JR RB Brad Burns was honored as the GEICO PLAY OF THE YEAR based on a tally of votes across the country.
A link of the award and YouTube clip with Burns accepting it can be found here.
In other HFB news, it was recently announced that Ithaca College will become a full member of the Liberty League which is good news in that it keeps the LL access to the NCAA playoffs in better shape after USMMA, WPI and Springfield depart for the NEWMAC in 2017.
A seventh member for FB will be announced just after the New Year so stayed tuned.
Congratulations to the 14 HFB players who earned LL All-Academic recognition also! A link to that announcement can be seen here.
Wishing everyone has had very happy and safe holidays! Happy New Year and more will be "Comin Atcha" in 2016!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Statesmen Finish Strong With 42-20 Win Over Rochester
The Hobart College Statesmen may not have ended up in the NCAA playoffs, but the offense and defense clicked to take a 42-20 victory over Rochester last Saturday at Fauver Stadium. Hobart scored 113 points in their final three games of the 2015 season.
Although the Statesmen controlled the clock for the vast majority of the game, the Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-4) kept coming back until Hobart pulled away in the second half and shut out Rochester for nearly 26 minutes to wrap up another Centennial Cup victory.
SO QB Shane Sweeney broke a single game record with six TD passes, connecting twice with classmates SO TE Zach Withers and SO WR Brandon Shed along with TD passes to FY RB Tynard Barfield and SR FB Christopher Holoman.
The Statesmen defense was led by SR LB Trayvon Toney with seven tackles.
The win ends Hobart's 2015 campaign with a 7-3, 5-2 overall mark and the Class of 2016 finishes their Statesmen careers with a 41-6 overall record, including three league championships.
Although there will be losses to graduation, this Statesmen squad is still young and has a lot of key players returning in 2016. I will post a season retrospective in the coming week(s).
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Although the Statesmen controlled the clock for the vast majority of the game, the Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-4) kept coming back until Hobart pulled away in the second half and shut out Rochester for nearly 26 minutes to wrap up another Centennial Cup victory.
SO QB Shane Sweeney broke a single game record with six TD passes, connecting twice with classmates SO TE Zach Withers and SO WR Brandon Shed along with TD passes to FY RB Tynard Barfield and SR FB Christopher Holoman.
The Statesmen defense was led by SR LB Trayvon Toney with seven tackles.
The win ends Hobart's 2015 campaign with a 7-3, 5-2 overall mark and the Class of 2016 finishes their Statesmen careers with a 41-6 overall record, including three league championships.
Although there will be losses to graduation, this Statesmen squad is still young and has a lot of key players returning in 2016. I will post a season retrospective in the coming week(s).
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Week 11 - Rochester / Centennial Cup Game Preview
The Hobart College Statesmen (may) close out their 2015 season on the road to long time rival, the Rochester Yellow Jackets Saturday at Fauver Stadium. Order up a garbage plate from Nick Tahou's and sit back for what's a great rivalry between these two programs.
There's a lot on the line in this game other than the trophy. Rochester (5-3, 3-3) is on the cusp of earning it's sixth win, a feat they haven't accomplished since the 2007 season. If Hobart (6-3, 4-2) wins the game, they have an outside chance at returning to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. That will require some help however, as both Saint Lawrence (7-2, 5-1) and RPI (7-2, 5-1) would need to lose to Merchant Marine (3-5, 2-4) and Union (0-9, 0-6), respectively.
The Statesmen lead the all time series, which dates back to 1892, 52-48-7. So far Hobart is 6-1 overall in the Centennial Cup series, losing to the Yellow Jackets back in 2010 by a score of 35-34. Last season the Statesmen entered this contest ranked eighth in the nation but had to hang on after jumping out to a 21-0 lead, to win the game, 28-23.
This season Rochester enters this contest as (now) the top passing offense in the LL, averaging 239.8 YPG. The Yellow Jackets average 30.9 PPG and have rushed for an average of 167.5 YPG, which are good for second and third in the LL, respectively. Hobart by contrast is second in the LL allowing 17.4 PPG and leads the LL in both rushing and passing "D" allowing only 122.2 and 122.3 YPG, respectively.
Scouting Rochester
It's been a tale of two seasons for Rochester after the 2014 LL ROTY and now #2 SO QB Dan Bronson was injured. To his credit, #12 SR QB Justin Redfern has stepped in capably, passing for 1,132 yards and eight TDs compared to five INTs. Given it's the final game of the season, I could see either or both QBs play in this one.
#44 JR RB Shane Saucier has ran the ball more in recent weeks after Bronson (a solid runner who's tallied 334 rushing yards and three TDs) was limited. Saucier has carried the ball 70 times for 287 yards and four TDs. #26 JR RB Nick Perpignan has added 231 rush yards on 61 carries.
The Yellow Jackets have a solid receiving corps led by a trio of deep threats. #9 SR WR Farid Adenuga (520 receiving yards and five TDs), #3 JR WR Kyle Allegrini (326 yards and four TDs) and #1 SR WR Derek Wager (435 yards and one TD) are all solid players. #83 JR WR Luke Szumski isn't targeted very often (five catches) but his size (6'5" 205) and speed (72 yard TD run) make him a viable jump ball threat, and he's caught three TDs this season.
Defensively Rochester is led by #39 SR LB Thomas Marone who's ranked third in the LL with 71 total tackles. #34 SO LB Isaiah Smith can play the run or rush the passer, tallying 62 tackles and three sacks and seven TFL on the season.
On special teams, Rochester has the best kicker in the LL in #10 SR PK Andrew Haber who's gone five of six on FGs this season with a long of 38. The Yellow Jackets also lead the LL in kickoff return average. Rochester otherwise struggles in other parts of special teams play however, ranking fourth in punt returns (8.9), seventh in KO coverage (35.4), sixth in punting (31.5) and seventh in PATs (24 of 29) which could play a role in field position and the last stat could be key in a close game.
Keys to the Game
1. Defense
Last Saturday the shutout pitched by the Hobart defense in the second half went a big way in giving the Statesmen a chance to win the game late. Another part was holding the Saints to six of 17 on third downs overall and, more importantly, only allowing SLU into the red zone twice and allowing only one score in the first half.
2. Line of Scrimmage
The one knock on the Saints was the fact they didn't run the ball much or well in 2014. Hobart took the SLU run game off the table last Saturday, holding the Saints to 81 yards on 38 attempts (2.1 average). The Statesmen defense penetrated the SLU OL and racked up six sacks and eight TFL. Forcing Redfern and the Yellow Jackets offense to be one dimensional is a critical component of Saturday's game plan.
3. Finish
While 7-3 isn't the same as the undefeated seasons Hobart has enjoyed in recent years, it's a solid season when you consider the injuries and changes that the Statesmen had to overcome in 2015. While I understand the institutional stance on participation in ECACs (which for the first time this year will be held at a single site, just outside my hometown of Hartford, CT), if Hobart doesn't end up winning the LL, it's a shame this squad, especially the Class of 2016, won't get one more game. That said I hope the team rallies once again to finish the season strong against a determined rival. Rochester will come out "guns blazing" so the Statesmen need to take their best shot and not flinch. A steady combo of solid possessions and an early lead would go far in making it an uphill battle for the Yellow Jackets.
Final Thoughts
The Statesmen have had Rochester's number of late and the Yellow Jackets have struggled to win games in the final month of the season. They needed a miracle to defeat Union and held on for a one TD win against USMMA.
Given the way Hobart has fought in recent weeks makes me think the Statesmen can and will outlast Rochester with a strong defensive performance. I'll take Hobart to win this one and retain the Centennial Cup, 30-20.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
There's a lot on the line in this game other than the trophy. Rochester (5-3, 3-3) is on the cusp of earning it's sixth win, a feat they haven't accomplished since the 2007 season. If Hobart (6-3, 4-2) wins the game, they have an outside chance at returning to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. That will require some help however, as both Saint Lawrence (7-2, 5-1) and RPI (7-2, 5-1) would need to lose to Merchant Marine (3-5, 2-4) and Union (0-9, 0-6), respectively.
The Statesmen lead the all time series, which dates back to 1892, 52-48-7. So far Hobart is 6-1 overall in the Centennial Cup series, losing to the Yellow Jackets back in 2010 by a score of 35-34. Last season the Statesmen entered this contest ranked eighth in the nation but had to hang on after jumping out to a 21-0 lead, to win the game, 28-23.
This season Rochester enters this contest as (now) the top passing offense in the LL, averaging 239.8 YPG. The Yellow Jackets average 30.9 PPG and have rushed for an average of 167.5 YPG, which are good for second and third in the LL, respectively. Hobart by contrast is second in the LL allowing 17.4 PPG and leads the LL in both rushing and passing "D" allowing only 122.2 and 122.3 YPG, respectively.
Scouting Rochester
It's been a tale of two seasons for Rochester after the 2014 LL ROTY and now #2 SO QB Dan Bronson was injured. To his credit, #12 SR QB Justin Redfern has stepped in capably, passing for 1,132 yards and eight TDs compared to five INTs. Given it's the final game of the season, I could see either or both QBs play in this one.
#44 JR RB Shane Saucier has ran the ball more in recent weeks after Bronson (a solid runner who's tallied 334 rushing yards and three TDs) was limited. Saucier has carried the ball 70 times for 287 yards and four TDs. #26 JR RB Nick Perpignan has added 231 rush yards on 61 carries.
The Yellow Jackets have a solid receiving corps led by a trio of deep threats. #9 SR WR Farid Adenuga (520 receiving yards and five TDs), #3 JR WR Kyle Allegrini (326 yards and four TDs) and #1 SR WR Derek Wager (435 yards and one TD) are all solid players. #83 JR WR Luke Szumski isn't targeted very often (five catches) but his size (6'5" 205) and speed (72 yard TD run) make him a viable jump ball threat, and he's caught three TDs this season.
Defensively Rochester is led by #39 SR LB Thomas Marone who's ranked third in the LL with 71 total tackles. #34 SO LB Isaiah Smith can play the run or rush the passer, tallying 62 tackles and three sacks and seven TFL on the season.
On special teams, Rochester has the best kicker in the LL in #10 SR PK Andrew Haber who's gone five of six on FGs this season with a long of 38. The Yellow Jackets also lead the LL in kickoff return average. Rochester otherwise struggles in other parts of special teams play however, ranking fourth in punt returns (8.9), seventh in KO coverage (35.4), sixth in punting (31.5) and seventh in PATs (24 of 29) which could play a role in field position and the last stat could be key in a close game.
Keys to the Game
1. Defense
Last Saturday the shutout pitched by the Hobart defense in the second half went a big way in giving the Statesmen a chance to win the game late. Another part was holding the Saints to six of 17 on third downs overall and, more importantly, only allowing SLU into the red zone twice and allowing only one score in the first half.
2. Line of Scrimmage
The one knock on the Saints was the fact they didn't run the ball much or well in 2014. Hobart took the SLU run game off the table last Saturday, holding the Saints to 81 yards on 38 attempts (2.1 average). The Statesmen defense penetrated the SLU OL and racked up six sacks and eight TFL. Forcing Redfern and the Yellow Jackets offense to be one dimensional is a critical component of Saturday's game plan.
3. Finish
While 7-3 isn't the same as the undefeated seasons Hobart has enjoyed in recent years, it's a solid season when you consider the injuries and changes that the Statesmen had to overcome in 2015. While I understand the institutional stance on participation in ECACs (which for the first time this year will be held at a single site, just outside my hometown of Hartford, CT), if Hobart doesn't end up winning the LL, it's a shame this squad, especially the Class of 2016, won't get one more game. That said I hope the team rallies once again to finish the season strong against a determined rival. Rochester will come out "guns blazing" so the Statesmen need to take their best shot and not flinch. A steady combo of solid possessions and an early lead would go far in making it an uphill battle for the Yellow Jackets.
Final Thoughts
The Statesmen have had Rochester's number of late and the Yellow Jackets have struggled to win games in the final month of the season. They needed a miracle to defeat Union and held on for a one TD win against USMMA.
Given the way Hobart has fought in recent weeks makes me think the Statesmen can and will outlast Rochester with a strong defensive performance. I'll take Hobart to win this one and retain the Centennial Cup, 30-20.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Monday, November 9, 2015
Statesmen Stun #25 Saints, 19-17
The Hobart College Statesmen celebrated a big Senior Day win when SO QB Shane Sweeney found SR WR Cooper Merrill from four yards out with nine seconds remaining to give Hobart (6-3, 4-2) a hard fought, 19-17 comeback victory against the #25th ranked Saint Lawrence University Saints (7-2, 5-1).
The last second TD saved the Statesmen from having to see the Saints celebrate their first LL title since 2010 on the Boz. We covered this game and Hobart's playoff chances on "In The HuddLLe" which you can listen to here.
