Would you expect it to go any other way?
The Hobart College Statesmen completed their second consecutive 9-2 season behind an impressive defensive effort, defeating the Presidents Athletic Conference Co-Champions, Westminster College (PA), 21-3. The win is Hobart's second consecutive ECAC Bowl Championship, and first since the 2003 season.
You can read the Hobart recap here.
The Statesmen defense forced three fumbles and an INT. SO/JR DB Blake Hansen had a career game, leading the defense with 12 total tackles along with a punt block / scoop and score to give Hobart an early 14-0 lead, which they never relinquished. Not surprisingly, Hansen was named the bowl game's MVP for his efforts. With some key players on this unit being lost to graduation, he will take an important role as a key leader of the defense in 2022.
Although the offense struggled at times, JR/SR QB David Krewson and SO/JR RB Tim Denham, Jr. combined for 190 rushing yards and 2 TDs. Ultimately, these two scores, plus the Hansen TD, was enough, as Hobart held Westminster to their lowest offense scoring total of the season. Only #4 Mount Union (11-0) held the Titans to less total yardage in a game this year.
I'm really happy for the five Hobart 5th year seniors plus the 4th year guys who won't be able to come back in 2022. While there are certainly a couple of "what if" moments from this season, you can't look back on 2021 and not view it as a major success.
The Statesmen were one of the youngest / inexperienced rosters in the Liberty League, the latter which had probably it's most competitive and best season since the mid-2000's. LL Champs RPI (10-1) has a shot to take down Empire 8 champs Cortland (11-0) next weekend and go back to the Elite 8 for the second time in three years. We all know who the one loss was to, by the way.
I'll post a season retrospective later this week. Congratulations to the team - the coaches, players and associated staff.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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