Hobart came off their fifth consecutive NCAA berth (including a first round victory over the Middle Atlantic Conference Champion Lycoming) another league championship and a program record-tying 9 wins in 2008. That said expectations (and the accompanying #15 pre-season national ranking) were very high to say the least.
It was clear out of the gate; however, that this year would be a “rebuilding” one for the Statesmen. Hobart would drop the season opener to a strong Dickinson team. Although the Statesmen kept it close at the half, the powerful offense of the Red Devils wore down the Hobart defense as the game wore on. Dickinson would go on to compete for the Centennial Conference title falling just short losing to eventual champion and NCAA participant John Hopkins (first round winners over Hampton-Sydney). A season ending 35-32 loss to Ursinus effectively ended the Red Devil’s NCAA hopes as an 8-2 overall record would not be enough for an at-large bid based on the NCAA’s criteria.
The 26-3 loss would be the lowest offensive point total for the Statesmen since 1993. Fortunately Hobart bounced back the following weekend with a well played 24-16 victory over Carnegie Mellon University (5-5, 1-2).
The Statesmen’s season turned for the worse against eventual league champion Susquehanna in a frustrating 20-10 loss in Selinsgrove, PA. The offense once again struggled to score points and questions arose over SO QB Doug Vella’s ability to run the Statesmen’s offense. Although considered an upset at the time, Susquehanna would end up having an 8-2 season, winning the league’s “Pool A” bid (and share of the LL championship) with a victory over Union College in the season finale.
The cure for the Statesmen’s ills would come the following week back at home in Geneva. Hobart won in resounding fashion 33-10 over Saint Lawrence behind four rushing and one passing touchdowns.
The next week was the highly anticipated show-down between Union and Hobart. The Dutchmen were the only blemish on the Statesmen’s 2008 regular season record and both teams came into the game vying for the 2009 LL title. For the first time since probably 1997 I was actually in attendance for the first half for a live Statesmen game (and had a great view from the press box thanks to my friend and “In the HuddLLe” co-host Frank Rossi who has been calling Union games for WABY since 1994).
Although Hobart controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the game and scored 21 points in the first half, the Statesmen failed to stop the deep ball and Union torched the Hobart defense on plays that covered 41 yards, 42 yards, 70 yards and 76 yards en route to a 31-21 victory. This loss would effectively end the Statesmen’s bid for a sixth consecutive NCAA bid and put Union in the driver’s seat for the LL title leading up to their season ending show down with Susquehanna. Although Union would lose their head-to-head clash with the Crusaders, the Dutchmen improved to 8-3, 6-1 on the season; including an ECAC bowl bid and victory over Hartwick, and captured a share of the LL title just a year after finishing 5-4, 4-3. With Susquehanna departing the LL for the Centennial Conference, expect Union to be a pre-season favorite to win the LL in 2010.
At the season’s midpoint the Statesmen caught fire and won their final four games by a combined 113-40, including shutting out the Merchant Marine Academy (4-6, 2-5) and RPI (5-4, 3-4). The shut out of RPI was the first over the Engineers since 2000, but was a relatively ugly offensive game. Both teams were a combined 2 for 33 on third downs and it was really the Hobart special teams (fumbled punt recovery) and defense (three interceptions) that won the game for the Statesmen.
The Hobart offense came out of its funk in the season finale rattling off 24 first half points to retain the Centennial Cup against their oldest rival, Rochester (4-6, 5-2). Although the 2009 regular season ended on a good note, there would be no post-season football for Hobart for the first time since the 2001 season. The Statesmen would have qualified were denied the opportunity to compete in an ECAC bowl game due to financial considerations cited by the HWS administration. This was an unfortunate sign of the times, but one the team and specifically the graduating 19 seniors seemed to take well given the circumstances.
Although Hobart had not lost two league games since 2001 (back when the LL was the UCAA), the Statesmen finished strong and have a lot of momentum heading into 2010. Based on my count the Statesmen will return 16 offensive, 11 defensive and 1 special teams (place kicker Conor Callahan) letter men (based on the two-deep roster at the time of the Rochester game).
QB Doug Vella now has a full season under his belt and all three of the Statesmen RB’s (Andrew Marlier, Kyle Tritton and Pat Julian) return as does the starting FB Matt Howard. The OL loses stalwarts such as Co-Captain Brian Monaco and Angelo Catalano to graduation, but Coach DeWall has a solid core group of starters in Kelvin Cruz, Brendan Hatlee and Kyle Sandy as well as Sean Kluber who was a starter until he was injured in the Susquehanna game.
The biggest gap that Hobart needs to fill is on the defensive line given the graduations of Kwame Lovell, Tony Guidetti, Mike Ardiuni, Mike Faracca and Anthony Shaw. There is also the loss of linebackers Orlando Patterson (29 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries) and Co-Captain Ryan Robinson who was second on the team with 57 total tackles. No small task, but I trust Coach Cragg is hitting the recruiting trail hard this winter and we will likely see some role players such as FY DT Nick Auriemma and SO DT Dane Wilcoxen be the likely starters. Other key defensive returning letterman are leading tackler Kyle O’Laughlin (77 tackles) and third leading tackler Reggie Robinson (37). The Statesmen return most of their defensive secondary including first team all-league DB Drake Woodard (32 tackles).
Still, Hobart has a tough start to the 2010 with three out of conference games against Dickinson (8-2), @ Carnegie Mellon (5-5) and St John Fisher (7-3). Fortunately both the Dickinson and SJFC games are at the Boz (which will be upgraded to field turf among other stadium improvements prior to the 2010 season) where the Statesmen were 4-0 in 2009. For the Statesmen to make another run at the play-offs in 2009, Hobart will need to improve upon their 2-3 road record from 2009.
The LL schedule commences with Hobart traveling to Saint Lawrence, home against rival Union College, traveling to Kings Point, home against WPI, away at RPI before hosting Rochester in the season finale.
I am certainly looking forward to another year of Statesmen football. Until then, thanks for reading these posts and go ‘Bart!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
In the HuddLLe podcast at 7:30 PM ET Sunday
Tomorrow's show may be our season finale; pending the outcome of today's opening round NCAA game between the LL co-champ Susquehanna (8-2, 6-1) and MAC champ Delaware Valley (9-1, 9-0).
If Susquehanna advances, we'll preview the next week's game against the winner of the Albright-Alfred game.