The win was the 40th in the careers of the Class of 2016 and these Seniors got to enjoy a "W" in their final home game at Hobart:
2 Trayvon Toney
6 Cooper Merrill
7 Jacob Stanley
10 Conner Hartigan
14 Parker Thelander
22 Christopher Holoman
28 Justin Burke
54 TJ Scamurra
56 Julian Jackson
65 Emiliano Acosta
66 Brendan Casey
67 Levi Boyer
80 Josh Britton
87 Yanni Zulia
89 Nick Liverio
98 Tucker Gumkowski
SR TE Josh Britton caught one of Sweeney's three TD passes to open the scoring for Hobart. SO WR Brandon Shed made a great catch for a TD in the fourth quarter that kept the Statesmen in the game. Ultimately it was the defense's bend but don't break second half performance and shutting out the Saints.
Hobart will travel to Rochester (5-3, 3-3) looking to retain the Centennial Cup. Although a long shot, if Saint Lawrence and RPI lose Saturday, the Statesmen can clinch their fifth consecutive LL championship if they beat the Yellow Jackets.
I'll have a preview up for the Centennial Cup game later this week. Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
The last second TD saved the Statesmen from having to see the Saints celebrate their first LL title since 2010 on the Boz. We covered this game and Hobart's playoff chances on "In The HuddLLe" which you can listen to here.
The win was the 40th in the careers of the Class of 2016 and these Seniors got to enjoy a "W" in their final home game at Hobart:
2 Trayvon Toney
6 Cooper Merrill
7 Jacob Stanley
10 Conner Hartigan
14 Parker Thelander
22 Christopher Holoman
28 Justin Burke
54 TJ Scamurra
56 Julian Jackson
65 Emiliano Acosta
66 Brendan Casey
67 Levi Boyer
80 Josh Britton
87 Yanni Zulia
89 Nick Liverio
98 Tucker Gumkowski
SR TE Josh Britton caught one of Sweeney's three TD passes to open the scoring for Hobart. SO WR Brandon Shed made a great catch for a TD in the fourth quarter that kept the Statesmen in the game. Ultimately it was the defense's bend but don't break second half performance and shutting out the Saints.
Hobart will travel to Rochester (5-3, 3-3) looking to retain the Centennial Cup. Although a long shot, if Saint Lawrence and RPI lose Saturday, the Statesmen can clinch their fifth consecutive LL championship if they beat the Yellow Jackets.
I'll have a preview up for the Centennial Cup game later this week. Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Week 10 - Saint Lawrence Game Preview
The Saint Lawrence University Saints (7-1, 5-0) head to Geneva this weekend looking to avenge last year's 29-27 Liberty League (LL) Championship game loss to Hobart. A Saints win Saturday will effectively clinch the 2015 title for Saint Lawrence.
The Saints have been a program on the rise the past couple of seasons, winning 23 of their last 29 ball games after going 0-10 in 2012. Saint Lawrence is also the last program to win the LL title since the Statesmen's 2011-14 run. That 2010 season the Saints upset Hobart in Canton, capitalizing on four Statesmen turnovers, to hang onto a 24-21 win - their first over Hobart since 1991. The Statesmen lead the all time series, which dates back to 1901, 48-37-2, making Saturday's contest the 88th overall between the two Upstate rivals.
This season Saint Lawrence boasts the LL's best scoring offense (32.8 PPG) and passing attack (229.4 YPG). Hobart counters with the LL's best total defense (240.6 YPG), passing defense (113.3 YPG), second ranked scoring defense (17.5 PPG) and rushing defense (127.4 YPG).
Saint Lawrence also enters this game as the #25 ranked team in the D3football.com poll and as the third ranked team in the recently released NCAA Playoff Regional Rankings for the "East".
Scouting the Saints
Saint Lawrence's offense is led by #6 SR QB Mike Lefflbine, who shared the 2014 Offensive POTY award with Ali Marpet '15. Lefflbine is once again the top QB in the LL, passing for 1,789 yards (223.6 YPG) and an impressive 22 TDs to only six INTs. Although small in size, #21 SR RB Maurice Irby has gained 512 yards on 98 carries, 5.2 AVG, which is fifth best in the LL.
Lefflbine has a number of options in the passing game, including two "power forward" type of WRs/TEs. These players include #81 SO WR Vincenzo Ferrraro (480 yards and four TDs), #15 JR TE Mitch Gallagher (418 yards and six TDs), #9 SO WR Patrick Bryant (319 yards and three TDs) and #86 JR TE Matt Gardiner (275 yards and three TDs).
Adding to the above is All-American #3 SR DB/WR Leondre Simmon who plays on both sides of the ball, catching 16 passes for 166 yards and five TDs to go with a LL second best five INTs, including one for a TD.
Defensively the Saints are led by #43 SO LB Skyler Williamson and #15 JR LB Alec Dietsch. This tandem has combined for 130 total tackles. On the DL Saint Lawrence is led by Preseason All-American #55 JR DL Chyron Brown Wallace, who is a big reason why the Saints led the LL with 29 sacks. Also in the secondary with Simmon is #4 JR DB James Holley-Grisham who leads the LL with six interceptions.
On special teams, #30 JR PK Andrew Carvalho is in the middle of the LL statistics wise, connecting on only two of four FG attempts, but being a very reliable kicker of PATs (34 of 36).
Keys to the Game
1. The Best Defense is a Rushing Offense - I sat in Sec 241 of the Georgia Dome Sunday watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rush the football for most of the game against the Atlanta Falcons second ranked rush defense in the NFL on the way to hard fought 23-20 OT victory. The Statesmen will need to do the same in order to keep Lefflbine and the high powered Saints offense off the field Saturday. We spoke to SR OL Brendan Casey about the nearly 280 yard rushing performance against Union on Sunday's ITH. A link to that podcast and a preview of Saturday's game can be heard here. The Statesmen will need another big day by Casey and the Hobart OL to battle Saint Lawrence's tough defense.
2. Protect the Football - The Saints last two seasons have been built off of creating turnovers on defense and cashing them in for points. The Statesmen can ill afford to fumble or throw an interception against this ball hawk defense. On the flip side Hobart will need to take a page from the Bucs defense and cause their opponents to turn the ball over, whether it be forced, or unforced errors.
3. Send Off the SRs With A "W" - The Class of 2016 has enjoyed a 39-6 run over the last four seasons. There will be 16 SR players who will be recognized and accompanied by their friends and families on Boswell Field for the final home game of their Hobart careers. A win for them on this day would be one that would match or maybe even surpass some of the playoff wins at the Boz from prior seasons.
Final Thoughts:
The Saints seem primed to run away with this one as they have outscored their opposition by a combined 90-21 in the first half over their last three games. If Hobart can establish the run, protect the football and not fall behind early, Saint Lawrence will be in unfamiliar territory in a game in which they are "favored".
In Week 1 the Morrisville State Mustangs got behind the vaunted Saints secondary on two long pass plays after the Saints stacked up the box. If the Statesmen can get some conversions early on and draw the LBs and DBs in, then SO QB Shane Sweeney can look for SO WR Brandon Shed and the Hobart receiving corps on a couple of well timed deep routes to catch Saint Lawrence off guard.
This game will be a tough one, and honestly a Saints victory wouldn't surprise me, although it would be disappointing. I am hoping the Statesmen and the SRs in particular go ahead and play the game of the season Saturday.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
The Saints have been a program on the rise the past couple of seasons, winning 23 of their last 29 ball games after going 0-10 in 2012. Saint Lawrence is also the last program to win the LL title since the Statesmen's 2011-14 run. That 2010 season the Saints upset Hobart in Canton, capitalizing on four Statesmen turnovers, to hang onto a 24-21 win - their first over Hobart since 1991. The Statesmen lead the all time series, which dates back to 1901, 48-37-2, making Saturday's contest the 88th overall between the two Upstate rivals.
This season Saint Lawrence boasts the LL's best scoring offense (32.8 PPG) and passing attack (229.4 YPG). Hobart counters with the LL's best total defense (240.6 YPG), passing defense (113.3 YPG), second ranked scoring defense (17.5 PPG) and rushing defense (127.4 YPG).
Saint Lawrence also enters this game as the #25 ranked team in the D3football.com poll and as the third ranked team in the recently released NCAA Playoff Regional Rankings for the "East".
Scouting the Saints
Saint Lawrence's offense is led by #6 SR QB Mike Lefflbine, who shared the 2014 Offensive POTY award with Ali Marpet '15. Lefflbine is once again the top QB in the LL, passing for 1,789 yards (223.6 YPG) and an impressive 22 TDs to only six INTs. Although small in size, #21 SR RB Maurice Irby has gained 512 yards on 98 carries, 5.2 AVG, which is fifth best in the LL.
Lefflbine has a number of options in the passing game, including two "power forward" type of WRs/TEs. These players include #81 SO WR Vincenzo Ferrraro (480 yards and four TDs), #15 JR TE Mitch Gallagher (418 yards and six TDs), #9 SO WR Patrick Bryant (319 yards and three TDs) and #86 JR TE Matt Gardiner (275 yards and three TDs).
Adding to the above is All-American #3 SR DB/WR Leondre Simmon who plays on both sides of the ball, catching 16 passes for 166 yards and five TDs to go with a LL second best five INTs, including one for a TD.
Defensively the Saints are led by #43 SO LB Skyler Williamson and #15 JR LB Alec Dietsch. This tandem has combined for 130 total tackles. On the DL Saint Lawrence is led by Preseason All-American #55 JR DL Chyron Brown Wallace, who is a big reason why the Saints led the LL with 29 sacks. Also in the secondary with Simmon is #4 JR DB James Holley-Grisham who leads the LL with six interceptions.
On special teams, #30 JR PK Andrew Carvalho is in the middle of the LL statistics wise, connecting on only two of four FG attempts, but being a very reliable kicker of PATs (34 of 36).
Keys to the Game
1. The Best Defense is a Rushing Offense - I sat in Sec 241 of the Georgia Dome Sunday watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rush the football for most of the game against the Atlanta Falcons second ranked rush defense in the NFL on the way to hard fought 23-20 OT victory. The Statesmen will need to do the same in order to keep Lefflbine and the high powered Saints offense off the field Saturday. We spoke to SR OL Brendan Casey about the nearly 280 yard rushing performance against Union on Sunday's ITH. A link to that podcast and a preview of Saturday's game can be heard here. The Statesmen will need another big day by Casey and the Hobart OL to battle Saint Lawrence's tough defense.
2. Protect the Football - The Saints last two seasons have been built off of creating turnovers on defense and cashing them in for points. The Statesmen can ill afford to fumble or throw an interception against this ball hawk defense. On the flip side Hobart will need to take a page from the Bucs defense and cause their opponents to turn the ball over, whether it be forced, or unforced errors.
3. Send Off the SRs With A "W" - The Class of 2016 has enjoyed a 39-6 run over the last four seasons. There will be 16 SR players who will be recognized and accompanied by their friends and families on Boswell Field for the final home game of their Hobart careers. A win for them on this day would be one that would match or maybe even surpass some of the playoff wins at the Boz from prior seasons.
Final Thoughts:
The Saints seem primed to run away with this one as they have outscored their opposition by a combined 90-21 in the first half over their last three games. If Hobart can establish the run, protect the football and not fall behind early, Saint Lawrence will be in unfamiliar territory in a game in which they are "favored".
In Week 1 the Morrisville State Mustangs got behind the vaunted Saints secondary on two long pass plays after the Saints stacked up the box. If the Statesmen can get some conversions early on and draw the LBs and DBs in, then SO QB Shane Sweeney can look for SO WR Brandon Shed and the Hobart receiving corps on a couple of well timed deep routes to catch Saint Lawrence off guard.
This game will be a tough one, and honestly a Saints victory wouldn't surprise me, although it would be disappointing. I am hoping the Statesmen and the SRs in particular go ahead and play the game of the season Saturday.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Statesmen Offense Erupts to Defeat Union, 52-14
The Hobart College Statesmen scored early and often in their best offensive performance of the season Saturday at Frank Bailey Field.
The Union defense clearly rested in a contest that the Statesmen ran up a season high 52 points - the most since Hobart defeated WPI by a score of 61-8 back in September of 2012.
The biggest one-two punch was by classmates SO QB Shane Sweeney and SO WR Brandon Shed who connected on scoring plays of 81, 48 and 41 yards en route to a 52-14 rout of Union (0-8, 0-5).
On what was described by the WEOS as a perfect day for college football, the Statesmen opened the game with the longest scoring play of the season. Hobart would run out to a 31-7 lead before giving up a late passing TD with about two seconds remaining to take a 31-14 lead into the half.
The second half saw more Statesmen TDs as players like SO RB Joe Letizia notched themselves into the record book with six points.
In the end Hobart out-gained Union 581 to 221 total yards, behind an impressive 15 for 20 and 305 yard passing day by Sweeney and 276 rushing yards by the Statesmen OL. SR RB Conner Hartigan led the attack with 95 yards on 12 carries.
The win improved Hobart to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the LL. A big match up which we discuss on Sunday's ITH with SR OL Brendan Casey is coming up against Saint Lawrence (7-1, 6-0) this Saturday at Boswell Field.
The Union defense clearly rested in a contest that the Statesmen ran up a season high 52 points - the most since Hobart defeated WPI by a score of 61-8 back in September of 2012.
