The Hobart College Statesmen will make the long drive down to the Bronx to take on the SUNY-Maritime Privateers of the NEWMAC in the ECAC James Lynah Bowl.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Maritime's Reinhart Field in Throggs Neck, New York, giving the Privateers home-field advantage. This marks the first-ever football meeting between these two programs. Kickoff is set for 1 PM.
This game is a classic battle of strengths: Hobart's dominant run game and elite defense versus Maritime's balanced, pass-first attack and time of possession ball control offense.
The Statesmen (5-5, 4-3) enter the bowl on a scorching four-game winning streak, suggesting they've peaked at the perfect time. Their identity is clear:
Elite Rushing Attack: Hobart's offense is powered by JR RB E.J. Taylor, who posted his sixth straight 100-yard rushing performance in the regular-season finale. He is the engine of the offense, allowing them to control the clock and score in the red zone (26 rushing TDs total). Hobart averages 163.6 RYPG and a robust 4.6 YPR.
Lights-Out Defense: Led by SR OLB Mike McGhee, the defense is the team's true calling card. They led the Liberty League in total defense, allowing a mere 267.9 YPG and just 19.4 PPG. They are excellent at stopping the run (114.3 YPG allowed).
The X-Factor: SO QB Jeremy Weiss has established himself as a capable passer (12 TDs, 2 INTs), but his role is often managing the game and taking shots when the defense commits to the run.
The Maritime Privateers (5-5, 3-4) is looking to bounce back from a tough end to their schedule, including a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to MIT and a loss to conference champion Springfield. The Privateers identity is:
Balanced Offensive Output: The Privateers are slightly more balanced than Hobart, averaging 171.5 rushing YPG and 183.7 passing YPG.
Time of Possession (TOP): Maritime is highly successful in controlling the ball, owning a massive TOP advantage (32:07 per game). This is key to keeping Hobart's star RB on the sideline.
Air Attack Threat: GR QB Will Pickett is the focal point of the offense, a threat through the air (17 TDs, 6 INTs) and a key part of their rushing game (10 rushing TDs). His ability to hit his receivers will test Hobart's secondary.
Run Defense is a Concern: Maritime's run defense is respectable but allows a higher yards-per-carry average (144 RYPG) than Hobart's defense. The Privateers will need their front seven to be at their best to stop the momentum of the Statesmen's running game.
Keys to the Game:
1. Feed Taylor: Establish the OL's control of the LOS and run the ball early. Keeping Taylor on the field will wear down the Privateers' defensive front.
2. Pressure Pickett: Contain the Maritime QB's running ability and force him into quick, inaccurate throws.
3. Avoid Turnovers: Do not give Maritime's opportunistic offense short fields in a potentially low-scoring affair.
Final Thoughts:
This is an incredibly even matchup on paper, with both teams coming in at 5-5. However, the contrast in recent momentum is striking. Hobart is red-hot, having corrected their mid-season struggles, while Maritime has struggled against the top teams in the NEWMAC late in the year.
The key factor will be Hobart's ability to run the ball on Maritime's home turf. The Statesmen's suffocating defense is designed to win games in the low-to-mid 20s, which is often what bowl games involving defensive teams become. Maritime will get their offense moving, but ultimately, the Statesmen's ability to consistently control the line of scrimmage, both offensively and defensively, will give them the edge.
I am biased, but I like Hobart's chances to take an ECAC Trophy back to home to Geneva and end the 2025 on a real high note.
Thanks as always for reading and go 'Bart!
(PS - thanks to Rowan superfan and friend Juan Sanchez for help with this write up).