We'll also review the ECAC bowls as well as have a few call in guests for the show. Hope you can tune in live (or download the 'cast after the fact).
If Susquehanna advances, we'll preview the next week's game against the winner of the Albright-Alfred game.
We'll also review the ECAC bowls as well as have a few call in guests for the show. Hope you can tune in live (or download the 'cast after the fact).
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Faracca, Marlier, Monaco, Robinson and Woodard named 1st team all-LL
The LL published their league awards today and although Hobart only received one first team nod on offense (SR Co-Capt Brian Monaco), the Statesmen did place three defenders (including SR Co-Capt Ryan Robinson and SR DT Mike Faracca) on the all-league team. JR RB Andrew Marlier was named to the first team in the kick returning/special teams category.
Not surprisingly LL champs Susquehanna (8-2, 6-1) won the majority of the individual awards including Coach of the Year Steve Briggs.
A link to the award winners can be accessed here:
http://www.libertyleaguesports.org/awards/football
Congratulations to all!
Not surprisingly LL champs Susquehanna (8-2, 6-1) won the majority of the individual awards including Coach of the Year Steve Briggs.
A link to the award winners can be accessed here:
http://www.libertyleaguesports.org/awards/football
Congratulations to all!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Play-off Previews on "In the HuddLLe"
Last night Frank Rossi and I co-hosted the LL's weekly talk-radio show at www.inthehuddlle.com.
We had a full slate of topics and guests on the show including:
1) Around the League - covering the weekend's action
2) Tim Denhany, the LL commissioner
3) Dr. Joy Solomen, AD of Rowan University and Chair of the D3 football national tournament committee (our interview with Dr. Solomen was featured on D3football.com)
4) Head Coach of Susquehanna University and LL champion Steve Briggs
5) Gordon Mann, D3football.com contributor and voice of the MAC champion Delaware Valley Aggies
6) ECAC bids and play-off predictions
It was a very interesting show that any D3 football fan would enjoy.
Thanks for listening!
We had a full slate of topics and guests on the show including:
1) Around the League - covering the weekend's action
2) Tim Denhany, the LL commissioner
3) Dr. Joy Solomen, AD of Rowan University and Chair of the D3 football national tournament committee (our interview with Dr. Solomen was featured on D3football.com)
4) Head Coach of Susquehanna University and LL champion Steve Briggs
5) Gordon Mann, D3football.com contributor and voice of the MAC champion Delaware Valley Aggies
6) ECAC bids and play-off predictions
It was a very interesting show that any D3 football fan would enjoy.
Thanks for listening!
Centennial Cup Recap
The Hobart Statesmen traveled to the University of Rochester on Saturday looking to retain the Centennial Cup.
The Statesmen wasted little time capping an 11 play, 67 yard drive with an Andrew Marlier touchdown from nine yards out with 7:54 to play in the first quarter. Hobart’s lead was short lived however as the Yellow Jackets responded behind the capable arm of back-up quarterback Kapps Killingstad. Filling in for the injured Braezen Subick, Killingstad directed the Rochester offense on an 8 play, 65 yard drive. Kapps would cap off the drive with a 7 yard touchdown pass to Adam Barrett to tie the game with 3:30 to play in the first.
The second quarter would be all Hobart as the Statesmen scored 17 unanswered points. Both touchdowns were collected by Hobart SR WR Tyler Vincent on passes from Vella covering 9 and 10 yards respectively. Conor Callahan would convert both PATs and added a chip shot 27 yard field goal as time expired in the 2nd to post the Statesmen to a 24-7 half-time lead.
The second half was more of the same for Hobart who 60 yards on 11 plays but had to settle on another short Callahan field goal. The sophomore place kicker was true on the 22 yard attempt pushing the Statesmen’s lead to 27-7 with 11:37 to play in the 3rd quarter.
Rochester didn’t give up; however, and JR RB Clarence Onyiriuka took a 4th and 1 carry from the Hobart 33 yard line to the house. Following a White-Stellato PAT, the Yellow Jackets trailed 27-14 with 9:33 to play in the quarter.
The Yellow Jackets had a chance to make it a one-possession game midway through the fourth quarter, but SR cornerback Chris Szymanski intercepted Killingstad in the end zone to quell the threat.
The Statesmen would turn the take-away into a nine-play, 80-yard scoring drive. As Hobart followers have come to expect, offensive coordinator Kevin DeWall would dip into his bag of tricks twice on the drive. The first time Vincent caught a lateral and threw a 47-yard pass to sophomore WR Garth Muratori. The second time Vincent took a toss on a reverse with the option to run or pass. He decided to throw a 6-yard strike to Vella for a touchdown with 3:18 remaining. Callahan's extra point gave Hobart a 34-14 lead.
Rochester would score one last time in the game, but it was too little too late as Hobart would eventually cover the onside kick and run out the clock to win the game 34-20.
Killingstad would finish the day 24 for 42 passing for 314 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Barrett was Killingstad’s favorite target collecting 10 passes (including two passing TDs) for 149 yards receiving. Onyiriuka had 17 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown. Linebackers Ed Dauphin and Brendan Pidgeon once again lead the Yellow Jacket defense with 9 and 7 total tackles, respectively.
Hobart’s Andrew Marlier led the Statesmen rushing attack with a game-high 98 yards. Vella finished the game 14-of-26 for 201 yards and two passing touchdowns; but the star of this game was SR Tyler Vincent. He caught nine passes for 112 yards and two receiving touchdowns and was 2-of-2 passing for 55 yards and one passing touchdown. Vincent ended his remarkable career as a Statesmen sixth on the all-time lists for receptions and receiving touchdowns and ninth on the receiving yards list, respectively.
Perhaps as a literal "passing of the torch", from Vincent to SO WR Garth Muratori, the SO WR would nearly match Vincent’s output with a 6 reception 119 yd game.
Defensively, Muratori's classmate and ILB Reggie Robinson produced a game-high 10 tackles.
With the win the Statesmen ended their 2009 campaign on a four-game winning streak. Hobart retained the Centennial Cup and improved its record to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the LL. Rochester drops to 4-6, 4-3 in the LL.