The biggest one-two punch was by classmates SO QB Shane Sweeney and SO WR Brandon Shed who connected on scoring plays of 81, 48 and 41 yards en route to a 52-14 rout of Union (0-8, 0-5).
On what was described by the WEOS as a perfect day for college football, the Statesmen opened the game with the longest scoring play of the season. Hobart would run out to a 31-7 lead before giving up a late passing TD with about two seconds remaining to take a 31-14 lead into the half.
The second half saw more Statesmen TDs as players like SO RB Joe Letizia notched themselves into the record book with six points.
In the end Hobart out-gained Union 581 to 221 total yards, behind an impressive 15 for 20 and 305 yard passing day by Sweeney and 276 rushing yards by the Statesmen OL. SR RB Conner Hartigan led the attack with 95 yards on 12 carries.
The win improved Hobart to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the LL. A big match up which we discuss on Sunday's ITH with SR OL Brendan Casey is coming up against Saint Lawrence (7-1, 6-0) this Saturday at Boswell Field.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Week 9 - Union Game Preview (Boo!)
The Hobart College Statesmen will travel to Schenectady this weekend looking for their first win in almost a month. Long time rival Union College is just looking for a win, period, as the Dutchmen (0-7, 0-4) have had a rough 2015 campaign. Saturday’s Halloween game at Frank Bailey Field marks the 99thmeeting of the two programs, which goes all the way back to the 1896 season. Union has a slight edge in the series overall, with a 50-46-2 record.
The Statesmen (4-3, 2-2) will look to exploit the worst scoring defense (35.9 PPG) in the Liberty League (LL) that’s allowed 33 TDs this season. In spite of Union’s troubles, they have been a competitive team and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Dutchmen have lost their last three games by a combined 14 points. Their offense has put up more yards (2,375) and TDs (21) than Hobart’s (1,874 and 18, respectively) and #12 SO QB Dante Cioffi is one of the top QBs in the LL in spite of only starting a few games. If Cioffi’s struggles, look for #6 FY QB Nick Cascione (700 yards and six TDs) to step in.
Last season the Statesmen defeated the Dutchmen by a score of 30-6 in Geneva behind a couple of Patrick Conlan ‘15 TD passes (to Troy Robinson and Mike Berkowitz ’15) and a (then) JR ILB Jacob Stanley 44 yard FR for a TD. That day Hobart racked up 202 rushing yards compared to Union’s 10. While you’d think the Statesmen would do well to attack the Dutchmen’s rush defense as it ranks last in the LL this season, allowing opponents 210.3 YPG and a league worst 12 TDs, unfortunately Hobart’s rushing offense is also at the bottom of the LL averaging only 94.6 YPG and 2.6 YPC.
Union’s pass defense has also been poor, allowing a LL worst 238.4 YPG and 17 scores, so I would expect Hobart’s offense to attack that unit early and often in this game.
Scouting the Dutchmen
Union’s offense is run by Cioffi who’s passed for 778 yards, nine TDs and eight INTs. #24 JR RB Jermaine Carn has rushed for 351 yards and one TD this season and #5 SO RB Connor Kinzelmann has added 333 yards and four rushing TDs. #1 SR WR Kyle Reynolds has 493 receiving yards and six TDs. #2 SR WR A.J. Baker has 404 yards and three receiving scores. #17 SR WR Joe Vito rounds out the receiving trio with 279 yards and three TDs.
Defensively #3 SR LB Jake LaRovera leads the LL with 10.6 TPG and is second overall with 74 total stops.
The Dutchmen’s special teams unit has been average overall but Union does have the second best punting unit in the league, averaging 33.2 YPP net.
Keys to the Game
Just win.
Prediction:
In spite of both team’s recent struggles you can throw the records out the window when these two school’s line up. The Statesmen haven’t lost to Union for quite some time – the last Dutchmen win over Hobart was back in 2009 (a game I actually attended) – so the pressure is on this Hobart squad not to break that streak in a season that has seen other streaks fall by the wayside. A win for the Dutchmen would save what’s been an otherwise disastrous season and would be about as low point that the Statesmen have experienced since the heartbreaking 35-34 loss to Rochester in 2010 (another game that saw a game winning two point play come up short).
This game will probably see a lot of passing attempts but it could be a more defensive struggle than one may think. I have faith the Statesmen can hold the Dutchmen at bay, but it’ll be close. I’ll pick Hobart to win 27-21.
Thanks for reading and go ‘Bart!
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Statesmen Come Full Circle in 21-20 Loss to RPI
I remember listening to then SR RPI QB Mike Hermann and missed FGs sink the Statesmen in 2011. I was in Denver, CO that weekend and sat in shock as Hobart saw a potential undefeated season taken down by an undermanned but determined foe.
The only positive of that 29-28 loss was it became the launch pad for Hobart's next three seasons as it served as a reminder of what could have been, and the Statesmen ended up taking care of business and went on multiple Liberty League title and NCAA playoff runs (well, maybe not in 2013 but the undefeated regular season was legit). That Hobart squad who lost that heartbreaking one point game they should have won against RPI proved themselves against #3 Wesley in a 35-28 battle and in 2012 took off and never looked back.
Until today.
RPI (6-2, 4-1) finally closed the chapter on Hobart's epic run with another one point killer of a game - a 21-20 decision - in Geneva today. The loss drops the Statesmen to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the LL, basically ending any and all chances of a fifth straight NCAA berth barring extreme circumstances. Hobart's home regular season home win streak ended and so was their one of about eight D3FB programs nationally that had advanced to the NCAA tournament streak dating back to 2011.
While an end of the road in some ways, you can look at it as a crossroads also. Looking back to the last decade, the Statesmen had a lot of success between the 2004-08 seasons before encountering some struggles in 2009-10. The question now is, can Hobart rally and finish this year and/or find a way to regroup after hitting a low they haven't experienced since the 09-10 seasons? I think there's enough talent and character to do so, but it'll require some hard work and tough decisions going forward.
Today's game story was basically both squads would score on their opening possessions but gave way to a defensive struggle. The Statesmen actually out gained RPI overall but struggled on key downs and had some questionable play calls on fourth down especially. A lot of dropped passes and bounces just didn't go Hobart's way which kind of has been the main difference this season and the prior three.
In the end it was RPI's making just enough plays (and getting lucky on a few calls - it's amazing how in both football and lacrosse the Statesmen never have and had home field advantage at the Boz in the officiating department) to hang onto the win.
The Statesmen will need to regroup against a win-less Union College squad that squandered a big lead against Rochester today and is likely going to lose their long time HC John Audino after this season.
Halloween will be a tough game between two programs that are not used to the directions they've headed.
More on this one in the next day or so....
The only positive of that 29-28 loss was it became the launch pad for Hobart's next three seasons as it served as a reminder of what could have been, and the Statesmen ended up taking care of business and went on multiple Liberty League title and NCAA playoff runs (well, maybe not in 2013 but the undefeated regular season was legit). That Hobart squad who lost that heartbreaking one point game they should have won against RPI proved themselves against #3 Wesley in a 35-28 battle and in 2012 took off and never looked back.
Until today.
RPI (6-2, 4-1) finally closed the chapter on Hobart's epic run with another one point killer of a game - a 21-20 decision - in Geneva today. The loss drops the Statesmen to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the LL, basically ending any and all chances of a fifth straight NCAA berth barring extreme circumstances. Hobart's home regular season home win streak ended and so was their one of about eight D3FB programs nationally that had advanced to the NCAA tournament streak dating back to 2011.
While an end of the road in some ways, you can look at it as a crossroads also. Looking back to the last decade, the Statesmen had a lot of success between the 2004-08 seasons before encountering some struggles in 2009-10. The question now is, can Hobart rally and finish this year and/or find a way to regroup after hitting a low they haven't experienced since the 09-10 seasons? I think there's enough talent and character to do so, but it'll require some hard work and tough decisions going forward.
Today's game story was basically both squads would score on their opening possessions but gave way to a defensive struggle. The Statesmen actually out gained RPI overall but struggled on key downs and had some questionable play calls on fourth down especially. A lot of dropped passes and bounces just didn't go Hobart's way which kind of has been the main difference this season and the prior three.
In the end it was RPI's making just enough plays (and getting lucky on a few calls - it's amazing how in both football and lacrosse the Statesmen never have and had home field advantage at the Boz in the officiating department) to hang onto the win.
The Statesmen will need to regroup against a win-less Union College squad that squandered a big lead against Rochester today and is likely going to lose their long time HC John Audino after this season.
Halloween will be a tough game between two programs that are not used to the directions they've headed.
More on this one in the next day or so....
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Week 8 - RPI Game Preview
The Hobart College Statesmen will host old time rival, the RPI Engineers, this Saturday at Boswell Field in what's basically a playoff elimination game for Hobart.
The Engineers (5-2, 3-1) are coming off of a 35-21 win over Rochester (4-2, 2-2) where their OL opened up a lot of running lanes en route to a 239 yards rushing performance.
RPI was the last team to defeat the Statesmen at Boswell Field in a regular season game dating back to Nov. 5, 2011. The series between these two schools dates all the way back to 1910 and is virtually even with Hobart holding a slight 29-28-1 all time edge (Hobart and RPI didn't play each other between the 1920's-60's, and it looks like it wasn't until the 1964 season that the teams really started playing on a regular basis).
Last season the Statesmen had one of their most dominant performances of 2014, scoring 21 points in the third quarter, to defeat the Engineers, 35-3, in Troy, NY.
Scouting the Engineers
RPI's option offense starts with #12 SR QB and Co-Captain Jeff Avery. Avery leads the LL with 1,617 passing yards and 15 TDs. His accuracy numbers are ok at 57.7%, but the most notable stat is he has only thrown one INT in seven games. Big (6'3") and mobile, Avery has carried the ball 49 times for 157 yards this season.
The Engineers have a pair of very solid runners in #21 SR RB Nick Schlatz and #6 SO RB Mike Tivinis. These RBs are ranked eighth and eleventh overall averaging 61.4 and 51.3 YPG, respectively.
Avery's favorite targets in the passing game are #85 SR WR Logan Gaddar and #18 SO RB Johnny Ramsdell. A tall, lanky receiver, Gaddar towers over most DBs at 6'5" and his wingspan is a big reason he leads the LL with seven receiving TDs. Ramsdell is tied for third place with four receiving TDs.
Along with a solid OL, RPI is the second highest scoring offense (30 PPG), second ranked passing offense (231 YPG) and third ranked rushing offense (183.3 YPG). The OL has only allowed seven sacks so far this season as well which is a big reason why Avery (who missed most of 2014 with rib / abdomen injury) is playing at such a high level.
Defensively the Engineers are the number one scoring (16 PPG), rushing (120.6 YPG) and fifth rated passing defense (167 YPG). A ball hawking defense is led by #94 SR LB and Co-Captain Anthony Pilla (33 total tackles and five sacks), #44 JR LB Alexander Greenidge (50 tackles), #31 SR DB Phillip Lanieri III (three INTs) and #24 SR DB Teague Florio (two INTs including one pick six).
#4 SO PK Christian Knapp has taken over the kicking duties since the graduation of current Miami Dolphins PK Andrew Franks (who hit a 30 yarder Sunday against Tennessee). Knapp is perfect on PATs (28) but has struggled with FGs, connecting only two of seven attempts.
Keys to the Game
1. Home Sweet Home - If the Statesmen ever needed home field advantage this game is probably coming at the perfect time after the disappointing collapse against Springfield. Hobart hasn't lost at the "Boz" in the regular season since that 11/5/11 game against RPI. The Statesmen will need to start off quickly against a tough RPI team that will be gunning to take Hobart down. The weather forecast looks pretty good for Saturday (cloudy with a high of 59), but you never know how things may change Upstate....
2. Rush Defense - RPI runs the ball about 46 times on average and will pass about 31 times. The Statesmen are the top rated passing defense (89.8 YPG and only four passing TDs in six games) so it stands to reason that Hobart's sixth ranked rushing defense (152.2 YPG) needs to be ready and improve Saturday against a strong Engineers running game.
3. Converting - RPI is second in the LL an average 21 first downs per game, while Hobart is last with only 14. The Statesmen will need to up that average against RPI's top rated defense which allows only 13.7 first downs per game and 28.4% of their opponents third down conversions. Hobart is actually the best defense in the LL, just ahead of RPI, in limiting their opponents to only a 25.6% third down conversion rate. The winner of this game will also need to control the clock. Part of Hobart's wearing down against Springfield was that the defense was on the field for 36+ minutes. RPI leads the LL in TOP with an average of 33:20. The Statesmen will need to convert their possessions and limit RPI's. Hobart has to get it's running game (ranked dead last in the LL with only 96.8 YPG) on track. If they don't, it's going to be tough to overcome RPI.
Prediction
The statistics point to this game being a RPI win. They are playing better football at the moment, but they haven't beaten the Statesmen in four seasons. Hobart is very hard to beat at home - including the playoffs the Statesmen are 27-4 all time since the Boz was renovated back in 2010 (and three of those home losses occurred before the 2012 season so the Statesmen SR class has only lost at the Boz once).
