Week 6 - RPI Game Preview

The Hobart College Statesmen's season so far hasn't gone as planned, and they face another tough task as RPI (3-1, 0-0) returns to Boswell Field this weekend. The Engineers have defeated Hobart (3-2, 0-1) in consecutive seasons, each on last second-type plays.

Last season, RPI JR QB Ed Trimpert scored on a five-yard TD run with 20 seconds left to upset the Statesmen in Troy, by a score of 21-17. Hobart out-gained the Engineers 435 to 192 yards but 15 penalties for -148 yards, including a critical face-mask by the Statesmen on the kickoff of RPI's final possession, ended up coming back to haunt Hobart (particularly come playoff time when their 9-1 overall record resulted in a very poor RD1 draw, thanks to the NCAA Selection Committee).

The Engineers took back the lead in the all-time series with last year's win, 29-30-1. RPI is coming off a bye week, after dropping a 21-9 halftime lead in a 33-21 loss to Buffalo State (3-1, 1-1). Highlights from that matchup can be viewed here.

Scouting the Engineers

*Photo courtesy of RPIAthletics.com

RPI brings a potent offense (33.25 PPG) and a tough defense (15.25 PPG) to the Boz this Saturday. JR QB Ed Trimpert once again leads the offense and has improved from his injury-plagued SO season. He's passed for 662 yards and 10 TDs, compared to three INTs. He's completed 52.38% of his passes, and has a high efficiency rating (183.5) bolstered by his good TD:INT ratio.

The Engineers have a strong OL and three good runners in JR RB Nick Cella (235 yards and two TDs), SR RB Ethan Wells (201 yards and three TDs) and SR RB Mike Tivinis (188 yards and one TD). 

Trimpert's favorite targets in the passing game have been JR WR Keaton Ackerman (146 yards and two TDs) and SR RB Johnny Ramsdell (who's really more of a WR than RB, leading the team with 10 catches. He has 130 yards and two TDs lining up in the backfield and going out for passes). Not far behind them is JR WR Danny Calabro with four catches for 129 yards and a TD.

Defensively the RPI is led by SR DB Brian Hayes with 37 tackles. JR LB Brandt Beck has added 29 stops, an INT and two FFs. On the DL, SR DT Malik Joseph brings size (6'1" 310 lbs.) and pass rushing ability. SR DL Diego Cuitino (pictured above) is also an effective run-stuffer. SR DB Sean Egan is an excellent cover corner who did well against SR WR Brandon Shed last season. He's third on the team with 20 tackles and leads the Engineers with three INTs.

On special teams RPI once again boasts the best kicker in the LL with SR PK Christian Kapp. He has not missed a FG (2-2 with a long of 32) or a PAT (17-17) all season. In the one instance he had a PAT blocked, Kapp scooped it up and scored a two-point conversion. Kapp also handles KOs where he averages an impressive 62.5 YPKO. The punters for RPI have FY P Zac Montrief and SR P Matt Raczak who've averaged 35.42 and 37.33, respectively.

Keys to the Game:

1. The Run - The Engineers have basically doubled up their opponents rushing yardage this season (877:425), averaging 219.3 YPG offensively while limiting their opposition to only 106.3 YPG. The best defense Hobart has is keeping SR RB Joe Letizia and FY RB Dakota Harvey grinding out yards to limit RPI's trio of runners from wearing out the defense.

2. Turnovers - Three second half turnovers by the Engineers ended up being the difference in Buffalo State's comeback against RPI in Week 4. A couple of forced fumbles caused by the Bengals were later cashed in for TDs and a late INT by Trimpert sealed the win for Buff State. The Statesmen defense is +3 in turnover margin this season, and they'll need to remain in that plus-margin territory to help them win this game.

3. Just Win - The Statesmen aren't mathematically eliminated from the LL title and NCAA playoff picture just yet, but they must win this game to keep their hopes alive. If they can stay loose, but play with intensity and execute their game plan to the best of their ability, they'll have a chance to stay in the hunt.

Prediction:

On one hand, I expect a good amount of offense in this one, especially given Hobart's defensive struggles of late. The Statesmen defensive backfield will need to play their best game of the season and the LBs will need to be ready as the Engineers like to send RBs on short to mid-range routes.

On the other, the last two games have been more defensive battles, however, so I'll take Hobart to get back on track in a (very) close 28-24 contest.

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!

PS - On a personal note, Happy Birthday to my son, Declan! He's 11 today.