Hobart Picks Off #13 Golden Eagles, 33-7

The Hobart College Statesmen (1-0) came into the 2019 looking to avenge a down year in 2018 which included an embarrassing 48-point defeat to the eventual Empire 8 champions Brockport. The Statesmen got their revenge Saturday in Geneva, mostly due to an outstanding defensive performance that intercepted the Golden Eagles five times, including four in the first half.

Hobart capitalized on short fields to hide the fact that they were out-gained in total yards, TOP and other key statistical measures. To the Statesmen's credit, along with the turnovers they held Brockport (0-1) to one-of-five in red zone opportunities and sacked SR QB Jason Hellwig seven times until he was pulled from the game.

There was lots to celebrate for Statesmen fans and family today

While this is an upset to savor, the fact Hobart couldn't run the ball, averaging only 1.7 YPC remains a concern. SR QB Ryan Hofmann had a good game overall, passing for four TDs, but was inaccurate and rushed his progressions at times, finishing 12-25 for 147 yards and two INTs. 58 of the 147 yards was on one play -  a beautiful bomb to SR WR Jake Catalioto who hauled in two TDs on the day.

The Statesmen opened the scoring with FY TE Mike Zaccone catching a short pass in the left end zone for his first collegiate TD. Brockport evened things up a few minutes later on a scramble and seven yard pass from Hellwig to JR RB Jala Coad. After that it was all Hobart as the defense dug in and wreaked havoc on the Brockport offense for the remainder of the day.

SO LB Bryan Aguilar led the team with nine tackles to go with a sack and TFL. JR OLB Emmett Forde however was probably the MVP of the game with eight tackles, 2.5 sacks and 1 TFL. Forde also had two of the five Hobart interceptions, running the second back 71 yards to the Brockport 20 yard-line.

JR OLB Collin Urie with 1 of the 5 Hobart INTs on the day - this one went for 6

While the Statesmen are sure to savor this one for a bit, it's back to work as the rest of the top teams in the LL also had big days. RPI dropped 52 points, racking up 502 yards and Ithaca put up 66 as their new starting SR QB Joe Germiniero went 27-37 for 303 yards and six TDs. Even Union tallied 533 total yards in a 42-7 win.

Obviously Hobart's win is the most impressive of these, but there was enough evidence on the game tape that the Statesmen have room to improve in a highly competitive LL. I think it also proves the Brockport doubters that there was no way they'd be as strong without seven All-Region and several All-American players.

End of the day, it was one where it was great to be a Statesman. I'll have more on this one and preview Week 2's match-up against SUNY-Morrisville early next week.

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!