In spite of RPI's offensive prowess, I think this will be a defensive struggle and low scoring game. I also think Hobart will make just enough plays to win it, but by a narrow margin. I'll take the Statesmen 24-21.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
The Engineers (5-2, 3-1) are coming off of a 35-21 win over Rochester (4-2, 2-2) where their OL opened up a lot of running lanes en route to a 239 yards rushing performance.
RPI was the last team to defeat the Statesmen at Boswell Field in a regular season game dating back to Nov. 5, 2011. The series between these two schools dates all the way back to 1910 and is virtually even with Hobart holding a slight 29-28-1 all time edge (Hobart and RPI didn't play each other between the 1920's-60's, and it looks like it wasn't until the 1964 season that the teams really started playing on a regular basis).
Last season the Statesmen had one of their most dominant performances of 2014, scoring 21 points in the third quarter, to defeat the Engineers, 35-3, in Troy, NY.
Scouting the Engineers
RPI's option offense starts with #12 SR QB and Co-Captain Jeff Avery. Avery leads the LL with 1,617 passing yards and 15 TDs. His accuracy numbers are ok at 57.7%, but the most notable stat is he has only thrown one INT in seven games. Big (6'3") and mobile, Avery has carried the ball 49 times for 157 yards this season.
The Engineers have a pair of very solid runners in #21 SR RB Nick Schlatz and #6 SO RB Mike Tivinis. These RBs are ranked eighth and eleventh overall averaging 61.4 and 51.3 YPG, respectively.
Avery's favorite targets in the passing game are #85 SR WR Logan Gaddar and #18 SO RB Johnny Ramsdell. A tall, lanky receiver, Gaddar towers over most DBs at 6'5" and his wingspan is a big reason he leads the LL with seven receiving TDs. Ramsdell is tied for third place with four receiving TDs.
Along with a solid OL, RPI is the second highest scoring offense (30 PPG), second ranked passing offense (231 YPG) and third ranked rushing offense (183.3 YPG). The OL has only allowed seven sacks so far this season as well which is a big reason why Avery (who missed most of 2014 with rib / abdomen injury) is playing at such a high level.
Defensively the Engineers are the number one scoring (16 PPG), rushing (120.6 YPG) and fifth rated passing defense (167 YPG). A ball hawking defense is led by #94 SR LB and Co-Captain Anthony Pilla (33 total tackles and five sacks), #44 JR LB Alexander Greenidge (50 tackles), #31 SR DB Phillip Lanieri III (three INTs) and #24 SR DB Teague Florio (two INTs including one pick six).
#4 SO PK Christian Knapp has taken over the kicking duties since the graduation of current Miami Dolphins PK Andrew Franks (who hit a 30 yarder Sunday against Tennessee). Knapp is perfect on PATs (28) but has struggled with FGs, connecting only two of seven attempts.
Keys to the Game
1. Home Sweet Home - If the Statesmen ever needed home field advantage this game is probably coming at the perfect time after the disappointing collapse against Springfield. Hobart hasn't lost at the "Boz" in the regular season since that 11/5/11 game against RPI. The Statesmen will need to start off quickly against a tough RPI team that will be gunning to take Hobart down. The weather forecast looks pretty good for Saturday (cloudy with a high of 59), but you never know how things may change Upstate....
2. Rush Defense - RPI runs the ball about 46 times on average and will pass about 31 times. The Statesmen are the top rated passing defense (89.8 YPG and only four passing TDs in six games) so it stands to reason that Hobart's sixth ranked rushing defense (152.2 YPG) needs to be ready and improve Saturday against a strong Engineers running game.
3. Converting - RPI is second in the LL an average 21 first downs per game, while Hobart is last with only 14. The Statesmen will need to up that average against RPI's top rated defense which allows only 13.7 first downs per game and 28.4% of their opponents third down conversions. Hobart is actually the best defense in the LL, just ahead of RPI, in limiting their opponents to only a 25.6% third down conversion rate. The winner of this game will also need to control the clock. Part of Hobart's wearing down against Springfield was that the defense was on the field for 36+ minutes. RPI leads the LL in TOP with an average of 33:20. The Statesmen will need to convert their possessions and limit RPI's. Hobart has to get it's running game (ranked dead last in the LL with only 96.8 YPG) on track. If they don't, it's going to be tough to overcome RPI.
Prediction
The statistics point to this game being a RPI win. They are playing better football at the moment, but they haven't beaten the Statesmen in four seasons. Hobart is very hard to beat at home - including the playoffs the Statesmen are 27-4 all time since the Boz was renovated back in 2010 (and three of those home losses occurred before the 2012 season so the Statesmen SR class has only lost at the Boz once).
In spite of RPI's offensive prowess, I think this will be a defensive struggle and low scoring game. I also think Hobart will make just enough plays to win it, but by a narrow margin. I'll take the Statesmen 24-21.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Monday, October 19, 2015
This Week's ITH Covers RPI vs. HOB, ECAC's
We discussed last weekend's USMMA upset of Springfield and interviewed SR RB and Co-Captain Nick Schlatz of RPI (5-1, 3-1) last night on "In the HuddLLe." The Engineers are really playing well and will be a very tough out for the Statesmen (4-2, 2-1) this weekend at Boswell Field.
We also covered the somewhat controversial ECAC decision to centralize post season "bowl" games at Central CT State University. It's possible Hobart could place a bid in for one of those contests, pending costs and other considerations.
ECAC President & CEO Kevin McGuiness answered our questions and we discussed how this move may (or may not) work well for D3FB on the show.
A link to the podcast can be found here.
I'll post a preview of this weekend's big RPI vs. Hobart match up later this week.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
We also covered the somewhat controversial ECAC decision to centralize post season "bowl" games at Central CT State University. It's possible Hobart could place a bid in for one of those contests, pending costs and other considerations.
ECAC President & CEO Kevin McGuiness answered our questions and we discussed how this move may (or may not) work well for D3FB on the show.
A link to the podcast can be found here.
I'll post a preview of this weekend's big RPI vs. Hobart match up later this week.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
This Week's ITH and All-Time TOTW Players
With a much needed bye week coming up, the Liberty League only has two games going this weekend. We covered the aftermath of last weekend's games and implications on "In The HuddLLe", as well as looked ahead to the final weeks of the regular season.
A link to the podcast can be found here.
Otherwise, D3football.com released a first ever all time "Team of The Week" list that was interesting to see from a Hobart perspective. A link to the list can be found here.
Hobart players who were cited included:
DB James Alexander, 2007-11
P Dominick Ancona, 2006-09
DL Ryan Aruck, 2006-05
TE Mike Berkowitz, 2012-09
LB Tim Booth, 2000-02
LB Tony Clemente, 2003-09
DE Tyre Coleman, 2011-11, 2012-03, 2012-09
RB Bobby Dougherty, 2012-03
DL Rob Gould, 2000-02
DL Brad Griffith, 2002-02
CB Kevin Hearon, 2011-11
LB Evan Hoffman, 2006-07
RB Jack Holleran, 2004-08
LB Marcus Jemison, 2014-08
DT Troy Johnson, 2014-10
DL Kwame Lovell, 2007-05
K Kevin Olson, 2005-04
DL Andy Purdie, 2006-07
DL Chris Purtell, 2004-03, 2004-07, 2004-10
LB Jeff Sanders, 2008-03
WR Dan Suozzi, 2003-07
LB Trayon Toney, 2013-06
LB Nolan Toran, 2013-03
RB Steven Webb, 2013-01
WR Junior Woodard, 2010-06
LB Devin Worthington, 2010-03, 2010-08, 2011-06, 2012-08, 2013-04 (only player to be named in four separate seasons)
OL Alex Bell, Jeff Bruckman, Nino Giambrone, Matt Kehoe, Matt Montroy, Ryan Hallings, 2003-11
OL Phill Perkins, Nino Giambrone, Mike Condon, Brian Ohman, Mike DePersis, 2005-06
OL Sean Kluber, Art Garvey, Kelvin Cruz, Kyle Sandy, Brendan Hatlee, 2010-06
OL Anthony Coletta, Art Garvey, Kelvin Cruz, Kyle Sandy, Brendan Hatlee, 2011-04
Overall it's a great retrospective on a lot of the great players the Statesmen have fielded since the 1999 season.
I'll have a RPI-Hobart game preview up early next week.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
A link to the podcast can be found here.
Otherwise, D3football.com released a first ever all time "Team of The Week" list that was interesting to see from a Hobart perspective. A link to the list can be found here.
Hobart players who were cited included:
DB James Alexander, 2007-11
P Dominick Ancona, 2006-09
DL Ryan Aruck, 2006-05
TE Mike Berkowitz, 2012-09
LB Tim Booth, 2000-02
LB Tony Clemente, 2003-09
DE Tyre Coleman, 2011-11, 2012-03, 2012-09
RB Bobby Dougherty, 2012-03
DL Rob Gould, 2000-02
DL Brad Griffith, 2002-02
CB Kevin Hearon, 2011-11
LB Evan Hoffman, 2006-07
RB Jack Holleran, 2004-08
LB Marcus Jemison, 2014-08
DT Troy Johnson, 2014-10
DL Kwame Lovell, 2007-05
K Kevin Olson, 2005-04
DL Andy Purdie, 2006-07
DL Chris Purtell, 2004-03, 2004-07, 2004-10
LB Jeff Sanders, 2008-03
WR Dan Suozzi, 2003-07
LB Trayon Toney, 2013-06
LB Nolan Toran, 2013-03
RB Steven Webb, 2013-01
WR Junior Woodard, 2010-06
LB Devin Worthington, 2010-03, 2010-08, 2011-06, 2012-08, 2013-04 (only player to be named in four separate seasons)
OL Alex Bell, Jeff Bruckman, Nino Giambrone, Matt Kehoe, Matt Montroy, Ryan Hallings, 2003-11
OL Phill Perkins, Nino Giambrone, Mike Condon, Brian Ohman, Mike DePersis, 2005-06
OL Sean Kluber, Art Garvey, Kelvin Cruz, Kyle Sandy, Brendan Hatlee, 2010-06
OL Anthony Coletta, Art Garvey, Kelvin Cruz, Kyle Sandy, Brendan Hatlee, 2011-04
Overall it's a great retrospective on a lot of the great players the Statesmen have fielded since the 1999 season.
I'll have a RPI-Hobart game preview up early next week.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Springfield Stuns Statesmen, 35-13
It was the tale of two halves as the once 22nd ranked Hobart College Statesmen saw a 13-0 halftime lead crash and burn in a 35-13 loss to the Springfield College Pride. The win was #201 for HC Mike Delong and it was mostly due to halftime adjustments and long drives that wore down the Hobart defense.
The Pride (3-2, 2-1) racked up 367 rushing yards and held onto the football for 36 minutes. The Statesmen offense, who had SO QB Shane Sweeney back from injury to start the game, never really looked ready. The offense struggled to move the ball (24 yards on 20 carries) in the run game to an average Pride DL. The pass game was effective at first, but too many dropped passes ultimately caught up to the Statesmen.
The Hobart defense did a bad job playing assignment football which is critical against triple option offenses. While some may blame the absence of SR LB Jake Stanley (ACL) and JR DT Jake Russell (MCL) as a reason for the Statesmen's defensive struggles, ultimately the inexperienced Hobart DE unit and lack of assignment play disallowed the LBs to scrape and outside run support misplaying their gaps really did in the defense.
Making things worse was the offense could only muster two JR PK Sean Kirshe FGs. The other and only Hobart TD of the game was on a 72 yard fumble recovery and return by SO DB Tommy D'Antonio. I'm going to need some time to figure out the last time the offense was shut out from scoring a TD save for losing to Dickinson 26-3 during the 2009 season.
The tide started to turn on the Statesmen starting in the second half after Sweeney was intercepted by Springfield SR DB Anthony West. The Pride would score to cut the lead to 13-7 then take the lead after they stopped the Hobart offense then went on a long drive that ate up nearly 10 minutes. A fumble recovery in the Statesmen end zone would bounce their way and the Pride suddenly had a 14-13 lead.
Springfield never looked back and, I hate to say it, Hobart basically quit in the fourth quarter to give away a 35-13 loss, breaking a 24 game LL win streak and cement the Statesmen's worse regular season defeat since the 2010 season.
While Hobart's season isn't over, it's the first time in five they don't control their own destiny in the LL title race. I guess to be fair, defending National Champions UWW lost today, but Springfield (a team that lost to a NEFC squad, 34-14) is no UW-Oshkosh.
While it's hard to say whether or not Hobart is on its way to a season like 2010 that saw multiple conference losses exacerbated by multiple off the field issues remains to be seen. Actions like throwing helmets, penalties and other non-Statesmen like behavior before and during the game points to a team that desperately needs to regroup and re-establish what made them a great program.
The long bus ride home and ensuing bye week gives them plenty of time to decide what kind of team they will be against four squads that now probably feel more confident than ever they can and will defeat the once bulletproof Hobart.
