Week 1 - Brockport Game Preview

The Hobart College Statesmen will face off against SUNY-Brockport this Saturday for the first time in 34 years. The Statesmen had opened up against Centennial Conference foe Dickinson College dating back to the 1992 season (I remember because I was there), but it was time for a change and this is a good one for both squads.

A preview from the HWSAthletics.com website can be found here. I found some of the results of the position battles interesting, but overall wasn't very surprised save for a name here and there.

As for Brockport, the Golden Eagles bring a tough, run-oriented offense that'll crash against Hobart's stalwart defense. It'll be All-American SR RB Dan Andrews vs. All-American SR OLB Marcus Jemison (among other key players) for a good portion of Saturday's action.

The Statesmen come into this season looking to rebound after missing the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2010. Hobart looks to JR QB and Co-Captain Shane Sweeney and an high powered offense that returns a great deal of receiving threats. The offensive line has been bolstered by a combination of position changes, underclassmen learning the system and new additions to the program.

What remains to be seen is whether Hobart will encounter struggles with turnovers and other issues that kept the team in check for part of 2015 or whether this year's squad can achieve heights seen in prior seasons?

Keys to the Game:

1. All About Andrews - Brockport's SR RB is the real deal and if Hobart is to win the game they'll have to neutralize the rushing attack of this Rochester native. Last season Andrews won the Empire 8 OPOTY award for his 1,390 yard and 24 TD performance. 

2. Pressure the (New) QB - There are a number of contenders for the starting QB role with the Golden Eagles, including a former SUNY-Albany transfer, among other schools. Whomever wins the starting job will see their first collegiate playing time against a Hobart defense that finished sixth overall in total and second in the nation in passing defense.

3. Play Smart - I was reminded by a recent local high school game here in FL that penalties and turnovers are common place in Week 1. For Hobart to win, they'll need to protect the football on offense while also create and capitalize on turnovers on defense. The latter was something the 2015 edition of the Statesmen rarely did well and with one of the most experienced secondaries Hobart's had since the 2007-8 seasons, I hope we see some more picks than we have of late.

Prediction

Brockport is a very tough draw to open the season, but the Statesmen have a few advantages given depth and continuity that the Eagles are still rebuilding on at the QB, DL and LB positions. While I think it'll be a low-scoring, defensive battle to start, Hobart will ultimately outlast Brockport, 24-10, in the season opener.

I hope you'll tune in for highlights and commentary on this and other games at www.inthehuddlle.com at or around 7:30 pm ET this Sunday night, Sept 4th.

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!