Scouting the Engineers
This season RPI is riding a win streak that included an ugly, 10-9, defensive duel with Ithaca (4-2, 1-1) that came down to the final play. The Engineers aren't an extremely talented offensive team, but they are a highly efficient one. They've averaged 28.4 PPG on offense, and have been especially effective in the red zone. The Engineers have scored on 17-20 trips (85%) with 10 of those ending up as TDs.
SO QB George Marinopoulous, who saw his first collegiate action in Geneva last season, has gone 10-0 in the regular season since getting the starting job. He is 77-140 (55%) for 880 yards and six TDs, compared to two INTs, so far in 2018. He spreads the ball out well in HC Ralph Isernia's option offense, finding five different receivers for TDs this season. The OL is anchored by SR LT Chris Neu as well as SR C Bobby Boos and SR RT Aaron Castillo. RPI has two new FY OL in LG Thomas Olausen and RG Rick Denboske.
You'll see a number of WR / slot-backs in RPI's offensive scheme, meaning the Hobart secondary and LBs will be busy. SR WR/RB Rob Law is a particularly potent weapon, leading the team with 197 receiving yards and one TD as well as adding 94 rushing yards and three TDs on the season. SR RB Nick Cella is the leading rusher with 311 yards and two TDs on the season. FY RB Joe Scaglione will occasionally spell Cella and has done well, rushing for 153 yards and two scores.
RPI's real strength is it's defense, which is holding opponents to 15.2 PPG. They are extremely difficult to run the ball on, allowing only two rushing TDs and 101.2 YPG. The Engineers have given up more passing yardage, allowing 261.2 YPG, but be warned. With a very talented and experienced secondary and LB unit, the Engineers have more than twice as many INTs (13) as passing TDs allowed (six).
SR LB Jack Hoggard leads RPI's defense with 57 tackles and JR LB John Sadak has added 31 stops and three INTs this season. SR DB Sean Egan has two INTs (although he didn't play against IC) and SR CB DJ Stefonsky has three picks as well. SO DE Amaechi Konkwo leads the team with 3.5 sacks and is tied for the lead with 3.5 TFL. RPI runs a three-man-front with a hybrid DE/OLB who lines up in different positions on the line, depending on down and distance. Ultimately, while not overly fast, RPI's defense is viewed as a stout one and Hobart will need to find some success running the ball Saturday if they want to be able to upset the ranked Engineers.
SO PK Sanjay Krishnan has converted 7-9 FGs on the season with a long of 35 (one block, the other was a 36 yard attempt that failed vs. IC). He averages over 50 YPK on KOs. The punting duties are handled by SO PK Zac Montrief, who's averaged over 38 YPP, dropping nine inside their opponents' 20-yard line and hitting three over 50 yards (long of 71). Return duties are handled by SR WR Conor Davies, who averages over 21 YPR on punts and 24.3 YPR on KOs.
Keys to the Game:
1. Protect the Football - RPI has won some close games this season and the difference, other than a tough run defense, is causing turnovers. They have intercepted opposing QBs in EVERY game this season, three times this season they have multiple picks. Hobart QBs - whether it's JR QB Ryan Hofmann or FY QB David Krewson - has to be smart about not giving RPI's offense short fields or more TOP.
2. Run the Ball / Kill the Clock - I realize the Statesmen may want to run the ball, but their ability to do so will be dependent on personnel. SO RB Dakota Harvey is likely out once again and so it may take a few different looks (e.g., with a FB lead blocking, sweeps or other plays) to see what, if any, yards can be gained on the ground. I wouldn't be surprised to see some plays like we saw at Union, as the Hobart WRs should have some match up advantages against the RPI secondary.
3. Take the Points - The Engineers have allowed only 5 TDs on 17 red zone drives this season so it could be a busy day for SO PK Kyle Hackett. RPI has allowed 5-9 FG attempts on the season.
4. Throw Out the Records - Both the Engineers and Statesmen have played spoiler to the other when one was undefeated / ranked higher. It's happened enough times over the history of this series that I think you can consider these squads as completely having a 50/50 chance of winning. RPI may be a favorite on paper, but the Statesmen could easily win this game also. The history of these games between these two programs proves that over and over.
Prediction:
RPI has found ways to win, ugly or otherwise. If Hobart can establish a balanced attack, not shoot themselves in the foot (the 2016 loss to the Engineers was totally predicated on dumb penalties, for example), then the Statesmen have a chance.
I'll take Hobart to grind out a close one, 19-17, playing spoiler to the RPI Family Weekend crowd.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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