The Hobart College Statesmen host Morrisville State this Saturday at Boswell Field in a bit of a revenge game after last season's shocking 24-13 loss to the Mustangs. It was Morrisville's first ever victory over the Statesmen after losing the first three games in the series by an average of 31 points.
The Statesmen committed two critical fumbles that were returned for TDs by the Mustangs. Hobart will do well to protect the ball on their home turf this weekend. Last weekend Morrisville (1-0) went on the road and beat Kean University of the NJAC, 24-14.
As you can see from the below photo, the Mustangs got key plays from SR WR Jarrell Chaney (6 rec., 97 yds., 1 TD), JR DB Anai Brake (2 tkl., .5 TFL, 1 PBU) and JR PK Owen Cole (1-1 FG, 3-3 PATs, 43.1 YPP, and 60.8 YPKO). Big SO OL Quentin While helped SR QB Steven Frerichs have a big game, going 18-29 for 235 pass yards and 2 TDs as well as rushing for 52 yards on 16 carries and 1 TD.
Scouting the Mustangs
Morrisville used a balanced offensive attack and stout defense to corral the Cougars last weekend. They called 64 total plays (29 passes and 35 runs) and had success with both. Frerichs was efficient completing 62% of his pass attempts, averaging an impressive 8.1 yards per pass. The run game ground out a solid 3.5 yards per rush average, but like Hobart (1-0) last Friday, they struggled a bit on 3rd down, converting only 4 of 13 attempts (30.7%).
Morrisville controlled the clock, limiting the Cougars (0-1) to under 24 minutes of possession and 55 plays. Neither their run nor pass game accumulated over 100 total yards. The Mustangs led 17-0 at the half and save for one strong drive to open the second half, Kean was kept in check up until what was basically "garbage time" in the final minutes of the game.
JR LB Evan Salvaggio led the Morrisville defense with 9 total tackles. The Mustangs "D" didn't get any sacks on the day, but totaled 5 TFL, 1 FF, 5 PBU and 2 QBHs.
Overall, points will be at a premium, as last season Morrisville only allowed 10.8 PPG. Sure, Kean got that late TD to give them 14, but really if Morrisville kept their foot down, they probably would have only allowed 7.
Keys to the Game:
1. Run the Ball - Even though they only mustered 96 yards, Kean did average over 4 YPR against the Morrisville defense. With the 1-2 punch the Statesmen have in the backfield, I would try and match or best that number. Last Friday, Hobart ran the ball 45 times and nearly averaged 5 YPR against Alfred (0-1).
2. Frazzle Frerichs - It doesn't take a defensive genius to figure out the Mustangs QB is the centerpiece of their offense. He accounted for 86.7% of the Morrisville offensive stats last Saturday in NJ. The Statesmen defense needs to blitz and rattle him into making mistakes BUT must be way more conscious of the whistle and how they go in to get a hit on the QB. The word is clearly out on Hobart's aggressive style of play and the officials aren't having it. At this point the "Hobart Way" has to be about playing smarter, because based on last Friday's (and last season's) penalty stats, this is a team that needs to get under control.
3. Home Sweet Home - The Statesmen have a decided home field advantage and amazing record when playing at the "Boz." Hobart is 9-1 at home over the past two seasons and it would be great to get win #10 this weekend.
Prediction:
I think the Statesmen will get their revenge against Morrisville in a hard fought, defensive struggle. Hobart may trail early, but sticking to their strengths of a stout run game and tough defense I think the Statesmen can come away with a 17-13 victory.
Thanks as always for reading and go 'Bart!
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