The Pride (3-2, 2-1) racked up 367 rushing yards and held onto the football for 36 minutes. The Statesmen offense, who had SO QB Shane Sweeney back from injury to start the game, never really looked ready. The offense struggled to move the ball (24 yards on 20 carries) in the run game to an average Pride DL. The pass game was effective at first, but too many dropped passes ultimately caught up to the Statesmen.
The Hobart defense did a bad job playing assignment football which is critical against triple option offenses. While some may blame the absence of SR LB Jake Stanley (ACL) and JR DT Jake Russell (MCL) as a reason for the Statesmen's defensive struggles, ultimately the inexperienced Hobart DE unit and lack of assignment play disallowed the LBs to scrape and outside run support misplaying their gaps really did in the defense.
Making things worse was the offense could only muster two JR PK Sean Kirshe FGs. The other and only Hobart TD of the game was on a 72 yard fumble recovery and return by SO DB Tommy D'Antonio. I'm going to need some time to figure out the last time the offense was shut out from scoring a TD save for losing to Dickinson 26-3 during the 2009 season.
The tide started to turn on the Statesmen starting in the second half after Sweeney was intercepted by Springfield SR DB Anthony West. The Pride would score to cut the lead to 13-7 then take the lead after they stopped the Hobart offense then went on a long drive that ate up nearly 10 minutes. A fumble recovery in the Statesmen end zone would bounce their way and the Pride suddenly had a 14-13 lead.
Springfield never looked back and, I hate to say it, Hobart basically quit in the fourth quarter to give away a 35-13 loss, breaking a 24 game LL win streak and cement the Statesmen's worse regular season defeat since the 2010 season.
While Hobart's season isn't over, it's the first time in five they don't control their own destiny in the LL title race. I guess to be fair, defending National Champions UWW lost today, but Springfield (a team that lost to a NEFC squad, 34-14) is no UW-Oshkosh.
While it's hard to say whether or not Hobart is on its way to a season like 2010 that saw multiple conference losses exacerbated by multiple off the field issues remains to be seen. Actions like throwing helmets, penalties and other non-Statesmen like behavior before and during the game points to a team that desperately needs to regroup and re-establish what made them a great program.
The long bus ride home and ensuing bye week gives them plenty of time to decide what kind of team they will be against four squads that now probably feel more confident than ever they can and will defeat the once bulletproof Hobart.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Week 6 - Springfield Game Preview
It's been a hectic week of work and kids' birthdays so this preview is up later than usual. Even ITH was delayed a couple of days but you can hear the interview with SR RB and Co-Captain Conner Hartigan (and SC HC Mike Delong) here. While biased, the Delong interview is one of the best from a D3FB coach we've had on the show in some time. The NEWMAC / LL situation is very relevant to Hobart fans. If the LL doesn't figure something out soon, it'll be bad news for the Statesmen in 2017 (why the LL hasn't made an announcement already is kind of disconcerting).
Springfield (3-2, 1-1) hasn't quite had the success they'd hoped for during their LL run. Last season Hobart (4-1, 2-0) played one of it's best games of 2014, defeating the Pride by a convincing 37-7 margin in Geneva. This season the Statesmen return to Stagg Field (which was the last road game I saw in person, along with my Dad, which made the trip that much more memorable. Since it's #TBT you may remember my posting this post game recap).
Scouting the Pride
Springfield lost SR QB Tim O'Brien early in the season but #2 SO QB Jake Eglintine (pronounced like Egg-lynn-teen) has stepped in and performed well. Eglintine leads the LL in total rushing yards, racking up 388 on 53 carries (a 7.3 YPC average) and scoring three rushing TDs. Eglintine had his first passing TD in a close 20-17 win over Union (0-5) last Saturday in Springfield.
#6 SR FB Keith Rodman is a key player in the Pride triple option attack, gaining 336 yards and one score. These two runners are a big reason why Springfield currently leads the LL with 298.8 YPG and 11 rushing TDs.
On defense 5th year #49 SR LB Max Nacewicz leads the Pride with a LL 2nd best 49 total tackles, including four sacks. While he gets a lot of hype, Nacewicz hasn't had big games against the Statesmen.
Keys to the Game
1. The Defensive End - Hobart doesn't have a ton of experience at DE this season and this position is key to defending the triple option. The end needs to play their gap and/or force the opposing QB to make the decision on whether to keep or hand off the ball. Hobart has the 3rd best rushing defense in the LL, holding their opponents to 109.2 YPG.
2. Scrambled Eggs - Eglintine is the least sacked QB in the LL, thanks to the SC OL and the fact the triple option offense offers very limited opportunities to defenses to tally those kind of plays. The Statesmen need to stack the box, keep their assignments and not over pursue. SR DE Zach Thornton and JR OLB Marcus Jemison (assuming he plays) lead Hobart with four TFLs each. Hobart will need the DE and OLB corps to have productive days.
3. WPI 2.0 - Hobart's offense looked like a completely new unit last Saturday in racking up nearly 400 yards and 40 points against WPI at Homecoming. A similar start and balanced attack will allow the opportunities for big plays down field to SO WR Brandon Shed (two catches for 132 yards and a TD) and others Saturday.
Prediction
I could see this game going two ways. On ITH I went the conservative route and picked Hobart to win, 35-21. After looking over some stats (SC is the 7th and 6th ranked scoring offense and defense in the LL), I could see Hobart winning this one by a wider margin. I'll modify my pick to a 35-7 Statesmen win.
Thanks for ready and go 'Bart!
Springfield (3-2, 1-1) hasn't quite had the success they'd hoped for during their LL run. Last season Hobart (4-1, 2-0) played one of it's best games of 2014, defeating the Pride by a convincing 37-7 margin in Geneva. This season the Statesmen return to Stagg Field (which was the last road game I saw in person, along with my Dad, which made the trip that much more memorable. Since it's #TBT you may remember my posting this post game recap).
Scouting the Pride
Springfield lost SR QB Tim O'Brien early in the season but #2 SO QB Jake Eglintine (pronounced like Egg-lynn-teen) has stepped in and performed well. Eglintine leads the LL in total rushing yards, racking up 388 on 53 carries (a 7.3 YPC average) and scoring three rushing TDs. Eglintine had his first passing TD in a close 20-17 win over Union (0-5) last Saturday in Springfield.
#6 SR FB Keith Rodman is a key player in the Pride triple option attack, gaining 336 yards and one score. These two runners are a big reason why Springfield currently leads the LL with 298.8 YPG and 11 rushing TDs.
On defense 5th year #49 SR LB Max Nacewicz leads the Pride with a LL 2nd best 49 total tackles, including four sacks. While he gets a lot of hype, Nacewicz hasn't had big games against the Statesmen.
Keys to the Game
1. The Defensive End - Hobart doesn't have a ton of experience at DE this season and this position is key to defending the triple option. The end needs to play their gap and/or force the opposing QB to make the decision on whether to keep or hand off the ball. Hobart has the 3rd best rushing defense in the LL, holding their opponents to 109.2 YPG.
2. Scrambled Eggs - Eglintine is the least sacked QB in the LL, thanks to the SC OL and the fact the triple option offense offers very limited opportunities to defenses to tally those kind of plays. The Statesmen need to stack the box, keep their assignments and not over pursue. SR DE Zach Thornton and JR OLB Marcus Jemison (assuming he plays) lead Hobart with four TFLs each. Hobart will need the DE and OLB corps to have productive days.
3. WPI 2.0 - Hobart's offense looked like a completely new unit last Saturday in racking up nearly 400 yards and 40 points against WPI at Homecoming. A similar start and balanced attack will allow the opportunities for big plays down field to SO WR Brandon Shed (two catches for 132 yards and a TD) and others Saturday.
Prediction
I could see this game going two ways. On ITH I went the conservative route and picked Hobart to win, 35-21. After looking over some stats (SC is the 7th and 6th ranked scoring offense and defense in the LL), I could see Hobart winning this one by a wider margin. I'll modify my pick to a 35-7 Statesmen win.
Thanks for ready and go 'Bart!
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Statesmen Offense Awakens En Route to 37-7 Rout of WPI for Homecoming Weekend
The 25th ranked Hobart College Statesmen hosted the WPI Engineers in LL action Saturday at Boswell Field on Family and Homecoming Weekend.
The Statesmen took their opening drive and like a #TBT, transformed into the 2014 edition, marching 74 yards in 12 plays with SO QB Tom Sydeski connecting on a six yard TD pass to JR WR Sean Cunningham put Hobart up 7-0 half way through the 1st quarter.
SR RB and Co-Captain Conner Hartigan would score from two yards out on the ensuing drive that was set by JR DB Todd Collier, who forced a WPI fumble at the Engineers' 33 yard line.
JR RB Bradley Burns and JR PK Sean Kirshe would add a rushing TD and 25 yard FG, respectively and Hobart took a commanding 24-0 lead into the half.
The Statesmen out gained the Engineers 240 yards to 45 in the first half and 13 first downs to one.
The second half was more Hobart as FY RB Tynard Barfield scored on a five yard TD run and SO WR Brandon Shed caught a halfback option pass from Hartigan for a 74 yard TD!
Although WPI's SR RB Zach Grasis would score, the Statesmen won the game 37-7. The Hobart defense bottled up the WPI air attack, limiting the Engineers to only 101 passing yards. The Statesmen also held WPI to only two of 12 third down conversions. JR OLB Michael Harper had a 40 INT return to cap a solid defensive performance (holding WPI to 250 total yards).
The Hobart offense was led by Hartigan with a combined 162 total yards and two scores. Sydeski had his best game so far, going 11 of 18 for 113 yards and a TD. Defensively the Statesmen defense was led by Collier and FY LB Aaron Louis with six tackles each. A special shout out to SR DL Elliot Adler who tallied a TFL on a 3rd and 8 from the Hobart 32 yard line and helped keep WPI from a late score.
The win improves the Statesmen to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the LL. With Rochester (3-1, 1-1) losing 20-0 today, it looks like the LL will come down to RPI (4-1, 2-0) and SLU (4-1, 2-0).
Thanks for reading and hope everyone enjoyed a great Homecoming Weekend. Go 'Bart!
The Statesmen took their opening drive and like a #TBT, transformed into the 2014 edition, marching 74 yards in 12 plays with SO QB Tom Sydeski connecting on a six yard TD pass to JR WR Sean Cunningham put Hobart up 7-0 half way through the 1st quarter.
SR RB and Co-Captain Conner Hartigan would score from two yards out on the ensuing drive that was set by JR DB Todd Collier, who forced a WPI fumble at the Engineers' 33 yard line.
JR RB Bradley Burns and JR PK Sean Kirshe would add a rushing TD and 25 yard FG, respectively and Hobart took a commanding 24-0 lead into the half.
The Statesmen out gained the Engineers 240 yards to 45 in the first half and 13 first downs to one.
The second half was more Hobart as FY RB Tynard Barfield scored on a five yard TD run and SO WR Brandon Shed caught a halfback option pass from Hartigan for a 74 yard TD!
Although WPI's SR RB Zach Grasis would score, the Statesmen won the game 37-7. The Hobart defense bottled up the WPI air attack, limiting the Engineers to only 101 passing yards. The Statesmen also held WPI to only two of 12 third down conversions. JR OLB Michael Harper had a 40 INT return to cap a solid defensive performance (holding WPI to 250 total yards).
The Hobart offense was led by Hartigan with a combined 162 total yards and two scores. Sydeski had his best game so far, going 11 of 18 for 113 yards and a TD. Defensively the Statesmen defense was led by Collier and FY LB Aaron Louis with six tackles each. A special shout out to SR DL Elliot Adler who tallied a TFL on a 3rd and 8 from the Hobart 32 yard line and helped keep WPI from a late score.
The win improves the Statesmen to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the LL. With Rochester (3-1, 1-1) losing 20-0 today, it looks like the LL will come down to RPI (4-1, 2-0) and SLU (4-1, 2-0).
Thanks for reading and hope everyone enjoyed a great Homecoming Weekend. Go 'Bart!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Week 5 (& Homecoming) - WPI Game Preview
The WPI Engineers will make the trek up the Mass Pike and down I-90 tomorrow for a key Liberty League showdown against the #25th ranked Hobart College Statesmen on Saturday in Geneva, NY.
WPI (3-1, 0-1) is coming off a tough 28-21 loss to industry and LL rival RPI (3-1, 1-0). The NY Engineers jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead but the MA ones made a comeback that ultimately came up short.
Last season Hobart beat WPI in Worcester, 28-14, in a game not unlike last weekend's RPI-WPI showdown. The Statesmen took a 21-0 lead into the half and had a 28-0 advantage until about the nine minute mark of the fourth quarter when WPI scored the first of two late TDs to make the final look a little more competitive.
This season is a new year of course and both programs aren't exactly in the same boat as 2014. Hobart (3-1, 1-0) and WPI actually come into the contest with identical overall records, but the Statesmen have had a tougher schedule. The Engineers offense is off to a great start but last year's #3 ranked defense seems to have dropped off, especially from a yards allowed perspective.
