The Hobart College Statesmen will have a second homecoming of sorts, in more ways than one, this Saturday against long-time Liberty League rival, Union College. The Union (f/k/a the Dutchmen and now the) "Garnet Chargers" are heading to Geneva with a familiar face at the helm, former Hobart QB coach and OC, Jon Drach.
Coach Drach's first year has been a rough one, with Union coming into the game (the 107th meeting of the series, which the Dutchmen lead 54-50-2) with a 2-4, 1-1 overall record. Last season, Hobart (6-1, 3-0) was soundly beaten by the Dutch Chargers, 27-10.
This year has these teams on two different trajectories, but Hobart can't afford to take this game for granted. Nothing would make the Union's season than to take down the Statesmen.
Scouting the Garnet Chargers
In spite of their struggles in the win-loss column, Union is a balanced team on offense. They average nearly identical rushing and passing YPG numbers - 162.8 and 157.5 - but have scored most of their points via the pass - 11 pass TDs vs. 5 rush TDs.
They are led by JR QB Patch Flanagan (one of the best names in the nation), who I got to see play in person back in Week 1. In that game he struggled with pass efficiency but showed off his speed. He's an extremely quick runner who can move outside of the pocket. Flanagan has gone 83-180 passing for 936 yards and 11 TDs. He's added 397 rushing yards (leading the team) with three rush TDs.
Those numbers have eaten into the production of what made the Dutchmen a playoff team last year, namely the one-two punch of SR RBs Michael Fiore and Jonathan Anderson. These playmakers are averaging less than 60 YPG rushing and only have one rushing TD between the two of them this season.
Flanagan's favorite target has been SR WR Robbie Tolbert who leads Union with 18 catches for 195 yards and four receiving TDs. Not far behind him is JR WR Gil Rivera who's caught 14 passes for 191 yards and one TD.
Defensively the Dutch Chargers are led by SR LB Cole DaSilva with 63 total tackles, including six TFL. The Hobart OL will need to keep SR DL Ethan VanderBrink in check. He leads Union with an impressive 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sack total.
On special teams, the Dutchmen have used several players. SO PK Hayden Hall handles punting duties, averaging a net 39.71 YPP. FY PK Francisco Pileggi has the most FG attempts, going 4-6 on the season with a long of 37 yards. JR PK Ryan Mulderig handles KOs, averaging 55.4 YPKO. In the return game, Union has only fielded one punt, for zero yards, which is odd. SO WR Mike DiNardo has fielded the most KOs (16), averaging 20.31 YPKOR.
Keys to the Game:
1. Win the LOS - last season I remember seeing a Union OL pick up and slam one of Hobart's undersized DL on a 56-yard TD pass play at the end of the third quarter. It was pretty embarrassing and honestly, the Dutchmen dominated the LOS of that game all day. This season, the Statesmen defense is stronger, currently ranked third in the nation in scoring defense. This time the slamming may go the other direction. Offensively Hobart should pound the ball on the ground and look for deep pass plays when they can. The Dutchmen allow 156 YPG rushing and a 4.2 YPR average, giving up 10 rushing TDs over the past six games. I saw Utica's larger OL, not unlike Hobart's, control the LOS in Week 1. The Statesmen need to follow that same script Saturday.
2. Home Sweet Home - The Statesmen have won six in a row at home vs. Union. Hobart is 0-4 in their last four tries in Schenectady, so there is something to home field advantage in this series. A win Saturday would make the Statesmen's home record this season 4-0.
3. Stay Levelheaded - This game is always a chippy one, so Hobart needs to play hard, but smart, and not get drawn into personal foul or other penalties. The Statesmen are averaging almost -50 YPG in penalties, but so is Union. Needless to say, Hobart can't give the Dutchmen extended drives or points due to bone-headed penalties.
Prediction:
The Statesmen haven't allowed a TD since the second quarter of Week 5 against Ithaca. While I do think the Union offense is strong enough to put up some points here, I do believe that this year, Hobart is the much stronger overall team. I'll think the Statesmen will run the ball on offense and force Flanagan into some tough situations that'll lead to turnovers on defense. I'll take Hobart to win it, 31-10.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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