The Statesmen wasted little time capping an 11 play, 67 yard drive with an Andrew Marlier touchdown from nine yards out with 7:54 to play in the first quarter. Hobart’s lead was short lived however as the Yellow Jackets responded behind the capable arm of back-up quarterback Kapps Killingstad. Filling in for the injured Braezen Subick, Killingstad directed the Rochester offense on an 8 play, 65 yard drive. Kapps would cap off the drive with a 7 yard touchdown pass to Adam Barrett to tie the game with 3:30 to play in the first.
The second quarter would be all Hobart as the Statesmen scored 17 unanswered points. Both touchdowns were collected by Hobart SR WR Tyler Vincent on passes from Vella covering 9 and 10 yards respectively. Conor Callahan would convert both PATs and added a chip shot 27 yard field goal as time expired in the 2nd to post the Statesmen to a 24-7 half-time lead.
The second half was more of the same for Hobart who 60 yards on 11 plays but had to settle on another short Callahan field goal. The sophomore place kicker was true on the 22 yard attempt pushing the Statesmen’s lead to 27-7 with 11:37 to play in the 3rd quarter.
Rochester didn’t give up; however, and JR RB Clarence Onyiriuka took a 4th and 1 carry from the Hobart 33 yard line to the house. Following a White-Stellato PAT, the Yellow Jackets trailed 27-14 with 9:33 to play in the quarter.
The Yellow Jackets had a chance to make it a one-possession game midway through the fourth quarter, but SR cornerback Chris Szymanski intercepted Killingstad in the end zone to quell the threat.
The Statesmen would turn the take-away into a nine-play, 80-yard scoring drive. As Hobart followers have come to expect, offensive coordinator Kevin DeWall would dip into his bag of tricks twice on the drive. The first time Vincent caught a lateral and threw a 47-yard pass to sophomore WR Garth Muratori. The second time Vincent took a toss on a reverse with the option to run or pass. He decided to throw a 6-yard strike to Vella for a touchdown with 3:18 remaining. Callahan's extra point gave Hobart a 34-14 lead.
Rochester would score one last time in the game, but it was too little too late as Hobart would eventually cover the onside kick and run out the clock to win the game 34-20.
Killingstad would finish the day 24 for 42 passing for 314 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Barrett was Killingstad’s favorite target collecting 10 passes (including two passing TDs) for 149 yards receiving. Onyiriuka had 17 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown. Linebackers Ed Dauphin and Brendan Pidgeon once again lead the Yellow Jacket defense with 9 and 7 total tackles, respectively.
Hobart’s Andrew Marlier led the Statesmen rushing attack with a game-high 98 yards. Vella finished the game 14-of-26 for 201 yards and two passing touchdowns; but the star of this game was SR Tyler Vincent. He caught nine passes for 112 yards and two receiving touchdowns and was 2-of-2 passing for 55 yards and one passing touchdown. Vincent ended his remarkable career as a Statesmen sixth on the all-time lists for receptions and receiving touchdowns and ninth on the receiving yards list, respectively.
Perhaps as a literal "passing of the torch", from Vincent to SO WR Garth Muratori, the SO WR would nearly match Vincent’s output with a 6 reception 119 yd game.
Defensively, Muratori's classmate and ILB Reggie Robinson produced a game-high 10 tackles.
With the win the Statesmen ended their 2009 campaign on a four-game winning streak. Hobart retained the Centennial Cup and improved its record to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the LL. Rochester drops to 4-6, 4-3 in the LL.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Hobart 34 - Rochester 20
I'll do a more thorough write up soon, but the Statesmen finished up their 2009 season on a four game winning streak to end up 6-3 overall, 5-2 in the LL.
Although there will be no opportunity to compete in the ECACs, this Hobart team is full of winners, especially the Class of 2010.
These Statesmen played their final collegiate game today (thanks and congrats guys):
#5 Tyler Vincent WR/P
#7 Mike Lazore WR
#9 Zach Schultz WR
#10 Chris Szymanski CB
#11 Ryan Robinson LB (Co-Capt)
#16 Paul Overdorf WR/PK
#22 Scott Holton FS
#26 Orlando Patterson OLB
#46 Andrew Miller FB
#47 Will Schweitzer LB
#52 Tony Guidetti DE
#54 Mike Faracca DT
#59 Scott Ghiraldi LB
#61 Brian Monaco OL (Co-Capt)
#79 Angelo Catalano OL
#86 David Degan TE
#90 Kwame Lovell DE
#93 Anthony Shaw DT
#94 Mike Arduini DT
Although there will be no opportunity to compete in the ECACs, this Hobart team is full of winners, especially the Class of 2010.
These Statesmen played their final collegiate game today (thanks and congrats guys):
#5 Tyler Vincent WR/P
#7 Mike Lazore WR
#9 Zach Schultz WR
#10 Chris Szymanski CB
#11 Ryan Robinson LB (Co-Capt)
#16 Paul Overdorf WR/PK
#22 Scott Holton FS
#26 Orlando Patterson OLB
#46 Andrew Miller FB
#47 Will Schweitzer LB
#52 Tony Guidetti DE
#54 Mike Faracca DT
#59 Scott Ghiraldi LB
#61 Brian Monaco OL (Co-Capt)
#79 Angelo Catalano OL
#86 David Degan TE
#90 Kwame Lovell DE
#93 Anthony Shaw DT
#94 Mike Arduini DT
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
2009 Season Finale - Hobart vs. Rochester Preview
The Hobart Statesmen (5-3, 4-2) travel to Fauver Stadium this Saturday to face their oldest rival, the University of Rochester Yellow Jackets (4-5, 4-2). The Statesmen and Jackets face off for the 103rd time. The all-time series is deadlocked 47-47-7 between the two schools. Last season Hobart retained the Centennial Cup for the second straight season in a hard fought and muddy 10-7 victory in Geneva.
Hobart currently enjoys a five game winning streak over Rochester; the Yellow Jackets last win in the series was a 17-13 triumph back in 2003. After entering the season with the 4th most difficult schedule in DIII football, Rochester struggled to a 1-4 start. Still, aside from a lopsided loss to #9 Case Western Reserve, it should be noted that the Yellow Jackets lost games by only two, seven and three points to St. John Fisher (5-3, 3-1 and in contention for the E8 championship), Union (7-2, 6-0 and in contention for the LL championship) and Susquehanna (7-2, 5-1 also contending for the LL title); respectively. Both the Fisher (:47) and Union (:10) losses literally came with under a minute to play in each game.