Scouting WPI
The Engineers are led by #9 JR QB Dan Eckler who leads the LL in total offense (305 YPG), passing (66 of 99 for 1,077 yards, 7 TDs to 3 INTs) and efficiency (175.3 rating). Eckler's favorite target has a similar last name. #89 JR WR Brandon Eccher leads the LL in receiving yards (426) with a long of 96, scoring three receiving TDs. The #2 ranked WR in the LL (Bryant of SLU) is 204 yards BEHIND Eccher.
Far from being one dimensional, the WPI running game is paced by #3 SR RB Zach Grasis who missed most of last season due to injury. At 6' 215 lbs, Grasis is a physical runner who's carried the ball for 315 yards (good for 4th best in the LL) and scored three rushing TDs.
For all of that the Engineers best player is probably #35 JR LB Brian Murtagh. He leads the LL in total tackles with 41, including 29 solo and two INTs. #94 SO DL Dereck Pacheco leads the LL with six sacks. In the secondary, #37 SR DB Eric Lacroix has 31 stops and an INT. #20 SR DB Sean Murphy doubles as a return man and has had some rather epic pick sixes in his WPI career.
#2 JR PK Blaine Bursey has gone five of six on FGs while notching 11 PATs which is good for 2nd in the LL for overall scoring. Bursey recently earned recognition from the Fred Mitchell Award watch list which is a first for a WPI kicker. He's one of 21 players across all of CFB cited for consideration. A link to the article on this story can be seen here.
Keys to the Game
1. The Pass - WPI is the top ranked passing unit in the LL right now averaging 269.3 YPG while Hobart boasts the best pass defense only allowing 101.3 YPG. The forecast looks cool and cloudy but dry in Geneva this weekend for homecoming so the Statesmen can't count on the weather to slow down the Engineers. That's good news for the Hobart offense too as they need to improve their stats as the worst (or close to) LL offense, statistically speaking, in yards (244.5 YPG), rushing (95 YPG), and passing (149.5 YPG). WPI is nearly the worst passing defense in the LL, allowing 244 YPG via the air. Their rushing defense is above average, however, allowing 136 YPG.
2. Third Down - WPI has excelled on third down this season, converting 43.4% of their tries, ranking 2nd in the LL in that category. Hobart on the other hand is the toughest defense to convert against, leading the LL with a stingy 19% conversion rate. Unfortunately the Statesmen lost SR LB Jacob Stanley to a career ending ACL injury and the status of JR OLB Marcus Jemison is week to week with a sore shoulder so the Hobart defense may have some new faces in key LB positions Saturday. On offense if SO QB Shane Sweeney is still injured you can probably expect SO QB Tom Sydeski to get the start and hopefully improve from his five of 19 passing day against the USMMA (1-2, 0-1).
3. The Little Things - the statistics have this as a fairly even match up between the #4 overall scoring (26.5 PPG) / # 3 total offense (386 YPG) of WPI vs. the # 3 scoring (15.8 PPG) and #1 total defense (200.5 YPG). What the stats belie is #25 has played a tougher schedule and defensively is much stronger than the Engineers. If the Hobart offense can finally kick into gear, this game should be decided early on and give the home crowd a lot to cheer about. If turnovers, penalties and field position go against the Statesmen, this game will have a different feel altogether.
Prediction
While I've liked seeing the improvement in WPI from earlier this season, the wins over MIT (1-3), Worcester State (0-4) and Norwich (0-3) don't look that good now in the rear view mirror. I initially thought this may be a 28-21 close one but I'm going to agree with my ITH co-host that Hobart should win this one fairly convincingly, 35-14.
Hoping all you alums, fans and family enjoy what I'm sure will be a great Homecoming Weekend up in Geneva. While I wish I could be there in person, I will be tuning into WEOS at 12:40 PM and will be there in spirit.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
WPI (3-1, 0-1) is coming off a tough 28-21 loss to industry and LL rival RPI (3-1, 1-0). The NY Engineers jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead but the MA ones made a comeback that ultimately came up short.
Last season Hobart beat WPI in Worcester, 28-14, in a game not unlike last weekend's RPI-WPI showdown. The Statesmen took a 21-0 lead into the half and had a 28-0 advantage until about the nine minute mark of the fourth quarter when WPI scored the first of two late TDs to make the final look a little more competitive.
This season is a new year of course and both programs aren't exactly in the same boat as 2014. Hobart (3-1, 1-0) and WPI actually come into the contest with identical overall records, but the Statesmen have had a tougher schedule. The Engineers offense is off to a great start but last year's #3 ranked defense seems to have dropped off, especially from a yards allowed perspective.
Scouting WPI
The Engineers are led by #9 JR QB Dan Eckler who leads the LL in total offense (305 YPG), passing (66 of 99 for 1,077 yards, 7 TDs to 3 INTs) and efficiency (175.3 rating). Eckler's favorite target has a similar last name. #89 JR WR Brandon Eccher leads the LL in receiving yards (426) with a long of 96, scoring three receiving TDs. The #2 ranked WR in the LL (Bryant of SLU) is 204 yards BEHIND Eccher.
Far from being one dimensional, the WPI running game is paced by #3 SR RB Zach Grasis who missed most of last season due to injury. At 6' 215 lbs, Grasis is a physical runner who's carried the ball for 315 yards (good for 4th best in the LL) and scored three rushing TDs.
For all of that the Engineers best player is probably #35 JR LB Brian Murtagh. He leads the LL in total tackles with 41, including 29 solo and two INTs. #94 SO DL Dereck Pacheco leads the LL with six sacks. In the secondary, #37 SR DB Eric Lacroix has 31 stops and an INT. #20 SR DB Sean Murphy doubles as a return man and has had some rather epic pick sixes in his WPI career.
#2 JR PK Blaine Bursey has gone five of six on FGs while notching 11 PATs which is good for 2nd in the LL for overall scoring. Bursey recently earned recognition from the Fred Mitchell Award watch list which is a first for a WPI kicker. He's one of 21 players across all of CFB cited for consideration. A link to the article on this story can be seen here.
Keys to the Game
1. The Pass - WPI is the top ranked passing unit in the LL right now averaging 269.3 YPG while Hobart boasts the best pass defense only allowing 101.3 YPG. The forecast looks cool and cloudy but dry in Geneva this weekend for homecoming so the Statesmen can't count on the weather to slow down the Engineers. That's good news for the Hobart offense too as they need to improve their stats as the worst (or close to) LL offense, statistically speaking, in yards (244.5 YPG), rushing (95 YPG), and passing (149.5 YPG). WPI is nearly the worst passing defense in the LL, allowing 244 YPG via the air. Their rushing defense is above average, however, allowing 136 YPG.
2. Third Down - WPI has excelled on third down this season, converting 43.4% of their tries, ranking 2nd in the LL in that category. Hobart on the other hand is the toughest defense to convert against, leading the LL with a stingy 19% conversion rate. Unfortunately the Statesmen lost SR LB Jacob Stanley to a career ending ACL injury and the status of JR OLB Marcus Jemison is week to week with a sore shoulder so the Hobart defense may have some new faces in key LB positions Saturday. On offense if SO QB Shane Sweeney is still injured you can probably expect SO QB Tom Sydeski to get the start and hopefully improve from his five of 19 passing day against the USMMA (1-2, 0-1).
3. The Little Things - the statistics have this as a fairly even match up between the #4 overall scoring (26.5 PPG) / # 3 total offense (386 YPG) of WPI vs. the # 3 scoring (15.8 PPG) and #1 total defense (200.5 YPG). What the stats belie is #25 has played a tougher schedule and defensively is much stronger than the Engineers. If the Hobart offense can finally kick into gear, this game should be decided early on and give the home crowd a lot to cheer about. If turnovers, penalties and field position go against the Statesmen, this game will have a different feel altogether.
Prediction
While I've liked seeing the improvement in WPI from earlier this season, the wins over MIT (1-3), Worcester State (0-4) and Norwich (0-3) don't look that good now in the rear view mirror. I initially thought this may be a 28-21 close one but I'm going to agree with my ITH co-host that Hobart should win this one fairly convincingly, 35-14.
Hoping all you alums, fans and family enjoy what I'm sure will be a great Homecoming Weekend up in Geneva. While I wish I could be there in person, I will be tuning into WEOS at 12:40 PM and will be there in spirit.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
The Good & The Bad of Week 4
The Hobart College Statesmen had a both a good and bad weekend down in Kings Point, NY yesterday. I intended to recap the game but held off because of a bad cold plus wanting to see how a few things panned out today.
The good news is that Hobart overcame a sluggish start to take a 30-15 win over the Mariners (1-2) with several key players out. JR OLB Marcus Jemison and SO QB Shane Sweeney did not play, but the Statesmen did enough against an improved Merchant Marine squad to overcome 118 yards in penalties (likely because it was the Mariners homecoming - the Merchant Marine by comparison only was flagged for 22), a lost pick six TD by SR LB and Co-Capt Jacob Stanley (one of the aforementioned penalties) and a SO QB Tom Sydeski 0 for 6 start to the game.
Sydeski finally found his form in the second quarter finding JR WR Jack Pfohl and SO TE Zach Withers (the latter being his first career TD) on consecutive possessions to post a 14-0 lead. A special teams break down gave the Mariners the ball at their 41 and they were able to drive 59 yards to score with 39 seconds remaining in the first half to cut the lead to 14-7. Sydeski would find SO WR Brandon Shed on a nice 40 yard pass play to potentially set up a FG attempt, but of course, he was flagged for offensive pass interference.
The Statesmen would come out and notch their third TD of the game after Stanley blocked a Mariner punt and JR DB Todd Collier recovered the ball and ran it back to the end zone. A JR PK Sean Kirsche 31 yard FG would follow and Hobart was in good shape, up 23-7. Although the Merchant Marine scored with about 7 minutes left in the game, SR RB and Co-Captain Connor Hartigan would score his first TD of the season to put the game away on the following possession.
Although he only completed five passes out of 19, Sydeski made them count and Hobart did enough to improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Liberty League. The win (along with a few upsets in the Top 25) was enough to get the Statesmen back in the Top 25 poll.
A link to the poll can be found here.
Unfortunately the bad news is that Stanley suffered what's apparently a season-ending injury during the game, further thinning the already beat up Hobart LB corps (if not starting 22). The Statesmen OL's struggles continued as they gave up five TFL and a sack against an undersized Mariner defense. Hobart also had it's third week in a row of rushing under 100 yards (which was pretty rare leading into this season - see prior post on the preview), carrying the ball 40 times for only 85 yards.
The road only gets more difficult for the Statesmen as WPI (3-1, 0-1) comes into town next Saturday. The Engineers are definitely improved from the 4-6 squad from last season, playing solid defense and an able offense.
I'll preview that game - which we also covered in tonight's ITH - which you can listen to here (goes live at 7:30 PM ET tonight). We cover off on the Statesmen's game vs. the Merchant Marine (thanks as always to Ted Baker from WEOS for the game highlights) and discuss whether or not Hobart deserved to go back into the Top 25 (apparently I was persuasive ;).
Anyway, will have a preview of the Homecoming / WPI game later this week. Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
The good news is that Hobart overcame a sluggish start to take a 30-15 win over the Mariners (1-2) with several key players out. JR OLB Marcus Jemison and SO QB Shane Sweeney did not play, but the Statesmen did enough against an improved Merchant Marine squad to overcome 118 yards in penalties (likely because it was the Mariners homecoming - the Merchant Marine by comparison only was flagged for 22), a lost pick six TD by SR LB and Co-Capt Jacob Stanley (one of the aforementioned penalties) and a SO QB Tom Sydeski 0 for 6 start to the game.
Sydeski finally found his form in the second quarter finding JR WR Jack Pfohl and SO TE Zach Withers (the latter being his first career TD) on consecutive possessions to post a 14-0 lead. A special teams break down gave the Mariners the ball at their 41 and they were able to drive 59 yards to score with 39 seconds remaining in the first half to cut the lead to 14-7. Sydeski would find SO WR Brandon Shed on a nice 40 yard pass play to potentially set up a FG attempt, but of course, he was flagged for offensive pass interference.
The Statesmen would come out and notch their third TD of the game after Stanley blocked a Mariner punt and JR DB Todd Collier recovered the ball and ran it back to the end zone. A JR PK Sean Kirsche 31 yard FG would follow and Hobart was in good shape, up 23-7. Although the Merchant Marine scored with about 7 minutes left in the game, SR RB and Co-Captain Connor Hartigan would score his first TD of the season to put the game away on the following possession.
Although he only completed five passes out of 19, Sydeski made them count and Hobart did enough to improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Liberty League. The win (along with a few upsets in the Top 25) was enough to get the Statesmen back in the Top 25 poll.
A link to the poll can be found here.
Unfortunately the bad news is that Stanley suffered what's apparently a season-ending injury during the game, further thinning the already beat up Hobart LB corps (if not starting 22). The Statesmen OL's struggles continued as they gave up five TFL and a sack against an undersized Mariner defense. Hobart also had it's third week in a row of rushing under 100 yards (which was pretty rare leading into this season - see prior post on the preview), carrying the ball 40 times for only 85 yards.
