and kids' birthdays so this preview is up later than usual. Even ITH was delayed a couple of days but you can hear the interview with SR RB and Co-Captain Conner Hartigan (and SC HC Mike Delong) here. While biased, the Delong interview is one of the best from a D3FB coach we've had on the show in some time. The NEWMAC / LL situation is very relevant to Hobart fans. If the LL doesn't figure something out soon, it'll be bad news for the Statesmen in 2017 (why the LL hasn't made an announcement already is kind of disconcerting).
Springfield (3-2, 1-1) hasn't quite had the success they'd hoped for during their LL run. Last season Hobart (4-1, 2-0) played one of it's best games of 2014, defeating the Pride by a convincing 37-7 margin in Geneva. This season the Statesmen return to Stagg Field (which was the last road game I saw in person, along with my Dad, which made the trip that much more memorable. Since it's #TBT you may remember my posting this post game recap).
Scouting the Pride
Springfield lost SR QB Tim O'Brien early in the season but #2 SO QB Jake Eglintine (pronounced like Egg-lynn-teen) has stepped in and performed well. Eglintine leads the LL in total rushing yards, racking up 388 on 53 carries (a 7.3 YPC average) and scoring three rushing TDs. Eglintine had his first passing TD in a close 20-17 win over Union (0-5) last Saturday in Springfield.
#6 SR FB Keith Rodman is a key player in the Pride triple option attack, gaining 336 yards and one score. These two runners are a big reason why Springfield currently leads the LL with 298.8 YPG and 11 rushing TDs.
On defense 5th year #49 SR LB Max Nacewicz leads the Pride with a LL 2nd best 49 total tackles, including four sacks. While he gets a lot of hype, Nacewicz hasn't had big games against the Statesmen.
Keys to the Game
1. The Defensive End - Hobart doesn't have a ton of experience at DE this season and this position is key to defending the triple option. The end needs to play their gap and/or force the opposing QB to make the decision on whether to keep or hand off the ball. Hobart has the 3rd best rushing defense in the LL, holding their opponents to 109.2 YPG.
2. Scrambled Eggs - Eglintine is the least sacked QB in the LL, thanks to the SC OL and the fact the triple option offense offers very limited opportunities to defenses to tally those kind of plays. The Statesmen need to stack the box, keep their assignments and not over pursue. SR DE Zach Thornton and JR OLB Marcus Jemison (assuming he plays) lead Hobart with four TFLs each. Hobart will need the DE and OLB corps to have productive days.
3. WPI 2.0 - Hobart's offense looked like a completely new unit last Saturday in racking up nearly 400 yards and 40 points against WPI at Homecoming. A similar start and balanced attack will allow the opportunities for big plays down field to SO WR Brandon Shed (two catches for 132 yards and a TD) and others Saturday.
Prediction
I could see this game going two ways. On ITH I went the conservative route and picked Hobart to win, 35-21. After looking over some stats (SC is the 7th and 6th ranked scoring offense and defense in the LL), I could see Hobart winning this one by a wider margin. I'll modify my pick to a 35-7 Statesmen win.
Thanks for ready and go 'Bart!
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