Since then, Rochester has won three out of its last four games, the most recent being a 20-7 victory over Saint Lawrence (2-7, 1-5). The Yellow Jackets boast the #1 passing attack in the LL behind SO QB Braezen Subick. The SO has thrown for 1,446 yards (132-221 with 10 interceptions and 12 touchdowns) and is ranked second in the LL in pass efficiency with a 123.6 rating.
Rochester also has the #2 rusher in the LL with JR RB Clarence Onyiriuka averaging 128.1 YPG. The JR has racked up 1,153 total rushing yards on the season and only trails leading rusher SR RB Dave Paveletz from Susquehanna by only 78 yards going into the final regular season game. Onyiriuka is also a receiving threat having caught 26 balls for 248 yards and four touchdowns. This versatility has helped Onyiriuka lead the LL in all purpose yards (1401 total yards or 155.7 YPG).
Subick’s favorite target is the SR WR Mike Coolbaugh who leads the LL in receptions per game (4.89) and is fourth in total receiving yards with 513 including two touchdown catches. Another key receiver in the Rochester passing game is SR TE Pedro Sosa. He is second the team with 36 receptions for 322 yards.
In spite of all of this offense, the Jackets also bring the #1 rushing defense (120.9 yards allowed per game) and have earned an impressive +8 turnover ratio which is good for second in the LL. The Rochester defense is lead by FY LB Brendan Pidgeon (51.5 total tackles, including three TFLs, three forced fumbles and one interception) and JR LB Ed Dauphin (45.5 total tackles, including 5.5 TFL, three interceptions and seven forced fumbles).
Rochester would like nothing more than to end the season at .500 overall, as well as 5-2 in the LL; which pending the outcome of the Union-Susquehanna championship game, would be good enough to tie for second place.
Keys to the game:
1. Contain Onyiriuka – The JR RB is virtually Rochester’s entire rushing game given his average YPG is only one yard less than the Yellow Jacket’s season average (129.1). Although Rochester has a potent passing offense, the Hobart defense has improved to second in the LL allowing only 149.8 YPG and has as many interceptions as touchdowns allowed (seven).
2. Pressure Subick – The SO QB has a strong arm but is prone to make mistakes having thrown 10 interceptions over nine games played.
3. Back to basics – Hobart’s three game winning streak has been due to great defense (two shut outs) but also by the offense’s success in running the ball and controlling the clock. The Statesmen have gained 156 (RPI), 209 (WPI) and 149 (MMA) yards rushing over this time period and averaged approximately 31 minutes in TOP during these games. The key to defeating the Yellow Jackets means more of JR RB Andrew Marlier and less passing. That said Rochester is last in the LL in pass defense, allowing 216.7 YPG on average, but I think most Statesmen fans would like to see more ball control and straight ahead running plays vs. shot-gun formations and trips to the right.
4. Be special – Although often over-looked, the Hobart special teams unit leads the LL in kick-off returns (23.6 YPR), punting (33.8 YPP) and punt coverage (only five returns of only 10 yards total all season). Rochester is first in the LL in kick-off coverage, so it will be interesting to see how Hobart fares in the very important field position battle.
All considered I think each team may struggle to move the ball and it will once again be a close call for the Statesmen, but I expect Hobart to end the year on a positive note and pick the Statesmen to prevail 14–10 and hang onto the Centennial Cup.
Hobart currently enjoys a five game winning streak over Rochester; the Yellow Jackets last win in the series was a 17-13 triumph back in 2003. After entering the season with the 4th most difficult schedule in DIII football, Rochester struggled to a 1-4 start. Still, aside from a lopsided loss to #9 Case Western Reserve, it should be noted that the Yellow Jackets lost games by only two, seven and three points to St. John Fisher (5-3, 3-1 and in contention for the E8 championship), Union (7-2, 6-0 and in contention for the LL championship) and Susquehanna (7-2, 5-1 also contending for the LL title); respectively. Both the Fisher (:47) and Union (:10) losses literally came with under a minute to play in each game.
Since then, Rochester has won three out of its last four games, the most recent being a 20-7 victory over Saint Lawrence (2-7, 1-5). The Yellow Jackets boast the #1 passing attack in the LL behind SO QB Braezen Subick. The SO has thrown for 1,446 yards (132-221 with 10 interceptions and 12 touchdowns) and is ranked second in the LL in pass efficiency with a 123.6 rating.
Rochester also has the #2 rusher in the LL with JR RB Clarence Onyiriuka averaging 128.1 YPG. The JR has racked up 1,153 total rushing yards on the season and only trails leading rusher SR RB Dave Paveletz from Susquehanna by only 78 yards going into the final regular season game. Onyiriuka is also a receiving threat having caught 26 balls for 248 yards and four touchdowns. This versatility has helped Onyiriuka lead the LL in all purpose yards (1401 total yards or 155.7 YPG).
Subick’s favorite target is the SR WR Mike Coolbaugh who leads the LL in receptions per game (4.89) and is fourth in total receiving yards with 513 including two touchdown catches. Another key receiver in the Rochester passing game is SR TE Pedro Sosa. He is second the team with 36 receptions for 322 yards.
In spite of all of this offense, the Jackets also bring the #1 rushing defense (120.9 yards allowed per game) and have earned an impressive +8 turnover ratio which is good for second in the LL. The Rochester defense is lead by FY LB Brendan Pidgeon (51.5 total tackles, including three TFLs, three forced fumbles and one interception) and JR LB Ed Dauphin (45.5 total tackles, including 5.5 TFL, three interceptions and seven forced fumbles).
Rochester would like nothing more than to end the season at .500 overall, as well as 5-2 in the LL; which pending the outcome of the Union-Susquehanna championship game, would be good enough to tie for second place.
Keys to the game:
1. Contain Onyiriuka – The JR RB is virtually Rochester’s entire rushing game given his average YPG is only one yard less than the Yellow Jacket’s season average (129.1). Although Rochester has a potent passing offense, the Hobart defense has improved to second in the LL allowing only 149.8 YPG and has as many interceptions as touchdowns allowed (seven).
2. Pressure Subick – The SO QB has a strong arm but is prone to make mistakes having thrown 10 interceptions over nine games played.