The road only gets more difficult for the Statesmen as WPI (3-1, 0-1) comes into town next Saturday. The Engineers are definitely improved from the 4-6 squad from last season, playing solid defense and an able offense.
I'll preview that game - which we also covered in tonight's ITH - which you can listen to here (goes live at 7:30 PM ET tonight). We cover off on the Statesmen's game vs. the Merchant Marine (thanks as always to Ted Baker from WEOS for the game highlights) and discuss whether or not Hobart deserved to go back into the Top 25 (apparently I was persuasive ;).
Anyway, will have a preview of the Homecoming / WPI game later this week. Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Week 4 - US Merchant Marine Game Preview
The Hobart College Statesmen will travel to Kings Point, NY on Long Island this weekend for their 2015 Liberty League opener against the United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners. The Mariners (1-1) are coming off the emotional high of a 14-3 Secretaries Cup victory over their rivals Coast Guard (1-2) and a low of a lopsided 24-14 loss to the SUNY-Maritime Privateers (2-1) where they were out gained 313 to 175 total yards.
The Statesmen (2-1) have never lost to the Mariners since the Merchant Marine joined the LL as an affiliate for football in 2004. Hobart leads the all-time series 11-4 and won last year's contest at Boswell Field in convincing fashion, 42-7.
The once maligned Mariner defense seems to have improved after finishing dead last in almost every key defensive category in 2014. Their LB corps has improved and they boast two of the better DBs in the LL in #6 SR DB Skyler Stone (two INTs so far) and #20 JR DB Patrick Keyes (2nd team All-Conference selection last year).
Scouting the Merchant Marine
The key to the Mariners' triple option rushing attack is #11 SR QB Matthew McDaniels. McDaniels gained 190 yards and one TD so far this season and is ranked ninth in the LL with a 114.5 YPG average. Complimenting him is #14 SO FB Luke Tiefenthaler who's rushed for 222 yards and one TD.
Leading the defense is #49 JR LB Josh Woodburn with 22 total tackles and three sacks.
The special teams unit has a strong return man in #7 SO RB Robert Moore with a LL high 30 YPR average. #98 SO PK Eric Swayze averages a solid 35.9 average net in the kicking game on punts.
Keys to the Game
1. Resurgence - If I told you in the preseason that the Hobart-USMMA game would be between the two worst total and scoring offenses in the LL you'd probably think I was crazy. As it stands Hobart comes into this one as the seventh rated scoring (21 PPG) and last ranked total offense (254.3 YPG) in the LL. The Mariners aren't much better averaging 271 YPG and a LL low 14 PPG. That said it's on the Hobart OL to regain control of the LOS and dominate what is an undersized Mariner DL. To their credit, the Merchant Marine is the third rated total defense only allowing 237.5 YPG and is second in scoring "D" only allowing 13.5 PPG.
2. DTR - Both teams in this game should be "DTR" (or "Down to Run") given each team's respective strengths. The Mariners have a very strong secondary and their pass defense has been stingy only 117 YPG. The Merchant Marine's third ranked (251.5 YPG) rushing offense will crash into Hobart's top ranked (58 YPG) rushing and total (186 YPG) defense Saturday.
3. Third down conversions - The Statesmen can really control this game if they can exploit a Mariner weakness which is their league low 27.3% third down conversion percentage. Hobart is first in the LL holding opponents to a 15.9% conversion rate.
4. Turnovers - The Statesmen committed six turnovers against Ithaca (2-0). Enough said.
Prediction:
I like the Statesmen to get back on track versus a tough, but beatable Mariner squad. It'll be a lower scoring affair unless the Hobart "D" collects some turnovers of their own. Regardless, I'll take Hobart to win, 28-7.
Thanks to all the long-time, new and other readers of the blog. We cracked 100k in views today which is pretty cool.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
The Statesmen (2-1) have never lost to the Mariners since the Merchant Marine joined the LL as an affiliate for football in 2004. Hobart leads the all-time series 11-4 and won last year's contest at Boswell Field in convincing fashion, 42-7.
The once maligned Mariner defense seems to have improved after finishing dead last in almost every key defensive category in 2014. Their LB corps has improved and they boast two of the better DBs in the LL in #6 SR DB Skyler Stone (two INTs so far) and #20 JR DB Patrick Keyes (2nd team All-Conference selection last year).
Scouting the Merchant Marine
The key to the Mariners' triple option rushing attack is #11 SR QB Matthew McDaniels. McDaniels gained 190 yards and one TD so far this season and is ranked ninth in the LL with a 114.5 YPG average. Complimenting him is #14 SO FB Luke Tiefenthaler who's rushed for 222 yards and one TD.
Leading the defense is #49 JR LB Josh Woodburn with 22 total tackles and three sacks.
The special teams unit has a strong return man in #7 SO RB Robert Moore with a LL high 30 YPR average. #98 SO PK Eric Swayze averages a solid 35.9 average net in the kicking game on punts.
Keys to the Game
1. Resurgence - If I told you in the preseason that the Hobart-USMMA game would be between the two worst total and scoring offenses in the LL you'd probably think I was crazy. As it stands Hobart comes into this one as the seventh rated scoring (21 PPG) and last ranked total offense (254.3 YPG) in the LL. The Mariners aren't much better averaging 271 YPG and a LL low 14 PPG. That said it's on the Hobart OL to regain control of the LOS and dominate what is an undersized Mariner DL. To their credit, the Merchant Marine is the third rated total defense only allowing 237.5 YPG and is second in scoring "D" only allowing 13.5 PPG.
2. DTR - Both teams in this game should be "DTR" (or "Down to Run") given each team's respective strengths. The Mariners have a very strong secondary and their pass defense has been stingy only 117 YPG. The Merchant Marine's third ranked (251.5 YPG) rushing offense will crash into Hobart's top ranked (58 YPG) rushing and total (186 YPG) defense Saturday.
3. Third down conversions - The Statesmen can really control this game if they can exploit a Mariner weakness which is their league low 27.3% third down conversion percentage. Hobart is first in the LL holding opponents to a 15.9% conversion rate.
4. Turnovers - The Statesmen committed six turnovers against Ithaca (2-0). Enough said.
Prediction:
I like the Statesmen to get back on track versus a tough, but beatable Mariner squad. It'll be a lower scoring affair unless the Hobart "D" collects some turnovers of their own. Regardless, I'll take Hobart to win, 28-7.
Thanks to all the long-time, new and other readers of the blog. We cracked 100k in views today which is pretty cool.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Monday, September 21, 2015
Hobart Drops Out of D3football.com Top 25, ATN & ITH podcast discussions
The Hobart College Statesmen have fallen from the 16th ranked team on D3football.com to "Receiving Votes" in the Week 3 Top 25 poll. Two weeks of offensive struggles and other teams leapfrogging the Statesmen led to this change. Hobart has been ranked in the D3football.com polls for several years now and is likely to return should they go on and win the Liberty League and make another playoff push.
The Statesmen are one of only about eight (of the 247) D3 programs that has been to playoffs every year for the past four seasons (even defending National Champions University of Wisconsin-Whitewater can't make that claim).
This topic (and the related Ithaca-Hobart game) was covered by D3football.com on the "Around the Nation" podcast (which came directly as a clip from our 9/20 ITH show).
A link to both podcasts are listed below:
http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/2015/09/21/around-the-nation-big-games-and-close-calls/
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ith/2015/09/20/in-the-huddlle--liberty-league-football-talk-show
Later this week I'll preview / expand upon the Liberty League opener for Hobart (2-1) against the United States Merchant Marine Academy (1-1).
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
The Statesmen are one of only about eight (of the 247) D3 programs that has been to playoffs every year for the past four seasons (even defending National Champions University of Wisconsin-Whitewater can't make that claim).
This topic (and the related Ithaca-Hobart game) was covered by D3football.com on the "Around the Nation" podcast (which came directly as a clip from our 9/20 ITH show).
A link to both podcasts are listed below:
http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/2015/09/21/around-the-nation-big-games-and-close-calls/
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ith/2015/09/20/in-the-huddlle--liberty-league-football-talk-show
Later this week I'll preview / expand upon the Liberty League opener for Hobart (2-1) against the United States Merchant Marine Academy (1-1).
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Statesmen's Regular Season Win Streak Snapped By Six Turnovers in 24-6 Loss to #24 Ithaca
Hobart College's heralded 32 game regular season win streak came to an end today against #24 Ithaca College in what was a much anticipated match up between two Top 25 programs.
Although the Statesmen defense played a great game holding the Bombers (2-0) offense to 204 yards (97 of which came on two pass plays), the Statesmen couldn't stop shooting themselves in the foot in what was just an unfortunate offensive performance. I'll give the Ithaca defense some credit - they did a great job in coverage against the Hobart receivers and the defensive line won the line of scrimmage. The pressure and blitzes the Statesmen OL simply failed to pick up were a big reason for the three INTs thrown by SO QB Tom Sydeski and SR QB Parker Thelander. SO QB Shane Sweeney missed today's game because of a shoulder injury suffered against Endicott.
Another sign that the OL is struggling is that for the second week in a row Hobart was held to under 100 yards rushing. That's a troubling trend given (thanks to SID Ken DeBolt) the Statesmen have only rushed for less than 100 yards on eight occasions previously dating back the last eight seasons:
2008
47 at RPI
55 vs ROC
2009
94 vs CMU
2011
80 at WES
2014
91 at WPI
91 at WES
2015
57 vs END
93 at IC
Adding to the concern is that Saint Lawrence (2-1) absolutely dominated Endicott (0-3) today by a score of 34-9 which SLU led 20-0 at the half and 34-3 at the start of the 4th quarter.
In spite of the loss (and the likely drop out of the Top 16, if not 25), there were a few bright spots for the Statesmen. SO TE Chris Cyr had two catches for 28 yards and SR WR Cooper Merrill had two big catches for first downs to go with one other reception to lead the team with 29 yards. FY RB Tynard Barfield took a SR RB Conner Hartigan wildcat hand off in for Hobart's lone TD.
The Statesmen will look to regroup next week against the Merchant Marine (1-2) in Kings Point. Tune in tomorrow night's ITH for more discussion about this and the other 7 league teams that played this weekend, among other games.
Although the Statesmen defense played a great game holding the Bombers (2-0) offense to 204 yards (97 of which came on two pass plays), the Statesmen couldn't stop shooting themselves in the foot in what was just an unfortunate offensive performance. I'll give the Ithaca defense some credit - they did a great job in coverage against the Hobart receivers and the defensive line won the line of scrimmage. The pressure and blitzes the Statesmen OL simply failed to pick up were a big reason for the three INTs thrown by SO QB Tom Sydeski and SR QB Parker Thelander. SO QB Shane Sweeney missed today's game because of a shoulder injury suffered against Endicott.
Another sign that the OL is struggling is that for the second week in a row Hobart was held to under 100 yards rushing. That's a troubling trend given (thanks to SID Ken DeBolt) the Statesmen have only rushed for less than 100 yards on eight occasions previously dating back the last eight seasons:
2008
47 at RPI
55 vs ROC
2009
94 vs CMU
2011
80 at WES
2014
91 at WPI
91 at WES
2015
57 vs END
93 at IC
Adding to the concern is that Saint Lawrence (2-1) absolutely dominated Endicott (0-3) today by a score of 34-9 which SLU led 20-0 at the half and 34-3 at the start of the 4th quarter.
In spite of the loss (and the likely drop out of the Top 16, if not 25), there were a few bright spots for the Statesmen. SO TE Chris Cyr had two catches for 28 yards and SR WR Cooper Merrill had two big catches for first downs to go with one other reception to lead the team with 29 yards. FY RB Tynard Barfield took a SR RB Conner Hartigan wildcat hand off in for Hobart's lone TD.
The Statesmen will look to regroup next week against the Merchant Marine (1-2) in Kings Point. Tune in tomorrow night's ITH for more discussion about this and the other 7 league teams that played this weekend, among other games.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Week 3 - Ithaca Game Preview
Looks like I picked a good one for my 400th post on this blog. Hard to believe there's been that many, not to mention it looks like we'll crack 100k views any day now!
The #16 Hobart Statesmen will face off against #24 Ithaca College in what's a 2014 NCAA First Round Playoff rematch, Saturday at Butterfield Stadium. The Bombers (1-0) have had an extra week's rest and preparation for this game and will be looking to avenge last season's 22-15 playoff loss to the Statesmen.
Hobart fans will probably never forget coming back from being down 15-7 and seeing QB Patrick Conlan '15 lead two late drives to tie and, with only 13 seconds left, win the game. Although both Conlan and (former IC QB) Tom Dempsey have graduated, this year's game will definitely be defined by QB play.
