The Hobart Statesmen will miss the NCAA playoffs for the second time in the last three seasons, after a disappointing performance at Union today. It was the Dutchmen's Homecoming, and the Statesmen (5-3, 1-2) played like the typical "patsy" for three quarters in a poor showing in a must-win, playoff style game.
The Statesmen finally realized their season was on line and scored three, fourth quarter TDs, but after a couple of onside kicks failed, that was it. It really does appear that the dominant run we Hobart fans enjoyed from 2011-16 is over. Time will tell if the Statesmen can get back to being a Top 10-25 type of program again, but losses like this will sting for some time.
The coaching staff will have to get back to the film (and the recruiting trail) to do what's needed to fix what's clearly broken in Geneva. It's really a shame, as this year's Statesmen team has so much talent all over the roster, but they have clearly under-performed after very high preseason expectations. At this point its even unlikely Hobart can qualify for the inaugural NYS Bowl game on November 18th looking up to three other teams in the LL standings.
While I'm not sure what went wrong, all I can say is it once again a slow start, poor offensive execution and a worn out defense had the Statesmen behind the eight-ball to a gritty Dutchmen (7-1, 3-0) team that just seemed better-coached and prepared for today's match up. The defense hung in there for a long time, but offensive stalls and special teams mistakes took their toll.
SR QB Shane Sweeney seemed off, going 1-8 early in the game, always looking deep for SR WR Brandon Shed, but ultimately ended the day, 33-59 for 293 yards and one TD. SO LB Jedh Downey led all tacklers with 12 stops and he made 10 of those in the first half.
Hobart will have the next week off and hopefully the team can take some solace in travelling to Buffalo to cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ali Marpet '15.
Thanks for reading and please tune into the next episode of ITH where we recap this and all the other East Region action from this weekend.
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