3. Back to basics – Hobart’s three game winning streak has been due to great defense (two shut outs) but also by the offense’s success in running the ball and controlling the clock. The Statesmen have gained 156 (RPI), 209 (WPI) and 149 (MMA) yards rushing over this time period and averaged approximately 31 minutes in TOP during these games. The key to defeating the Yellow Jackets means more of JR RB Andrew Marlier and less passing. That said Rochester is last in the LL in pass defense, allowing 216.7 YPG on average, but I think most Statesmen fans would like to see more ball control and straight ahead running plays vs. shot-gun formations and trips to the right.
4. Be special – Although often over-looked, the Hobart special teams unit leads the LL in kick-off returns (23.6 YPR), punting (33.8 YPP) and punt coverage (only five returns of only 10 yards total all season). Rochester is first in the LL in kick-off coverage, so it will be interesting to see how Hobart fares in the very important field position battle.
All considered I think each team may struggle to move the ball and it will once again be a close call for the Statesmen, but I expect Hobart to end the year on a positive note and pick the Statesmen to prevail 14–10 and hang onto the Centennial Cup.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Nov 8 - In the HuddLLe Podcast
I filled in for a flu-ridden Eric Ren and co-hosted the ITH podcast with WABY's Frank Rossi last Sunday night.
We reviewed the prior weekend's games as well as previewed the Susquehanna-Union LL championship game on Saturday in Schenectady.
The podcast can be replayed at www.inthehuddlle.com
Thanks as always for listening.
We reviewed the prior weekend's games as well as previewed the Susquehanna-Union LL championship game on Saturday in Schenectady.
The podcast can be replayed at www.inthehuddlle.com
Thanks as always for listening.
Hobart records 2nd consecutive home shutout, 10-0, over RPI
Last Saturday was Senior Day for the Hobart Statesmen. The Senior Class consisting of 19 future graduates of Hobart College had earned a 30-10 record and three consecutive NCAA tournament bids. In the wake of the announcement that Hobart would not participate in the ECACs, Coach Cragg didn't see a let down coming from this group of student-athletes:
“We just talked,” he said. “I said, ‘Is it the time to whine and cry about it and point fingers and mope about it, or is it time to see if we can win two more games and end our careers with two more victories?’
“This senior class is special. How much it must have broken their heart not to be able to return back to the NCAA playoffs, and then this week to find out they’re not going to the ECAC playoffs. I’m so happy that if we’re not going to the playoffs, that this was the group because this group could handle it. I’m not sure many of the others could.” (credit to ALAN BRIGNALL, Finger Lakes Times, 11/9/09)
Not wanting to let Coach and their fellow teammates down, the Hobart Seniors lead the way against the RPI Engineers on a windy day in Geneva, NY.
Although the game was dominated by turnovers, Hobart collected four off the Engineers and the first came when RPI’s Nick Herrera muffed a Hobart punt at his own 12. The loose ball was recovered by SO CB Drake Woodard and three plays later classmate Conor Callahan booted a 28-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead with 6:07 left in first quarter.
Hobart nearly returned the favor as a Statesman fell on an RPI punt near midfield that the Engineers recovered, but SO and JR LBs Reggie Robinson and Kyle O’Laughlin stopped RPI’s Zach Scruggs short of the first down marker on fourth and two from the Hobart 16.
Midway through the second quarter, Hobart JR FS John Kelliher set up the Statesmen for the only touchdown of the game when he intercepted FY RPI quarterback Mike Hermann at the Hobart 46 and returned it 43 yards to the RPI 11.
Four plays later, JR Andrew Marlier just barely gained enough on fourth and one from the two to get a first down. The Chicago native would then dive into the end zone on the next play for the touchdown – his 8th on the season. Callahan’s PAT was good and would give the Statesmen a 10-0 lead with 5:45 remaining before the half.
Neither team would see the end zone in the second half nor did the Hobart defense allow RPI to cross midfield. In general both offenses struggled in the contest, as the Statesmen and Engineers were a combined 2 for 32 on third down. The Statesmen’s efforts were bolstered by winning the field position battle; as well as Tyler Vincent converting two fourth downs and averaging 36.6 yards per punt. Vincent especially hurt RPI’s field position by dropping four of his nine punts inside the Engineers’ 20 and sending four more into the end zone for touchbacks. Vincent was named the co-Special Teams Player of the Week by LL for his outstanding kicking (and scrambling) on Saturday.
Although a bad day for both offenses, Hobart’s defense pitched its second consecutive home shutout (the first of RPI since 2000) bolstered by the aforementioned takeaways. Linebacker and SR Co-captain Ryan Robinson (led the charge in his final game at the “Boz” with a team-high 10 tackles, including two for a loss, while O’Laughlin and Kelliher recorded an interception each to go with seven and five tackles, respectively. Robinson was named the LL co-Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
RPI linebacker Stefan Schulz (the other co-Defensive Player of the Week by the LL) produced a game-high 14 tackles for the Engineers, while defensive end Colton Hill and defensive tackle Colin Elliott added 12 and 10 stops, respectively. Hermann led the RPI offense with 41 yards rushing, while completing 10-of-27 passes for 87 yards with three interceptions.
Marlier led the Hobart rushing attack with 77 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. SO QB Doug Vella struggled against a strong RPI defense going five for 18 for only 37 yards and an interception. Vella also added 24 rushing yards for the Statesmen. To Vella’s credit several passes were dropped by Statesmen receivers, as Hobart only made six catches overall on the day.
Hobart, which moves to 5-3 overall, 4-2 in the league, guaranteed the Statesmen a program record 13th consecutive winning season. Hobart will wrap up the regular season on Nov. 14, when it travels to Rochester for the third annual Centennial Cup game.
With the loss the Engineers dropped to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the league. RPI will close out the 2009 season looking for a winning season at home against Merchant Marine (4-5, 2-4).
“We just talked,” he said. “I said, ‘Is it the time to whine and cry about it and point fingers and mope about it, or is it time to see if we can win two more games and end our careers with two more victories?’
“This senior class is special. How much it must have broken their heart not to be able to return back to the NCAA playoffs, and then this week to find out they’re not going to the ECAC playoffs. I’m so happy that if we’re not going to the playoffs, that this was the group because this group could handle it. I’m not sure many of the others could.” (credit to ALAN BRIGNALL, Finger Lakes Times, 11/9/09)
Not wanting to let Coach and their fellow teammates down, the Hobart Seniors lead the way against the RPI Engineers on a windy day in Geneva, NY.