#12 JR QB Wolfgang Shafer is the son of Syracuse University HC Scott Shafer. Slender but strong, Shafer has a strong arm and was very accurate against Union (0-2) a couple weeks ago. The JR QB went 25 for 33 against the (suspect) Dutchmen defense, racking up 265 passing yards and two TDs. Ithaca did try to run the ball (34 carries) but mostly gained their first downs via the air (18 of 24). #33 SO RB Tristan Brown and #24 SO RB Dan Porter got the bulk of the carries (eight and 13, respectively) for a combined 64 yards. Up front the Bombers are led by #71 SR OL and Co-Captain Scott Anderson. Union did have some success with their pass rush, sacking Shafer twice in Week 1.
#2 JR WR Josh Oliver was Shafer's favorite target, catching eight passes for 80 yards. Oliver is a dual threat in that he threw a TD pass against Union for 32 yards. Other receiving weapons for the Bombers are #88 JR TE Kyle Hastings and #11 JR WR Brian Balsamo. Both had five catches and a TD each in Week 1. Hastings is a match up challenge for Hobart given his size (6'4" and 237 lbs).
Defensively Ithaca is led by #94 SR DL and Co-Captain Logan Murphy. #9 SR DB and Co-Captain Malik Morris led the Bombers pass defense with a game high 11 tackles and an interception against Union.
The special teams unit is led by German born #34 SR PK Max Rottenecker (aka "Das Boot"). Rottenecker was one of two on FG's against the Dutchmen, connecting on a 39 yarder and five PATs. A 31 yard attempt was wide right in the Union game.
Keys to the Game:
1. Stop Shafer - Union made Shafer look like an All American so the pressure will be on the Hobart secondary to make plays like they did last Saturday in the win over Endicott. JR CB Todd Collier earned the LL Defensive Player of the Week Award for his two (almost three) INT performance last Saturday.
2. Pass Protect / Move the Chains - The Hobart OL struggled picking up blitzes against Endicott, allowing two sacks, forcing SO QB Shane Sweeney's first career INT and only converting five of 14 third down conversions (and were 0 for two on fourth down). Ithaca dominated time of possession (35 to 25 minutes, effectively) against Union so Hobart will need to keep their offense on the field and convert on key plays (like this play that earned the D3football.com Play of the Week thanks to an awesome effort by JR RB Brad Burns).
3. Special Teams - save for the awesome JR WR Sean Cunningham PR TD play, the Statesmen kicking and special teams game was off last Saturday. The bad punt snap can't happen again because with an offense like Ithaca's it's a guaranteed six point play. Coverage on returns needs to improve and the angle kicks need to avoid ending up out of bounds and giving the Bombers extra yards. "Das Boot" is a solid kicker but not automatic. The Statesmen will need to try and hold Ithaca to FGs and/or win the battle of field position.
Prediction
If you've followed this blog, you know I've almost never picked against Hobart, at least certainly not in the last four seasons. Exactly four years ago I did in this post which ended up with the Statesmen lighting up a favored Empire 8 team by 36. That was my intention again when I picked Ithaca 17-13 on In The HuddLLe last Sunday night. While I think my co-host Frank Rossi's pick of Hobart winning 24-20 is probably more accurate, I'm sure it'll be a close game either way.
It's a big test for both clubs and will garner a lot of local and national attention. The loser's season isn't over because of the automatic qualifier / conference opportunity, but it will sting from a bragging rights perspective.
The Statesmen are riding a 32 game regular season winning streak. Ithaca is probably the one team that could break it if Hobart plays like they did against Endicott.
I'll be tuning in to WEOS at 12:40 PM and can't wait to see how this one turns out.
The #16 Hobart Statesmen will face off against #24 Ithaca College in what's a 2014 NCAA First Round Playoff rematch, Saturday at Butterfield Stadium. The Bombers (1-0) have had an extra week's rest and preparation for this game and will be looking to avenge last season's 22-15 playoff loss to the Statesmen.
Hobart fans will probably never forget coming back from being down 15-7 and seeing QB Patrick Conlan '15 lead two late drives to tie and, with only 13 seconds left, win the game. Although both Conlan and (former IC QB) Tom Dempsey have graduated, this year's game will definitely be defined by QB play.
#12 JR QB Wolfgang Shafer is the son of Syracuse University HC Scott Shafer. Slender but strong, Shafer has a strong arm and was very accurate against Union (0-2) a couple weeks ago. The JR QB went 25 for 33 against the (suspect) Dutchmen defense, racking up 265 passing yards and two TDs. Ithaca did try to run the ball (34 carries) but mostly gained their first downs via the air (18 of 24). #33 SO RB Tristan Brown and #24 SO RB Dan Porter got the bulk of the carries (eight and 13, respectively) for a combined 64 yards. Up front the Bombers are led by #71 SR OL and Co-Captain Scott Anderson. Union did have some success with their pass rush, sacking Shafer twice in Week 1.
#2 JR WR Josh Oliver was Shafer's favorite target, catching eight passes for 80 yards. Oliver is a dual threat in that he threw a TD pass against Union for 32 yards. Other receiving weapons for the Bombers are #88 JR TE Kyle Hastings and #11 JR WR Brian Balsamo. Both had five catches and a TD each in Week 1. Hastings is a match up challenge for Hobart given his size (6'4" and 237 lbs).
Defensively Ithaca is led by #94 SR DL and Co-Captain Logan Murphy. #9 SR DB and Co-Captain Malik Morris led the Bombers pass defense with a game high 11 tackles and an interception against Union.
The special teams unit is led by German born #34 SR PK Max Rottenecker (aka "Das Boot"). Rottenecker was one of two on FG's against the Dutchmen, connecting on a 39 yarder and five PATs. A 31 yard attempt was wide right in the Union game.
Keys to the Game:
1. Stop Shafer - Union made Shafer look like an All American so the pressure will be on the Hobart secondary to make plays like they did last Saturday in the win over Endicott. JR CB Todd Collier earned the LL Defensive Player of the Week Award for his two (almost three) INT performance last Saturday.
2. Pass Protect / Move the Chains - The Hobart OL struggled picking up blitzes against Endicott, allowing two sacks, forcing SO QB Shane Sweeney's first career INT and only converting five of 14 third down conversions (and were 0 for two on fourth down). Ithaca dominated time of possession (35 to 25 minutes, effectively) against Union so Hobart will need to keep their offense on the field and convert on key plays (like this play that earned the D3football.com Play of the Week thanks to an awesome effort by JR RB Brad Burns).
3. Special Teams - save for the awesome JR WR Sean Cunningham PR TD play, the Statesmen kicking and special teams game was off last Saturday. The bad punt snap can't happen again because with an offense like Ithaca's it's a guaranteed six point play. Coverage on returns needs to improve and the angle kicks need to avoid ending up out of bounds and giving the Bombers extra yards. "Das Boot" is a solid kicker but not automatic. The Statesmen will need to try and hold Ithaca to FGs and/or win the battle of field position.
Prediction
If you've followed this blog, you know I've almost never picked against Hobart, at least certainly not in the last four seasons. Exactly four years ago I did in this post which ended up with the Statesmen lighting up a favored Empire 8 team by 36. That was my intention again when I picked Ithaca 17-13 on In The HuddLLe last Sunday night. While I think my co-host Frank Rossi's pick of Hobart winning 24-20 is probably more accurate, I'm sure it'll be a close game either way.
It's a big test for both clubs and will garner a lot of local and national attention. The loser's season isn't over because of the automatic qualifier / conference opportunity, but it will sting from a bragging rights perspective.
The Statesmen are riding a 32 game regular season winning streak. Ithaca is probably the one team that could break it if Hobart plays like they did against Endicott.
I'll be tuning in to WEOS at 12:40 PM and can't wait to see how this one turns out.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Hobart Defense and Special Teams Carry Sloppy Statesmen Over Gulls, 28-17
The 15th ranked Hobart College Statesmen didn't look anything like a Top 15 program Saturday in a wet and sloppy (six penalties for 66 yards) game against former OC and now Endicott College HC Kevin DeWall '00.
Hobart (2-0) was out-gained 259 to 204 yards by the Gulls (0-2) on a day when the OL and running game (only 52 rush yards, but somewhat misleading given bad punt snap and subsequent loss on that play) really struggled to pick up blitzes and create good running lanes.
In fact it was SR DE Zach Thornton and the Statesmen defense who got Hobart on the board first, recovering an Endicott fumble in the end zone for a TD with only 14 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Endicott would respond capping a 13 play, 58 yard drive with a Kyle Regan 27 yard FG to pull within 7-3. The best Hobart offensive series would follow, when JR RB Brad Burns turned in a "Sportscenter" caliber 36 yard TD run where he leaped over a would be defender on the way to the end zone.
A bad punt snap would give the Gulls a short field and they'd cash in on the opportunity thanks to a 16 yard TD pass from QB Sam Oulette to WR Jake Pellitier to make it 14-9 with 3:49 to go in the first half.
At halftime Hobart great Tyre Coleman '15 was recognized and presented the Cliff Harris Award for being the best small college defensive player in the nation for 2014.
The second half saw the Statesmen get off to a good start, marching 48 yards in eight plays capping the drive on a SO QB Shane Sweeney to SO WR Brandon Shed 16 yard TD pass and catch.
JR WR Sean Cunningham would effectively put the game away after taking an Endicott punt 59 yards to the house. Although the Gulls would score once again, the Hobart defense would clamp down and Hobart would hang on for a 28-17 win (which is ironically almost the exact same score as last season's 28-18 decision in Beverly, MA).
The Good: the Statesmen defense caused four turnovers, including three INTs, two of which were snagged by JR CB Todd Collier. He could have had three if he hauled in a one-hander which would also have been #SCTop10 worthy. The Hobart D also held the Gulls to only two of 16 third down conversations which is excellent.
The Bad: Hobart only rushed for 52 yards on a day that the OL just looked out of sync. Maybe it's because we've been spoiled with the Garvey's, Smith's, Marpet's and the like but this OL had about as bad a game as I've seen in years.
The Ugly: where's the team passion? Last year guys would mob their scoring teammate. This year's squad came out for this game flat and seemed uninspired for most of the game. Hopefully this is just the case of the classic "trap game" and the fact the Statesmen were playing a staff that knows their team and scheme inside out. Several of the penalties by Hobart were unnecessary also and will need to be cleaned up by next week.
This film which be a tough pill to swallow but only because Hobart holds itself to such high standards. At the end of the day, they played good enough to win and if a few things happened differently, it probably would have been a rout.
Ithaca (1-0) was probably watching intently and they have to be confident after seeing Hobart struggle. That said Week 3 is a new chapter in the 2015 season. I expect Coach Cragg will have the team ready.
Hobart (2-0) was out-gained 259 to 204 yards by the Gulls (0-2) on a day when the OL and running game (only 52 rush yards, but somewhat misleading given bad punt snap and subsequent loss on that play) really struggled to pick up blitzes and create good running lanes.
In fact it was SR DE Zach Thornton and the Statesmen defense who got Hobart on the board first, recovering an Endicott fumble in the end zone for a TD with only 14 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Endicott would respond capping a 13 play, 58 yard drive with a Kyle Regan 27 yard FG to pull within 7-3. The best Hobart offensive series would follow, when JR RB Brad Burns turned in a "Sportscenter" caliber 36 yard TD run where he leaped over a would be defender on the way to the end zone.
A bad punt snap would give the Gulls a short field and they'd cash in on the opportunity thanks to a 16 yard TD pass from QB Sam Oulette to WR Jake Pellitier to make it 14-9 with 3:49 to go in the first half.
At halftime Hobart great Tyre Coleman '15 was recognized and presented the Cliff Harris Award for being the best small college defensive player in the nation for 2014.
The second half saw the Statesmen get off to a good start, marching 48 yards in eight plays capping the drive on a SO QB Shane Sweeney to SO WR Brandon Shed 16 yard TD pass and catch.
JR WR Sean Cunningham would effectively put the game away after taking an Endicott punt 59 yards to the house. Although the Gulls would score once again, the Hobart defense would clamp down and Hobart would hang on for a 28-17 win (which is ironically almost the exact same score as last season's 28-18 decision in Beverly, MA).
The Good: the Statesmen defense caused four turnovers, including three INTs, two of which were snagged by JR CB Todd Collier. He could have had three if he hauled in a one-hander which would also have been #SCTop10 worthy. The Hobart D also held the Gulls to only two of 16 third down conversations which is excellent.
The Bad: Hobart only rushed for 52 yards on a day that the OL just looked out of sync. Maybe it's because we've been spoiled with the Garvey's, Smith's, Marpet's and the like but this OL had about as bad a game as I've seen in years.
The Ugly: where's the team passion? Last year guys would mob their scoring teammate. This year's squad came out for this game flat and seemed uninspired for most of the game. Hopefully this is just the case of the classic "trap game" and the fact the Statesmen were playing a staff that knows their team and scheme inside out. Several of the penalties by Hobart were unnecessary also and will need to be cleaned up by next week.
This film which be a tough pill to swallow but only because Hobart holds itself to such high standards. At the end of the day, they played good enough to win and if a few things happened differently, it probably would have been a rout.
Ithaca (1-0) was probably watching intently and they have to be confident after seeing Hobart struggle. That said Week 3 is a new chapter in the 2015 season. I expect Coach Cragg will have the team ready.
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