Although the game was dominated by turnovers, Hobart collected four off the Engineers and the first came when RPI’s Nick Herrera muffed a Hobart punt at his own 12. The loose ball was recovered by SO CB Drake Woodard and three plays later classmate Conor Callahan booted a 28-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead with 6:07 left in first quarter.
Hobart nearly returned the favor as a Statesman fell on an RPI punt near midfield that the Engineers recovered, but SO and JR LBs Reggie Robinson and Kyle O’Laughlin stopped RPI’s Zach Scruggs short of the first down marker on fourth and two from the Hobart 16.
Midway through the second quarter, Hobart JR FS John Kelliher set up the Statesmen for the only touchdown of the game when he intercepted FY RPI quarterback Mike Hermann at the Hobart 46 and returned it 43 yards to the RPI 11.
Four plays later, JR Andrew Marlier just barely gained enough on fourth and one from the two to get a first down. The Chicago native would then dive into the end zone on the next play for the touchdown – his 8th on the season. Callahan’s PAT was good and would give the Statesmen a 10-0 lead with 5:45 remaining before the half.
Neither team would see the end zone in the second half nor did the Hobart defense allow RPI to cross midfield. In general both offenses struggled in the contest, as the Statesmen and Engineers were a combined 2 for 32 on third down. The Statesmen’s efforts were bolstered by winning the field position battle; as well as Tyler Vincent converting two fourth downs and averaging 36.6 yards per punt. Vincent especially hurt RPI’s field position by dropping four of his nine punts inside the Engineers’ 20 and sending four more into the end zone for touchbacks. Vincent was named the co-Special Teams Player of the Week by LL for his outstanding kicking (and scrambling) on Saturday.
Although a bad day for both offenses, Hobart’s defense pitched its second consecutive home shutout (the first of RPI since 2000) bolstered by the aforementioned takeaways. Linebacker and SR Co-captain Ryan Robinson (led the charge in his final game at the “Boz” with a team-high 10 tackles, including two for a loss, while O’Laughlin and Kelliher recorded an interception each to go with seven and five tackles, respectively. Robinson was named the LL co-Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
RPI linebacker Stefan Schulz (the other co-Defensive Player of the Week by the LL) produced a game-high 14 tackles for the Engineers, while defensive end Colton Hill and defensive tackle Colin Elliott added 12 and 10 stops, respectively. Hermann led the RPI offense with 41 yards rushing, while completing 10-of-27 passes for 87 yards with three interceptions.
Marlier led the Hobart rushing attack with 77 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. SO QB Doug Vella struggled against a strong RPI defense going five for 18 for only 37 yards and an interception. Vella also added 24 rushing yards for the Statesmen. To Vella’s credit several passes were dropped by Statesmen receivers, as Hobart only made six catches overall on the day.
Hobart, which moves to 5-3 overall, 4-2 in the league, guaranteed the Statesmen a program record 13th consecutive winning season. Hobart will wrap up the regular season on Nov. 14, when it travels to Rochester for the third annual Centennial Cup game.
With the loss the Engineers dropped to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the league. RPI will close out the 2009 season looking for a winning season at home against Merchant Marine (4-5, 2-4).
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Regardless of Saturday's outcome - No ECACs for Hobart in 2009
I learned yesterday that due to budget constraints across both men's and women's athletic programs that no teams - including football - will be submitted for ECAC post-season consideration.
Although I understand the financial aspects of the decision, I am also disappointed as a fan and more importantly, for the senior class, who are denied a final opportunity to suit up for the Statesmen and Heron teams.
Although I understand the financial aspects of the decision, I am also disappointed as a fan and more importantly, for the senior class, who are denied a final opportunity to suit up for the Statesmen and Heron teams.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
RPI vs. Hobart - Preview
The Hobart Statesmen (4-3, 3-2) host the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers (4-3, 2-3) in the “final regular season” game at the “original” Boswell Field. With preparations underway to upgrade the “Boz” to field turf, as well as new stands, lights and additions to the Bristol Field House in time for the 2010 season; Hobart will clash with RPI on the gridiron (aka quagmire) that is the Boz one last time. The Engineers will be looking to return the favor of the Statesmen’s playing spoiler to their final regular season game on ’86 Field last season. The Statesmen prevailed 20-17 kicking a 37 yard field goal as time expired knocking off a then #20 RPI.
A highlight clip of that game can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf6LUe-zgl4
Kick-off for this season’s match-up is slated for noon ET and conditions look pretty good for an early November football game in Upstate New York (i.e., 40s and cloudy).
Rensselaer leads the series 26-25-1 all-time, but the Statesmen have won four of the last five games against the Engineers. Although Hobart has had some recent success against RPI, all of these games have all been battles.
Check out these scores from the past four seasons:
2008 Hobart 20 – RPI 17 (Statesmen kick the winning FG as time expired)
2007 RPI 35 – Hobart 31 (Engineers score the winning TD with nine seconds left)
2006 Hobart 24 – RPI 17 (Engineers score 14 pts in the 4th quarter but fall short)
2005 Hobart 56 – RPI 48 (3OT game – enough said)
That’s only a 5.5 point average differential between these two rivals over four games!
So are these teams even again this season? Well, both are 4-3 overall with Hobart holding a one game edge in the LL standings. The statistics point to another close game between the Statesmen and the Engineers.
Just how similar (statistically speaking) are these squads? Check out these stats:
Scoring offense (average points per game scored): Hobart 22.9 PPG vs. RPI 21.7 PPG
Scoring defense (average points allowed): Hobart 17.6 PPG vs. RPI 17.9 PPG
Recently; however Hobart seems to be clicking on offense having averaged 30 PPG in their last 3 games. RPI has averaged 18.33 PPG during the same time period.
Total offense (average yards per game gained): Hobart 345.1 YPG vs. RPI 345.4 YPG
Total defense (average yards per game allowed): Hobart 308.3 YPG vs. RPI 329.3 YPG
#1 Hobart vs. #2 RPI in 3rd down conversions
Turnover margin – both are +1
Time of possession average has Hobart with a 30:51 to 28:19 edge (or 2:41) over RPI.
So will Boswell Field bring Hobart a major home field advantage?
Hobart is 3-0 at home this season and is 8-1 at the Boz since 2008. The Statesmen have averaged 29 PPG (offense) vs. only giving up 8 PPG at Boswell this season. However; RPI has averaged 29 PPG on offense in road games and did win their most recent appearance (2007) at Boswell (but with a very different offense given the graduations of former RPI QB Jimmy Robertson and WR Eren Savasli).
Although capable of putting up a lot of points, the RPI offense has struggled in the red zone this year. The Engineers are currently last in the LL in red zone offense only converting 16-26 trips (61.5%) but Hobart is ranked 7th in red zone defense allowing 11-14 attempts for scores (78.6%), so this may be a moot point.
The Engineers are lead by FY QB Michael Hermann who is a threat to run and pass racking up 323 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns while also passing for 1147 yards and 8 touchdowns (163.9 avg). Hermann is fairly accurate earning a 120.2 pass efficiency rating, which is good for #2 in LL this season.
Leading the Engineer rushing attack is SR RB Nick Costa. The SR has tallied 572 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the season. Hermann’s main target in the receiving corp is SR Patrick McCarthy. McCarthy leads the LL with 518 yards receiving and has hauled in four receiving touchdowns this season.
One area where RPI has a clear edge over the Statesmen is in the kicking game. JR PK Peter Nilson is six for nine in field goals (long of 38 yards) and has made all his PAT (18-18) attempts. Hobart has only converted three of seven field goals between SO PK Conor Callahan and SR WR/PK Paul Overdorf.
On defense RPI is lead by SR DB Joe Albano and SR LB Tim Acker who both have 60 total tackles; respectively. JR DL Darryl Brown leads the Engineers defense with 5 sacks.
1. Freshman orientation – Although at 6’ 6” 220 lbs Mike Hermann is a big kid and an exceptional talent that may win his share of games against Hobart in the future; he has never stepped foot on the Boz nor played Hobart to date. Look for the Statesmen defense to exploit this inexperience on Saturday with a mix of blitz schemes and disguised pass coverage. Hermann, like most running QBs, will likely be slowed down given the wet turf (it is supposed to rain all day Friday). The FY has thrown six interceptions (almost a one per game average) so look for the Statesmen to be opportunistic and convert an errant throw into a take-away.
2. Continue the forward progress – Hobart has been on a roll both offensively and defensively coming off their bye two weeks ago. The Statesmen need to maintain this momentum and continue their home streak of scoring first (Hobart has scored 14, 13 and 7 points, respectively in the first quarter of all of their three home games this season). The defense has been equally impressive at home only allowing one touchdown in the first half in three games.
3. Keep the streak alive – This Hobart SR class has never missed the post-season. Although the string of five consecutive NCAA play-off berths was effectively broken with the losses to Dickinson, Susquehanna and Union; the Statesmen would qualify to either host or participate in an ECAC “Regional Bowl Game” if they end the year at 6-3. A 5-4 or 4-5 finish would eliminate them from any post-season consideration. The last time Hobart participated in the ECACs was 2003 when they hosted and subsequently defeated the Norwich University Cadets 34-18 in the “North Atlantic Bowl”.
However, as of this posting the Statesmen have not submitted for consideration for an ECAC berth.
Six teams will be picked from the list of teams that file for consideration. The deadline for consideration without a “late fee” is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH at 5pm EST.
Teams will be selected by the ECAC Football Championships Committee on or about 11/15/09 (following selection of the NCAA Playoffs field). Teams historically have been selected by win-loss record except when ties exist. The #1 team hosts the #6 team, the #2 team hosts the #5 team and the #3 team hosts the #4 team, unless the higher-seeded team does not file to host the game. All games begin at 12pm local time on 11/21/09.
Assuming Hobart DOES file an ECAC bid, this game with RPI is in effect an “ECAC elimination” game for both teams. RPI is undefeated in their ECAC bowls to date, but losing to Hobart (and falling to 4-4, 2-4) would eliminate them from consideration.
All of these factors considered, I am predicting Hobart over RPI in another close one, 21-17.
I will post an update regarding the ECAC filing status and any other pertinent information leading up to Saturday’s contest.
Thanks for reading and go ‘Bart!
A highlight clip of that game can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf6LUe-zgl4
Kick-off for this season’s match-up is slated for noon ET and conditions look pretty good for an early November football game in Upstate New York (i.e., 40s and cloudy).
Rensselaer leads the series 26-25-1 all-time, but the Statesmen have won four of the last five games against the Engineers. Although Hobart has had some recent success against RPI, all of these games have all been battles.
Check out these scores from the past four seasons:
2008 Hobart 20 – RPI 17 (Statesmen kick the winning FG as time expired)
2007 RPI 35 – Hobart 31 (Engineers score the winning TD with nine seconds left)
2006 Hobart 24 – RPI 17 (Engineers score 14 pts in the 4th quarter but fall short)
2005 Hobart 56 – RPI 48 (3OT game – enough said)
That’s only a 5.5 point average differential between these two rivals over four games!
So are these teams even again this season? Well, both are 4-3 overall with Hobart holding a one game edge in the LL standings. The statistics point to another close game between the Statesmen and the Engineers.
Just how similar (statistically speaking) are these squads? Check out these stats:
Scoring offense (average points per game scored): Hobart 22.9 PPG vs. RPI 21.7 PPG
Scoring defense (average points allowed): Hobart 17.6 PPG vs. RPI 17.9 PPG
Recently; however Hobart seems to be clicking on offense having averaged 30 PPG in their last 3 games. RPI has averaged 18.33 PPG during the same time period.
Total offense (average yards per game gained): Hobart 345.1 YPG vs. RPI 345.4 YPG
Total defense (average yards per game allowed): Hobart 308.3 YPG vs. RPI 329.3 YPG
#1 Hobart vs. #2 RPI in 3rd down conversions
Turnover margin – both are +1
Time of possession average has Hobart with a 30:51 to 28:19 edge (or 2:41) over RPI.
So will Boswell Field bring Hobart a major home field advantage?
Hobart is 3-0 at home this season and is 8-1 at the Boz since 2008. The Statesmen have averaged 29 PPG (offense) vs. only giving up 8 PPG at Boswell this season. However; RPI has averaged 29 PPG on offense in road games and did win their most recent appearance (2007) at Boswell (but with a very different offense given the graduations of former RPI QB Jimmy Robertson and WR Eren Savasli).
Although capable of putting up a lot of points, the RPI offense has struggled in the red zone this year. The Engineers are currently last in the LL in red zone offense only converting 16-26 trips (61.5%) but Hobart is ranked 7th in red zone defense allowing 11-14 attempts for scores (78.6%), so this may be a moot point.
The Engineers are lead by FY QB Michael Hermann who is a threat to run and pass racking up 323 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns while also passing for 1147 yards and 8 touchdowns (163.9 avg). Hermann is fairly accurate earning a 120.2 pass efficiency rating, which is good for #2 in LL this season.
Leading the Engineer rushing attack is SR RB Nick Costa. The SR has tallied 572 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the season. Hermann’s main target in the receiving corp is SR Patrick McCarthy. McCarthy leads the LL with 518 yards receiving and has hauled in four receiving touchdowns this season.
One area where RPI has a clear edge over the Statesmen is in the kicking game. JR PK Peter Nilson is six for nine in field goals (long of 38 yards) and has made all his PAT (18-18) attempts. Hobart has only converted three of seven field goals between SO PK Conor Callahan and SR WR/PK Paul Overdorf.
On defense RPI is lead by SR DB Joe Albano and SR LB Tim Acker who both have 60 total tackles; respectively. JR DL Darryl Brown leads the Engineers defense with 5 sacks.
1. Freshman orientation – Although at 6’ 6” 220 lbs Mike Hermann is a big kid and an exceptional talent that may win his share of games against Hobart in the future; he has never stepped foot on the Boz nor played Hobart to date. Look for the Statesmen defense to exploit this inexperience on Saturday with a mix of blitz schemes and disguised pass coverage. Hermann, like most running QBs, will likely be slowed down given the wet turf (it is supposed to rain all day Friday). The FY has thrown six interceptions (almost a one per game average) so look for the Statesmen to be opportunistic and convert an errant throw into a take-away.
2. Continue the forward progress – Hobart has been on a roll both offensively and defensively coming off their bye two weeks ago. The Statesmen need to maintain this momentum and continue their home streak of scoring first (Hobart has scored 14, 13 and 7 points, respectively in the first quarter of all of their three home games this season). The defense has been equally impressive at home only allowing one touchdown in the first half in three games.
3. Keep the streak alive – This Hobart SR class has never missed the post-season. Although the string of five consecutive NCAA play-off berths was effectively broken with the losses to Dickinson, Susquehanna and Union; the Statesmen would qualify to either host or participate in an ECAC “Regional Bowl Game” if they end the year at 6-3. A 5-4 or 4-5 finish would eliminate them from any post-season consideration. The last time Hobart participated in the ECACs was 2003 when they hosted and subsequently defeated the Norwich University Cadets 34-18 in the “North Atlantic Bowl”.
However, as of this posting the Statesmen have not submitted for consideration for an ECAC berth.
Six teams will be picked from the list of teams that file for consideration. The deadline for consideration without a “late fee” is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH at 5pm EST.
Teams will be selected by the ECAC Football Championships Committee on or about 11/15/09 (following selection of the NCAA Playoffs field). Teams historically have been selected by win-loss record except when ties exist. The #1 team hosts the #6 team, the #2 team hosts the #5 team and the #3 team hosts the #4 team, unless the higher-seeded team does not file to host the game. All games begin at 12pm local time on 11/21/09.
Assuming Hobart DOES file an ECAC bid, this game with RPI is in effect an “ECAC elimination” game for both teams. RPI is undefeated in their ECAC bowls to date, but losing to Hobart (and falling to 4-4, 2-4) would eliminate them from consideration.
All of these factors considered, I am predicting Hobart over RPI in another close one, 21-17.
I will post an update regarding the ECAC filing status and any other pertinent information leading up to Saturday’s contest.
Thanks for reading and go ‘Bart!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
In the Huddlle - Nov 1 podcast!
Check out the replay of tonight's "In the Huddlle" broadcast on Blog Talk Radio at www.inthehuddlle.com
We discussed the Hobart-WPI game as well as the potential LL championship show-down between Susquehanna and Union, ECAC bids for the Statesmen and other topics.
Hope you download the show. Thanks for listening!
We discussed the Hobart-WPI game as well as the potential LL championship show-down between Susquehanna and Union, ECAC bids for the Statesmen and other topics.
Hope you download the show. Thanks for listening!
Hobart 41 - WPI 20
The Hobart Statesmen (4-3, 3-2) had their highest scoring game of the season, winning their first ever Halloween game and first road game of 2009. Although WPI kept the score 21-14 at the half due to recovering two Statesmen fumbles, Hobart blew the game open in the second half and never looked back.
Statesmen JR RB Andrew Marlier once again lead the Hobart ground attack behind 73 yards and two of the Statesmen's five rushing TDs. SO QB Doug Vella had an efficient outing throwing nine completions on 17 attempts for 192 yards and a touchdown. SO WR Garth Muratori was Vella's main target hauling in 71 yards and a score. On defense it was JR LB Kyle O'Laughlin's 10 tackles that helped keep the Engineers (3-5, 0-5) in check.
Hobart returns to Boswell Field for the "last time" (on grass anyway - renovations including new field turf are expected to begin following the football season) against RPI (4-3, 2-3).
RPI is coming off of a close 20-15 loss to rival Union College (6-2, 5-0) in the annual "Dutchman's Shoes" game. These Engineers will also be out for some revenge from last season's 20-17 loss on the last (regular season game - RPI would go on to defeat Alfred in a home post-season ECAC game) game at old '86 Field.
Kick-off is scheduled for noon ET. Will have more on this game later in the week.
Statesmen JR RB Andrew Marlier once again lead the Hobart ground attack behind 73 yards and two of the Statesmen's five rushing TDs. SO QB Doug Vella had an efficient outing throwing nine completions on 17 attempts for 192 yards and a touchdown. SO WR Garth Muratori was Vella's main target hauling in 71 yards and a score. On defense it was JR LB Kyle O'Laughlin's 10 tackles that helped keep the Engineers (3-5, 0-5) in check.
Hobart returns to Boswell Field for the "last time" (on grass anyway - renovations including new field turf are expected to begin following the football season) against RPI (4-3, 2-3).
RPI is coming off of a close 20-15 loss to rival Union College (6-2, 5-0) in the annual "Dutchman's Shoes" game. These Engineers will also be out for some revenge from last season's 20-17 loss on the last (regular season game - RPI would go on to defeat Alfred in a home post-season ECAC game) game at old '86 Field.
Kick-off is scheduled for noon ET. Will have more on this game later in the week.
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